Thanks for sharing, Holly. The decisions we make can often seem to be a battle between closeness and freedom. When to give, when to take care of ourselves. How wonderful it turned out to be a great growth experience for you and your family.
Holly, this is so beautiful. The writing itself is captivating, and the story equally so. What a study in "opening". Thank you for the gift of this story.
As I read more of your writing, it's clear to me that God has given you the gift of hospitality. It's a challenge to me, as I am not only introverted but can also be very self-focused. It's easy for me to go about my day and get frustrated when people "interrupt" me or talk for an extended period of time when I'm trying to think about other things (or just want a chance to open my big mouth!).
Your time with Kennedy sounds so precious. Bless you for listening to God and following His leading. It's so true that, as we follow Him and humble ourselves to His service more and more, He uses us to bless others—and works through those experiences to grow us.
What an absolutely wonderful story! I've always thought something like that might happen to my husband and myself, but hasn't happened yet. But who knows!
Beautiful story! So glad Kennedy landed with your family - like it was meant to be! When I was growing up, my cousins had an exchange student for a year, and it was so exotic to have a *real Italian* in our nordic family! 😂
"I am notorious, however, for having to learn many lessons the hard way." Boy, can I relate!
I love this story and always believe God has a plan. We're not always let in on what that plan is (usually until later), but I believe there's always a plan. It sounds like there was one with Kennedy, as well.
I loved reading this story - thanks for sharing it.
When I was 11, we opened our house to two native Americans as a host family for the summer. They stayed with us to expand their opportunities to play baseball. I recall how I felt as a child in the house who was forced to share everything - and I loved every minute of it. I don't know who learned more - the two visiting boys immersing themselves in a culture foreign to them...or me and my brother who loved learning about their culture.
I look back on that time fondly. I think that summer with our visitors taught me an incredible amount about cultural differences, acceptance, sharing...you know - being a good human! I hope your boys think the same about their time with Kennedy...
When our son was a toddler we decided, after some debate, to apply for an au pair. We thought it was a simple deal--we host a young person for a year, and they help take care of our kid. Well, the au pairs are teenagers, with all that that entails. We had to become their second parents, though that was never said out loud--helping them cope with homesickness, culture shock, an eating disorder, broken hearts, coming out (yes) and, occasionally, some really awful behaviour. I say "them" because despite, or perhaps because of, all the challenges, we renewed every year for twelve years. Our son is still close to some of them. We had set out to do something practical, and it turned into something so much more.
I’ve been on the same boat as Kennedy where I didn’t have family around me when I moved to the West Coast. Till this day, my heart is filled with gratitude for the people who welcomed me into their lives and treated me as family. God bless you, Holly! I read your post and felt grateful all over again. 🙏
Great story Holly! You sure know how to write these things. 👍 It was nice of you to help him. I'm sure you knew all along that this is what you needed to do, even though you had your reservations. And Noah finally got his outside room, although I'm sure you were still nervous about it. I like the photo with the small fish. It might be small but I'm sure the story he tells people is, "I caught this big fish. It was this big (exaggerating it)." We all do that!
Thanks for sharing, Holly. The decisions we make can often seem to be a battle between closeness and freedom. When to give, when to take care of ourselves. How wonderful it turned out to be a great growth experience for you and your family.
Holly, this is so beautiful. The writing itself is captivating, and the story equally so. What a study in "opening". Thank you for the gift of this story.
As I read more of your writing, it's clear to me that God has given you the gift of hospitality. It's a challenge to me, as I am not only introverted but can also be very self-focused. It's easy for me to go about my day and get frustrated when people "interrupt" me or talk for an extended period of time when I'm trying to think about other things (or just want a chance to open my big mouth!).
Your time with Kennedy sounds so precious. Bless you for listening to God and following His leading. It's so true that, as we follow Him and humble ourselves to His service more and more, He uses us to bless others—and works through those experiences to grow us.
What an absolutely wonderful story! I've always thought something like that might happen to my husband and myself, but hasn't happened yet. But who knows!
Beautiful story! So glad Kennedy landed with your family - like it was meant to be! When I was growing up, my cousins had an exchange student for a year, and it was so exotic to have a *real Italian* in our nordic family! 😂
(Loved the “except he didn’t” cadence!)
This is so beautiful. I would say I'm praying for a similar experience, but I'm afraid that God would say yes 😂
"I am notorious, however, for having to learn many lessons the hard way." Boy, can I relate!
I love this story and always believe God has a plan. We're not always let in on what that plan is (usually until later), but I believe there's always a plan. It sounds like there was one with Kennedy, as well.
Have a great Thanksgiving holiday!
I loved reading this story - thanks for sharing it.
When I was 11, we opened our house to two native Americans as a host family for the summer. They stayed with us to expand their opportunities to play baseball. I recall how I felt as a child in the house who was forced to share everything - and I loved every minute of it. I don't know who learned more - the two visiting boys immersing themselves in a culture foreign to them...or me and my brother who loved learning about their culture.
I look back on that time fondly. I think that summer with our visitors taught me an incredible amount about cultural differences, acceptance, sharing...you know - being a good human! I hope your boys think the same about their time with Kennedy...
Holly, Thank you for sharing. Your writing is beautiful, honest, and real. Thank you.
When our son was a toddler we decided, after some debate, to apply for an au pair. We thought it was a simple deal--we host a young person for a year, and they help take care of our kid. Well, the au pairs are teenagers, with all that that entails. We had to become their second parents, though that was never said out loud--helping them cope with homesickness, culture shock, an eating disorder, broken hearts, coming out (yes) and, occasionally, some really awful behaviour. I say "them" because despite, or perhaps because of, all the challenges, we renewed every year for twelve years. Our son is still close to some of them. We had set out to do something practical, and it turned into something so much more.
Heartwarming and encouraging. Thanks for letting us have a window into your experience.
Such a beautiful story! I also loved all the photos! Such adorable teenagers!
I’ve been on the same boat as Kennedy where I didn’t have family around me when I moved to the West Coast. Till this day, my heart is filled with gratitude for the people who welcomed me into their lives and treated me as family. God bless you, Holly! I read your post and felt grateful all over again. 🙏
Great story Holly! You sure know how to write these things. 👍 It was nice of you to help him. I'm sure you knew all along that this is what you needed to do, even though you had your reservations. And Noah finally got his outside room, although I'm sure you were still nervous about it. I like the photo with the small fish. It might be small but I'm sure the story he tells people is, "I caught this big fish. It was this big (exaggerating it)." We all do that!
Oh, Holly. Beyond gorgeous. A wonderful story absolutely beautifully written. 😊😊😊
Lovely story! 💟