Distraction can be a good thing.

We are hosting a foreign exchange student (high school) from S. Korea. We picked him up at the airport on Friday. We're trying to keep a sort of low key weekend-and keep him awake-to help him get over jet lag. It's been an interesting day or so-the adjustment, the differences etc.

It's been fun to watch Lee, who is 15, marvel over some stuff we take for granted-like carpet in his bedroom. And the dishwasher. Oh, and the blinds. We were showing him the view from his windows, and he was more interested in the blinds. Open. Close. Open. Close. It was sweet. And cheese, that was of interest to him. And the water/ice dispenser on the door of the fridge. And the pugs, but he's more enamored with the cat. Said he was 'luxurious'. And the cat is indeed the silkiest/softest cat ever!

He has studied English for 6 years, and does pretty well. Only occassionally has he seemed to struggle to find the right word. We went to church today-and he did tell me afterward that he had a hard time keeping up/understanding the message. I reassured him that would get better with time. He is very quiet, soft spoken and apparently shy. But it's only been a short time and I have a feeling that he is pretty funny and outgoing. We shall see what develops after the jet lag and culture shock wear off a bit!

He is to stay with us for an entire school year. I have rec'd 2 emails from his mom, since he got here. One was entirely in Korean-the hangul characters. And then one was translated into English. She thanked me repeatedly, sent prayers and blessings and shared that she was worried. I can only imagine what it must be like to send your son to another country for an entire year, to live with people you have never met or spoken too. What a reminder of the great blessing I have received, just to be born in America. People want to come here, want their kids to come here-to have a shot at a better life or a better education. Opportunity. What a neat thing.

At any rate, we're busy trying to settle into a routine and having someone else in the house with us. It's a good thing, will help keep my mind occupied/distracted while we wait and wait and wait.

I think in writing/literature, the concept is called 'foreshadowing'. I feel like that is where we are living-getting a teeny tiny glimpse of what lies ahead. Of course, it's very different and yet there are similarities.

At any rate, I'm tired and rambling, so I'm going to end this post now.

Good night!