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.