All these still seem like a dream come true to me. To be flown in by plane to a country so foreign to me, yet being able to be totally immersed in the cozy family atmosphere with my host family, all this did not happen on a daily basis.

I admit I have heard a lot of horror stories about their host families when the returnees shared their stories with us. One told me that her host mother did not allow her to watch “Gilmore Girls” while another one shared her account about her host family being unhappy over her making the bathroom floor wet every time she had a shower. These tales were told three days prior to my departure, and that did not paint a rosy picture at all.

On the plane, I was really nervous and excited at the same time because I really did not know what to expect.

Neither did I expect to meet my host family, just a few steps out of the plane. I took my flight, alone, from Washington D.C to Indianapolis. It was a first for me. I could see myself roaming around in the airport, trying to figure out where the baggage claim area was and then the way to the arrival hall before actually meeting them. All the worries were wasted because once I saw the “Welcome Crystabel” card, I knew I was in safe hands. The Metz family and my community coordinator, Christi Reynolds, welcomed me with a big card and flowers.

The house is a pretty brick house. The room my host family prepared for me is also wonderful. My host family prepared a great first Indiana meal for me too, chili and corn bread, which the latter has become my American favorite food.

A few months down the road, I have pretty much blended into the family. And, all the horror stories did not even happen to me. I am blessed.

My host mom is a very efficient person as she handles my community service for me. She has already arranged for me to participate in the Girl Scouts Friendship Day Around the World even before I arrived. She even made appointments for me to meet with the Mayor and some local political figures. She never let opportunities slip through her fingers. When I saw a snowman on my way home one day, I was impressed and immediately she asked if I wanted to make my own snowman. I made my first snowman that day. If it was not for her, I would not have thought about stepping out of the house, into a great pile of snow while trying to get my feet out of the knee-deep snow. Seriously, did someone make the scary stories about host families or foreign exchange students up?!

I am allowed to bake cookies and even go to bed a little bit later than my curfew. Curfew was new to me because my parents did not give me a curfew when I was in Malaysia. But her good intents actually made me to be more alert and attentive during classes, unlike those who dozed off during lessons.

Now, I have learned how to give some food and water to the dog in the house and how to fend the big dog away without running away from him every time. I know how to put up the gate every day before we leave for school. I have to say, for a girl who is so afraid of dogs and cats in her hometown, she has made tremendous progress, by allowing the dog to sit on her lap, feed him, and sometimes, even play with him.

So, for those who are interested in hosting foreign exchange students, don’t worry too much. Don’t let a rotten egg spoil the whole lot. Who knows, you may get an extremely good foreign exchange student. Bear in mind, those who have to find their way here, they really appreciate the chance they have and they will not ruin it, unless they really have no choice. But, that only happens once in a blue moon. Keep your fingers crossed!