05/14/2026
Did you know? It's National Volunteer Host Family Week and Dawn had the pleasure of hosting an international student recently! She loved the opportunity and took the time to share with us what the experience was like:
"On the very first day, Amia welcomed us with warmth, kindness, and a wonderful sense of curiosity. From the beginning, we loved learning about Spanish culture, traditions, and, of course, the delicious foods she introduced us to. Hearing about her daily life in Santander gave us a glimpse into her world and made us feel connected to a place we had never been. Very quickly, Amia became much more than a guest in our home—she became a cherished member of our family. Over the past ten months, we shared meals, celebrated holidays, attended school events, and even took a memorable trip to Texas, which she absolutely loved. Together, we created countless memories that we will treasure forever. Amia taught us so much about her country and her traditions. In return, we were honored to share our own traditions, our community, and, most importantly, what family means to us. There were endless moments of laughter, plenty of funny language mix-ups, and many heartfelt conversations. Watching Amia grow in confidence, independence, and maturity throughout her stay has been incredibly rewarding. The bond we have formed is one that will last a lifetime. Hosting an exchange student from Santander was so much more than a cultural experience. It expanded our world, enriched our family, and gave us not only a daughter in Spain, but also an extended family we will always hold close to our hearts. We are deeply grateful for every moment we shared with Amia. As she returns home, she takes with her a piece of our hearts, and she leaves behind a piece of hers. As I told Amia, this is not goodbye. It is simply, 'See you later.' ❤️ "
Thank you for sharing with us, Dawn!
