I have a thing about empty bedrooms. For years we had an extra bedroom, even with our two children at home and I was sure God wanted us to adopt. But those plans never came to fruition.
Fast forward a few years later and both of our children are out of the house. Courtney is married and Cory is beginning his first year of Law School. Someone comes to our church and asks if anyone would be willing to keep a foreign exchange student for the school year. My husband and I both knew it was something we wanted to do.
So in the fall of 2010, Kitty who is from Paris, France, came to live with us and she fast became part of out family. (That’s Kitty on the far right.)
It was a blessing to have her with us. I learned so much during the year she was here but I have to admit it at times it wasn’t easy.
I had to cook more, ugh! We were back on the school calendar and we had school activities, meetings etc.
We still talk to Kitty all the time and she’s already been back to see us and she even brought her younger sister Camille.
A few months ago I got an email from Kitty’s Dad asking if we would let Camille come and live with us during the 2013-14 school year. And of course, we said yes.
As we were getting some of the paper work ready and talking with our area representative, she mentioned another young lady that had lost her home placement due to the family she was going to live with had become ill.
You guessed it! Wayne and I agreed to take her into our home. Nicole is from Venezuela and is 17 years old.
So this fall we’ll have two teenagers, 17 and 15 years old. One speaks Spanish and one speaks French. Neither one speak English fluently. Oh the fun we’re going have! 🙂
God calls each of us as christians to different ministries. Many times they’re out of our comfort zone. Has God called you out of your comfort zone lately?
Have a blessed day!
You and I have so much in common. I visit your page every day. My children are also raised and on their own, I am 50 something, I am very religious and keep my Savior at the top of my list. I try my best to look my own person best everyday. I try something new everyday and want the world to be a better place because I care about the happiness of others. I serve a lot because it makes me happy. I know you and I would become fast friends. Thank you for sharing your world with me. Hugs!
I love your openness to God’s calling and willingness to open your home! Such hospitality! 🙂 I am sure you’ll have an awesome year with those two!
This will be a great year for your family. Enjoy every moment. !!
These girls are so blessed to have a loving and caring home for the schoo year– even tho’ I don’t totally personally know you, Cyndi, I know your home would be a haven! We took my lil’ sister in (and I know that’s nothing like an exchange student!!) for 3 years and we loved it. While she went to college and then worked a year. Thankful, when God called you out of your comfort zone, you answered. You’re an encouragment 🙂
Awesome Cyndi! What memories you will make and what blessings these girls will have from you and Wayne and visa versa !! Can’t wait to hear all about it!!
Oh what a wondreful experience for you all! You are a true blessling to these wonderful ladies!
Oh, you sweet thing. You are WONDERFUL, you know that? I am so proud of you–and grateful for your example! 🙂
This seems so exciting and fun and I look forward to hearing what God will be doing in all of your lives! God Bless!
Sounds exciting and I’m sure it will be a blessing for all of you. I’m know those young ladies will have a home of love and spiritual guidance they can count on. Our pastor has been leading us in a series called “unleash the leader in you” and you are doing just that. Putting yourself out there to lead others in a Christian way. Bless you and your family!
How exciting this will be! You will be such an inspiration to them both. It is so exciting to get up in the morning and wonder what God has planned for us.
Sorry for misspelling your name and oops my brother was 3 we are 5 years a part.
I love this CINDY! I had an exchange student from Japan when I was a kid. I was 8 my brother was 5 and that meant my brother and I had to share a bedroom for the months that our exchange student was there. She was 16. She became a Christian while she was with our family. She asked my mom about Jesus going down the grocery store aisle while she was asking what Sauerkraut was. It is always a wonderful story to tell. We now follow her on Facebook and Instagram and she has her own family. This is one of my favorite memories!
I LOVE IT! God has such an incredible way of giving us things in different forms than we ask for. I am glad these 2 girls get to live with your family and see Christ in you!
How fun for all of you. What a blessing to the girls and their families.