I arrived to Simi Valley, CA from Quito, Ecuador 4 months ago. I remember when I was on the airplane I couldn’t believe I was about to meet the people who I was talking to for two months or so, I was really nervous, excited and anxious at the same time, I had a lot of things on my mind and in my heart, it’s really hard to leave your family, your country, your friends and everything you know behind but it was absolutely worth it.
Since the first day, they made me feel really good.
They took me to their favorite restaurant when I got to California and the day I arrived at their house, after showing me my room and my bathroom, Marlena hugged me and told me that was the hug my mom would like to give me if I was at home, those words were totally true and a hug was everything I wanted at that moment, that hug made me feel that everything was going to be ok and so it was.
Some days ago they took me to Hawaii with them!! YES, HAWAII! Aren’t they the best?? Also, my host family took me camping with them and it was my first time so I’ll never forget it. Marlena and I try to learn more English and Spanish respectively, I try to learn a new word every day and she always asks me how to say certain words in Spanish so we learn things together.
Andy and Marlena Jahn teach me things without even notice, they are a couple of lovers, they are always in a good mood even when they are stress or under pressure, they always say kind words, no matter how stressful the situation is and you can see how much they love each other and how humble they are, I think that’s the best example they can give to Ethan, Camron, Payton, Trenton, and Rosie (yes, they have 5 crazy but loving kids) an example of love, understanding and of course humility.
I Haven’t Been Very Homesick…
These 4 months have been really good, they have made me feel part of them, we eat dinner together, they always include me in their plans, they always invite me to the church and they make me feel like I made a good decision when I decided to come here. So, I haven’t felt that homesick. Sometimes I miss my family and my friends, but I know I’m in the right place with the right people and I couldn’t be happier.
I have had the opportunity to travel and meet new places thanks to them, every time I know any of their friends or just people who know them, they always tell me, “you are blessed,” “you are so lucky,” or “they are really nice people.” And Marlena always answers “no, we are blessed.” But yes, I’m blessed to have them in my life and of course, they are some of the best people I have ever met. I really love them so much and I won’t get tired of thanking them for making me feel part of them and for making me live this experience by their side.
