Experience Sharing
By Gloria Pen
I am a very dependent girl and I expect myself to have very serious homesickness before I go to Brisbane. At that time, I could not imagine I would gain such a treasurable relationship in Brisbane.
Before I went to Brisbane, I have sent a letter with my photo to my home stay family. I hoped that this will help me to develop our relationship. I was worried about meeting them. I was afraid that they were not good to me. I could still remember the struggle feeling when I just got off the plane. Then I first saw my home stay mother, Judy at the airport, I felt released. She looked very nice and she has prepared a gift for me. Although she was very nice, I still felt the distance between us.
As what I expected, I had very serious homesickness. I was not used to the new life. However, Judy was so good to me. I could never forget the first night I was in Brisbane. When I said goodnight to her, she hugged me and told me that she was very glad to have me here. I felt so warm and this made the distant feeling disappear.
Judy was a cheerful woman and Rob, my home stay father was a humorous man. They were very nice to me and they took care of me very well. They took me to the church, brought me to the Riverside Market and the farm. I enjoyed every minute when I was with them, having breakfast, watching TV, praying together, talking after dinner. I could never forget their warm smile. All these made my trip in Brisbane very happy.
One time, when I was sad, their act made me so warm. I remembered that after the day when I was sad, Judy came to ask me what happened and if there was anything that she could do to help me. I was so touch at that time. Later on that day, Rob also asked me what happened and he told me that last night, he was worried about me. I could feel their care. They did not just take care of me but also were also care for me. I really love them.
Of course, not all the home stay family are the same. You may have a home stay family which does not fit you very well. But, remember, most of the home stay family are nice. Relationship is developed in two directions. Do not just expect them to treat you good. Try to treat them good first. You may have unexpected result.
To me, my home stay family is the most important reward I have in this trip. They are not like my parents or friends. But, they are just someone who are very close and important to me. I would never forget them.
ˇ@
I am very happy to introduce my home stay parent- Renate and Mark to you. Renate is a very elegant lady and Mark is very humorous and patient especially at the time Renate and I were shopping. I really miss them and you know, we had a very great time together. Now, we are still communicating with each other. I am going to share some precious moments we had with you.
Eating moments:
Renate and Mark are good at cooking. They cooked very healthy food for me, for example, red bean soup, cream banana and salad, etc. I can never forget the night I consumed four Japanese hand-rolls with avocado and salmon. They were really YUM! Renate prepared lunch box for me every day, I had a lunch box, fruit, yoghurt bar and fruit juice. I really ate a lot and Mark said he and Renate can be the witness of seeing how much a little girl can eat! They thought I have a worm in my stomach but I donˇ¦t.
Touching moments:
The place where I lived is not near to classmatesˇ¦ home and campus. It is quite quiet at night. So I often went home in the dark. In several times I came home late. I rang home and usually Mark would come quickly to give me a lift near the train station. But on one night, it was Renate receiving the phone and she did not tell me she would give me a lift so I walked alone in the dark. When I was walking with fear, I saw flashes in front of me. Oh! It is Renate! She suddenly popped up and called me to go into the car. What a surprise!
On the other day, I was sick and I slept at around 8:30pm. Right before I slept, Renate made a cup of lemon honey for me. She is so caring and warm. The cup of lemon honey was so effective to me that I got well very quickly.
Talking moments:
In my stay, I talked a lot with them. Before going, I was quite reluctant to speak and always worried to make mistakes. Now, I notice that I have made progress. I am sure it has much to do with the virtues that my host parents possess-patience and sincerity. Their encouragement gives me courage to try and improve my spoken English.
Leaving moment:
Time flies, we came to the last day. At the airport, we exchanged our presents. They asked me to close my eyes and I could feel something soft and furry on my hands. You know what is it? It is a very cute backpack with one mother koala and a baby koala in the pouch. I love it and now they are sleeping with me every night on my bed. For me, I prepared a photo frame with the photo you see above and a card for them. I know they have put it in their kitchen and I have mine on my desk. However, it is always hard to say goodbye. I burst into tears at last although I told myself to be tough when I was saying goodbye to them at the airport.
The moments we shared are precious to me! I am sure I will come back and meet them as well as the lovely cats and dogs some time later! Now, whenever I miss them, I write them an email. I am so lucky to have you, Renate and Mark, as my host parents!
