Life in the U.S. / Thank You Thursdays

Thank You Thursday – Moussou and Shingo

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On Thursdays, we are always treated to something special – and this time, it’s two wonderful thank-you letters from our 2023/24 students – Moussou from Senegal who is spending a school year in the US with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State and Shingo from Japan! As they express their heartfelt gratitude to their host family for their kindness and reminisce about their experience in the US, they share how they became an essential part of the family!

Moussou and her host family as they hold the flag of Senegal in Houston, Texas!

Dear Family,

It’s been five months now, 5 months since our paths crossed. It wasn’t easy to welcome someone you had never met. You did much more than offer the door of your home to me, you opened your heart to me, filling mine with a sweet sensation of feeling at home and safe. You fed, protected, and pampered for the last five months. You have filled a good part of my memory with happy memories that I will cherish and love forever!

Moussou made a traditional dish called Fataya during a Thanksgiving party!

I have always been convinced that angels exist for every individual on Earth and you are proof of that. When I came here, I didn’t find a host family, I found a FAMILY! Thank you for taking care of the crazy little girl that I am! I can never thank you enough.

I love you all!

– Moussou from Senegal who is spending the current school year in the US with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State

Shingo (center) on Christmas with his host family in Herriman, Utah!

I want to say thanks to my host family. They gave me a lot of amazing experiences in the past 5 months: we went to some national parks, we went to watch football games, they helped with band activities, and I experienced a lot of American things that I’ve never tried before. They are all special and I really appreciate the experiences.

Shingo and his host family having dinner together in Herriman, Utah!

They always helped with what I wanted to do since I came to the US. When I just came here, they said, “Don’t be afraid to ask.” I was able to learn a lot of things because of their kindness. I really appreciate how they accept me as a part of the family. I’m so excited for the next 5 months I spend with them!!

– Shingo from Japan

Are you interested in making a student a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2024-25 school year! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students! New profiles go online every Thursday!