Why is it that people today are not
opening their homes to youngsters from France who are hoping to spend
19 days here this July to get a taste of America? Are we so wrapped
up in our own lives that we can’t show a young person from a
different culture how people in the United States live and what a
great country we are?
France just went the extra mile
welcoming, honoring, and profusely thanking surviving GIs and
officers for their courage in risking their lives during World War II
at the recent D-Day celebrations all along the coast of Normandy, in
Paris and all over France. Everyone there learns about and values
highly the role that the United States played in liberating their
occupied land.
Back here in the Cleveland area, it is my
responsibility to find host families for 24 students, ages 15 to 17,
and their adult group leader, for a visit planned for August 1 till the 20th. After many announcements, letters, emails,
Facebook pleas and phone calls, I have only been able to find 16 families loving enough to welcome a French high school student into
their lives. I truly need a miracle now, because if I don’t find 8 more homes these students might be turned away at the last minute.
If you could see the applications of the 4 girls and 4 boys, their
letters and photos, you would see how wonderfully enthusiastic and
brave these youngsters are. I am sure that then you would understand
how awful I feel.
I cannot—will not—believe that
there are not families out there who would be willing to share in
this exciting and truly enjoyable cultural experience if only they
knew about it! During their visit, I will be taking the group out on
two day-trips, and there will be a farewell party for all to enjoy.
If you or any families, friends, colleagues, relatives, neighbors you
know are interested in helping save the day for these students please
call me, Jill Werling Quinn 440-653-1564 or email me at: Georgee182@gmail.com. Thank you.
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