a journey to remember

It’s been almost two weeks since Tessa, our German exchange student returned to Deutschland… sniff, sniff.

Rewind to August 2011 – When we decided to have a 15 year old girl we didn’t know from another country live with us for 10 months, many people thought we were a bit crazy… and maybe we were, but don’t decisions like those make life more exciting, fulfilling & memorable? (I mean – some people also thought we were crazy when Steve quit his job & we opened catching fireflies 12 years ago)

Fast forward to July 2012 – Looking back at the past 10 months that literally flew by, Steve & I both agree it would have been crazy for us to miss such a wonderful experience.

Officially, Tessa was the one who was on a journey, but her time with us took Steve & me places that we’ll never forget.  I wanted to give Tessa a going away present that reflected our time together & also celebrated what her future holds so I did what I know best… made her a special picture frame.

I created a chronological journey with tiny thumbnail photos of her time with us and used it as a patterned paper for the top of the frame.  No doubt she has many more magnificent miles ahead of her, but it’s incredibly gratifying to know that Steve & I shared many steps with her along the way.   We’re honored to have a chapter in her life story and are looking forward to what she writes next.

If you’re interested in hosting a student, I encourage you to check out YFU (Youth for Understanding).  They have been a great organization to work with & they’re still placing students for this upcoming school year.  You can view profiles of available students here.