Kristina's Arrival... and of course her room!

Well... yes... to answer all of your questions, Kristina, our exchange student HAS arrived! She arrived late Saturday night. The past couple of days have been a lot of fun getting to know her, a few tears with a homesick young woman, and lots of learning from everyone as a whole! We couldn't be more thrilled to have Kristina with us. Tonight she made us a yummy German dinner... unfortunately I do not know the name, I will get that from Kristina and post it on my next blog.

Here are the long awaited pictures of the transformation from the playroom into KRISTINA'S ROOM!!!

her bed...



shelves, lamp above the bed



a cute poster I found with a great message


another poster, mirror and television

papazan chair, shelving, picture that Gabriella painted, along with a few of Kristina's pictures from back home...(she had to send us a photo album before she came of pictures of her, her family and friends, etc. so we could get to know her a bit better!)

a close up of the pictures!

her beautiful family on the beach... she misses them dearly

the other set of shelves and the picture Mason painted for Kristina's room, along with some important family photos

a faraway shot...

so... does the room still look like this you ask? OF COURSE NOT!! A teenager lives there now!! Now the shelves are filled with clothing and other various items. I am happy Kristina liked her room and is making herself at home. She is a wonderful addition to the family and we are thrilled to have her here...



Gabby and Mason waiting with our sign at the airport... waiting... waiting... waiting for Kristina to arrive!

She is here with us at last!!

already a true American teenager... on the phone with a friend she has made here for 45 minutes tonight!!!

I had to take that last picture for Kristina's parents. It warmed my heart to hear Kristina laugh the way she did and smile as she did while on the phone. The excitement was incredible. Kristina's first day here was very rough, with lots of tears. Monday and Tuesday have been much easier, but in the evenings she gets a little homesick. After becoming sad from an email from her younger sister, I was relieved when her new friend "Tami" called to welcome her to Buckeye, and invite her to lunch at school tomorrow!!! She hasn't met Tami face to face yet, however my dear friend Jennifer has put Tami and Kristina in contact with one another so that Kristina knows someone at her FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL TOMORROW!!! Even though they have yet to actually meet, I was amazed at the length of their phone conversation, and how happy Kristina was! So thank you Tami and Jennifer, you really made my day... and I know you made Kristina's day too!

until next time

peace and blessings to all