Hi Cuties! My youngest daughter and her family are hosting a foreign exchange student this school year. Eva arrived last night from a superb near Burgos, Spain. They came over for us to meet and welcome her to our family. She seems to be a sweet, intelligent young lady of 17 years. She will be starting her senior year here Monday, although school officially started today. She is very petite.

by toogie 12 Aug 2022

Eva’s brother is also in the program but did not get placed this year. He is 14 so has a few more chances. When Ashley & Grayson took their mission trip, they would have loved to bring orphans home with them. Their hearts are big with love and wanting the kids exposed to a Christian home. I hope Eva enjoys her new life chapter with all of us.
Karen, Ashley wanted to film Eva’s arrival but she started filming as soon as the passengers started coming into the terminal as soon her phone was dead. So she said everyone unloaded and they wasn’t anymore coming. Then all at once her she came with a flight attendant so Grayson started his phone video. He wasn’t able to video himself, nor Avery, when Eva greeted each of them with hugs, but he got the rest of family on video. Ashley was teary because Avery got her hug too and Avery was excited! Ashley said in Dec she will have two 17 year old girls! Eva has had her bday and Avery’s as you know is New Year’s Eve.
I think Ashley’s ‘mom heart’ needed to experience through Eva, what Avery is unable to do. I’m sure she is also thinking of Isabella, by having two girls the same age. Healing is an ongoing process.
Ashley says people look at her like she’s doing well and has it altogether. She says it’s because she HAS to keep it together for her family. She tries to have her meltdowns or cries alone, or with Grayson, or us.
Just wanted you to know that Eva has accepted the whole family.

by toogie 12 Aug 2022

I hope so as well Chris! She surprised me that when she hugs you really feel it. I asked if her mom was sad about her leaving and she said no, her parents wanted her to have this experience. A year or almost is a long time in a young persons life especially. She electronically can speak to her parents or friends anytime so that will help her to hopefully not get home sick.