KAYAK TRIP

On Saturday, September 20, Jim Wood, Lea's host day, and I took seven brave CIEE students kayaking on the Elk River near Fayetteville, Tennessee.  Even though most of us had had never kayaked before, we had great fun learning and no one capsized. 



We arrive at the river (Jim Wood is taking the picture)



We gear up



Ready to launch

We're off (notice the tornado damage from last April's storm)

Yehia from Lebenon

Khem from Thailand

The river is beautiful

 

Back on shore

POOL PARTY

On Sunday, September 14, the Switzer family hosted a party at their beautiful home near Guntersville.  The students had fun in the pool, and playing soccer, basketball, and other games.  The Switzer's grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and everyone brought a dish to share.  It was delicious.

MAKING DUMPLINGS

A couple of weeks ago Yuhang invited George and Miko over to
make Chinese dumplings at the Powers.  They had a lot of fun and
the dumplings were delicious!

 

OUR FIRST PARTY

We had our Welcome Party at a fishing cabin on the Elk River,

a great place to relax and have fun.  The students enjoyed swimming,

playing soccer, throwing the football and just being kids.  We

had hot dogs and hambergers and and a huge spread of side dishes

and dessert, a typical American picnic.

 

Allen (center) with the two students she is hosting, Khem from
Thailand (left) and Kylie from South Korea (right)



The girls relax in the shade

The boys join the girls

Host moms Kelly and Allen

Host dad Rod (second from left) relaxes with the boys after a game of soccer

Sophie from Germany, Miko from China and Lea from Germany

 



Host moms Claire, Allen and Faith

Enjoying a game of soccer

Khatia from the Republic of Georgia passes an American football to Lea from Germany

Jim with the students and their host brothers and sisters

OUR STUDENTS HAVE ARRIVED



As our students arrived, we greeted them with open arms at the airport!

 



Yuhang (left) and George (third from left), the first students to arrive,
 are met by their host dads and brothers

 

Mico from China and her host mom Deborah (Deborah had an emergency
and couldn't make it to the airport so the pic was taken in her living room.)

 

From left to right, Kylie from South Korea, host mom Allen,
Khem from Thailand, and Local Coordinator Kelly

 

Lisa (with flag) from Germany with her host family. The Pride's are also hosting Zoe, from Spain




Khatia from the Republic of Georgia and her host family

 

Sophie with her host mom and host brothers



Yehia from Lebanon (center) with host dad and Vepa from Turkmenistan

Oak from Thailand with host mom, sister and brother

 Sebastian from Germany with his host mom and dad

 

Kamilla from Norway with host dad and sisters