The beginning of the end

The girls have now completed all of their exchange requirements and school obligations.  All that remains of our time together are a few weeks to do some last minute activities, packing, and saying "see you later" to all of the friends and family that have become in important part of their lives this year.  

Umama will return home and study for college entrance exams and then apply for colleges.  Mariyam will return to two more years of high school.  She will pursue a medical degree after that and Umama wants to go into engineering.  They are both considering college in their homelands as well as abroad.  

We hope that they, along with Nadin, always feel welcome here, and someday are able to visit.  And someday we home to get to their side of the world and see all the things the three of them have told u about.  Until then, there is always the internet!

Graduation

And just like that we have two more high school graduates! They look so beautiful and grown up.  After the ceremony Mariyam went to project graduation and had a great time.  The rest of went to dinner and then back home or to hotels.  The next day Umama's family headed back to CA for more time with family there.

Family time

Umama's family is spending a few weeks in the US and came to Missouri for her graduation.  Who would have ever thought that we we started the host family journey a few years ago that we would end up hosting an entire family from Bangladesh in our home for an evening.

 We were so lucky to have my parents and our local coordinator join us for dinner and visiting.  What a unique event for everyone!

Earlier in  the month (because I'm behind again) we got some new flowers and the girls got to try their hand at gardening for the first time.  They did a great job and I look forward to enjoying their creations long after they leave.

And in the midst of all this chaos Wyatt got adopted!  Just two more to go!

Prom pics!

More catch up! Saturday the girls went to prom and invested a few other of the exchange students with them. They all looked amazing and had a great time. 

Pets, concerts and more

Old man Barney is still hanging tough. He sleeps a lot and he’s a bit thin but still happy and sweet. 

New girl Marbles. She seems to have befriended Dizzy and is settling into barn life after a bit of an adjustment period. 

Adoptable Candy and her momma Autumn. Still waiting! 

Legend and a little creeper in the background. 

Last week Linda, Kristina and I headed to Columbia for the Kenny Chesney concert. Which did not disappoint. 

And a few more four legged cuties. 

Fishing fun day

I’ve gotten a little behind here! A few weeks  ago we had a great exchange student event. We got to enjoy a beautiful day at this cabin on a pond. There was no elective and no cell service so everyone enjoyed the day interacting and relaxing. This kids tried fishing , well, some of them. And they all did a quick and easy craft. And of course eating!