It was a Wednesday when I got the message asking me if we would be willing to open our home to an exchange student. His original home was unable to take him and he needed a new host family. It wasn’t something we thought we were prepared for, but our family believes in helping any way we can, so we said yes. The next few days were a whirl wind of emotion. A nervous, happy, excited whirlwind. The second he stepped off the plane I just wanted to give him a big squeezy hug.
I have been told that we are crazy or weird to let some stranger come live with us for a year. The thing is he was never really a stranger to us. I think sometimes it takes a strong heart to accept people in without question. That’s what we did. If you think about it though, Lorenzo had to trust us, to accept us, as his family this year. So the heart thing works both ways.
Lorenzo brought with him such a joyful spirit. After having lost so many friends and family to death in the last two years, his big smile and laughter began a healing process with in my heart and brought the joy back to my family. The sheer excitement I could see in everyone’s eyes made me smile. It’s kind of like that fear you have when you consider having a second child. Those moments when you wonder if you can ever love a second child as much as you love your first. Then you realize the when you do and they are born, your heart seems to grow and there is now more than enough room to love them all. For me, accepting and loving Lorenzo as a son was like that.
And so began the mixing of our Louisiana culture with his Italian culture, in the middle of it all we became a new family. We began by cooking together, playing games together, talking for hours, and the next thing we knew, it was as if he had always been a part of our family. As if he was always meant to be.
So when June comes and he says goodbye for now, will my heart hurt? Oh yes, it will. But would I change it if I could? Absolutely a million times no. This past 5 months has shown me such beauty in stepping out of our comfort zone, in opening our hearts, in growing in such a new way.

The simple truth is, we now have a new son, his name is Lorenzo, he is from Italy, we are his American parents, and he is an important part of our family. Now and always.

Here is a peek at our family fun this last 5 months.  Can’t wait for the next 5 months. If you have ever considered being a host family and would like more information, you can email me at suzyg@sugphotography.com

On the way to the Airport!!! So the story begins. 🙂