Once upon a time, our French family agreed to welcome Morgan, an American teenager from Exeter, into our homes. Prior to Morgan’s arrival, my daughter Elsa began to communicate with Morgan (by mail, Viber and Instagram) every day, and they quickly became friends!
Then Morgan arrived at our home, and their dreams became reality. The girls had the same tastes: photography, cooking and shopping. The coordinator who was placed in charge of choosing families knew their tastes well, thanks to the written information they gave in advance.
Morgan and Elsa shared many experiences together with our family. We went to Saint- Tropez, Toulon and Sanary, just to name a few. We walked on the beach and visited many of our favorite restaurants. Morgan enjoyed eating typical Mediterranean food with us. Elsa also invited other friends to bake cupcakes with Morgan in our home. These two “Best Friends Forever,” even went shopping together. Morgan introduced us to some of her own customs and cooked pancakes for our family for breakfast! She also visited Elsa’s high school, following some courses classes with her!! Elsa would often speak in English, and Morgan would reply in in French, or the opposite. Sometimes, they spoke the same language together! It was amazing to observe them communicating, laughing like sisters. We were so sad when she left.
Elsa and Morgan kept in touch, up to once a day sometimes. Then a second dream became reality: Morgan and her family invited Elsa to Exeter last summer for three weeks! Elsa was so excited. Morgan’s family greeted her like a princess. They traveled to Boston, visited Morgan’s grandparents, and swam in lakes. They shopped at craft markets, ate at many restaurants, and went on many walks. They did a zip line together and enjoyed an amusement park. Morgan even took her to New York! Paradise!
And now, our two families are friends. We regularly speak through Viber. Morgan is planning on coming “home” for four months this spring for her externship. We can’t wait.
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