"Host a Student, Change a Life"

From Trudy   Hey Blog Buddies,   Below is a note from Sherri Murr, Short Term Coordinator for Nacel Open Door, Inc.  She is looking for families to host some International students from France and Spain for a few weeks this summer.  What a great opportunity to share your ordinary lives and the love of our extraordinary God with some students looking to experience life in the USA.  It might be that mission trip you have been praying for minus the pricey airfare.   Read on for more info from the pen (aka keyboard) of Sherri.......   Greetings!  I know it's just barely March and it seems a little early to be talking about summer activities but this is my busy time of year so the next six months will seem to fly by really fast.  Speaking of flying, I have 30 students and 2 adult chaperone's that will be flying into NC on July 22 for a three week stay.  They are coming from France and Spain.  My job is to find a good home for them during their stay.  The students range in age from 13 to 18 and of course you get to choose which country your student is from, their gender, and age.  In a few weeks their photos will be on the website along with some information about them.  The students can share a bedroom with one of your children who is at least 12 years old and same gender, but must have their own bed (futons/day beds/cots are usually fine).  You do not have to have kids at home to be able to host, as long as the student would have the opportunity to meet other teens at church, social gatherings, your neighborhood, etc.  All of them do speak English so you don't need to know another language.  They go through several procedures before being accepted into the program including academic, medical, and background checks.  They also have insurance coverage.  We enforce a strict behavioral policy and will send them home early if problems arise so that should not be a concern either.  The chaperone's who come with them will call and check on them while their here and handle any issues that arise for the student and myself and another local representative will be available as well.  They have their own spending money for incidentals and any activities that you choose to do while they are here (theme parks, concerts, etc) however most of them don't expect you to take them anywhere you wouldn't already go.  Their purpose for being here is simply to learn about American culture and they don't expect special treatment, only to feel like part of your family.  Which is another reason I like to place students and host families this early - you have more time to communicate with them and build a relationship before they get here.  I really appreciate you taking the time to consider hosting a student, or chaperone, this year.  Pray about it, talk about it, think about it and let me know if you have any questions.  If you're even the least bit interested, go to the website and submit and on-line application.  This does not obligate you to host, but we do place the students on a first-come basis so by getting your application in early, you're one of the first to get to choose from the students once they go on-line.  This is a great opportunity to learn about another culture and build lasting friendships.  I hope it works out for you to do just that.  If you know of anyone else who might be interested, I'd love for you to spread the word. Blessings,   Sherri Murr, Short Term Coordinator Nacel Open Door, Inc. (828) 884-6877 – Local Office (800) 622-3553 - National Office USA Short Term Website: www.nacel.net