Saying Goodbye, Again

We said good-bye to Pete and his family today. They will be spending the 4th of July in New York - how fun is that?

It was easier saying good bye this time. Last time, we didn't know if we would see each other again. This time, we know we will see each other again, either in Finland or here. Pete's Mom and Dad are talking about coming back to Minnetonka in a couple of years after Mari graduates for 5 or six months. I am hoping to visit Finland within the next couple of years.

Pete's Mom was an exchange student 30 years ago and still is in touch with her host family. Pete will always be part of our family. And now our family has been expanded to include his family, Harri, Kathri, Henri and Mari. It was amazing how quickly we became comfortable with them and how soon they became our friends and how much we had in common.

I am so thankful to them for first sending Pete to us and then bring him back to us. What a gift they have given to our family. Kathri called to thank us and said she felt like she had friends in America. I feel the same - I have friends in Finland!

Family Connections

Saturday night we spent the evening with Pete's family (Karthi, Harri, Mari, Henry & Pete) and Henry's host family. We had a wonderful time sharing stories about our time with Pete and Henri and hearing about Mari's time in Washington. Harri gave a toast thanking us for taking in their sons and taking such good care of them. We felt so blessed that they had shared their sons with us and brought them back to visit.

Pete's Mom Kathri had been an exchange student in Northern California 30 years ago. She felt it was very important for her children to have the same experience she did. We are so thankful she did.

He's Back!

Pete and his family are here for a short visit. His sister was in Washington State as an exchange student this year so their vacation started out there. They then went to San Fransisco to see the host family for Pete's Mom when she was in high school almost 30 years ago and then cam here to Minnetonka. Pete walked into our house and Boomer greeted him like he never left. "He remembers me!" Talking with Pete's Mom I was struck with how much he looks like his Mom, his older brother Henri looks like his Dad and Mari, his younger sister is a combination of both.

It was great having Pete back in our house, feeling comfortable enough to raid the fridge. Just goes to show that distance doesn't matter, when hearts are involved.