My America Family
By Rea from Albania

Rea when she first arrived in the United States from Albania

I had heard so much about America. Hollywood’s influence overseas is bigger than many Americans realize. I grew up watching movies about “the land of opportunities” and I was fascinated by the western cities of blinding lights. Life seemed to have a different rhythm there, more vitality. When I came to the United States as an exchange student, I certainly didn’t imagine that the place I would find would be so different from the one I had built in my imagination.

I never used to share too many things with my natural parents. I love and respect them but I have been on my own most of my life, spending quite a bit of my time with my friends. My friends were the ones I would always talk to about my personal feelings. In my host mother, Ginny, I found not only a mother, but a friend. She was the one I relied on to overcome some of the hardships that the cultural shock provoked at the beginning. My host father, David showed me so much about farming. I would often go and feed cows with him. This spring I pulled out a calf and I felt tremendous joy while watching the tiny creature coming to life.

Of course, nothing would have been the same without my three little sisters. They are the loveliest children ever! We call Nicole a barn cat because she loves animals and nature while Keri is a house cat who enjoys staying indoors and spending time in the kitchen. Last but not least, Alena is an exceptional little girl that has “quite a personality”. I am very curious to see how they turn out to be in the future but at the same time, I am a bit sorry that I won’t be able to see them as they grow up. I could talk forever about them, my dear host family that I deeply admire, yet never say enough. They showed me what a warm house looks like and even if I was far away from my place I felt at home. My appreciation towards this family has grown bigger every single day.

Finally, I got to know a different aspect of the United States as well. Living in the country was a very instructing experience. I enjoyed the peacefulness and serenity of life in such an environment. I was exposed to some of the main, traditional American values. I got to know the “heart of America,” its background, history, culture and what this country is really about. Of course, I got to see the “cities of blinding lights” as the year went by, but surprisingly that is not the most remarkable thing of my time here. In fact, the spiritual enrichment that I obtained during this period while living on a farm was far more significant than the material magnificence of every big city.

Today we got a letter from Nino. She was another exchange student who lived with my family one year ahead of me. While reading her letter, I felt like I have known her forever. She has lived with us during all this time through the memories. We are all a big family! As the days run quickly, I recognize that soon my adventure in the States will come to an end. I will go on with my life as a more mature and fulfilled person. Yet, I will still be with my family and they will be with me in my heart! I will remember this experience as a unique opportunity in a unique place and I will always remember them as a great family, my American family.