Life as a Host Family
For the past 12-plus years, Andrea and Kevin have been part of the LRSD International Program. They initially began hosting students from Meitoku, a private school in Japan; however, in the past five years, they have expanded to include students from Europe and South America.
As "empty nesters," hosting has allowed them to maintain a cohesive family unit, resulting in a healthier lifestyle. It has also helped that every young woman they have hosted has been amazing. Kevin and Andrea try their best to engage their host daughter(s) in every aspect of the true Canadian lifestyle they instilled into our children growing up. They spend quality time together shopping and preparing meals. Hosting allows Kevin and Andrea to sit around the dinner table and talk about their day with the students. Their evenings and weekends are often spent playing board games, watching TV, taking bike rides to the park, and camping. Although not always possible, Kevin and Andrea try to take their students on a mini vacation to visit another part of Canada whenever possible.
As a host family, they have become ambassadors not only to our beautiful city but also to the Louis Riel School Division. Every year, when their new student arrives, they get to play tour guide and showcase the many landmarks most city residents take for granted. If arriving in the winter months, students' first reaction to Winnipeg is almost always "samoi" translated to "it's sooo cold," as they are usually welcomed by -29 temperatures. But Winnipeg has the BEST summers, so those initial reactions to winter are soon forgotten.
As host parents, they re-visit places like The Forks Market, the Museum for Human Rights, the Museum of Man and Nature, Assiniboine Park, the zoo, and now The Leaf on an annual basis. Regardless of the number of times they visit these landmarks, each experience is met with its own unique response. The reactions of the students are like visiting these landmarks for the very first time, even for Kevin and Andrea.
They also get to showcase the sports teams that Winnipeggers love. Kevin and Andrea do their best to have the students experience the first-hand excitement of a Jets or Bombers game or the enjoyment of a hotdog at a Goldeyes game.
They are often praised and commended by many who say, "WOW…12 years hosting that's amazing!" Kevin and Andrea love it! These students are their children, and they treat them as such. The students have rules they must abide by and chores they are responsible for. Each student is on their own journey, and Kevin and Andrea are especially grateful to be a small part of that. They are now welcomed internationally by families around the world. Not only does hosting allow Kevin and Andrea the routine of family life, but it also allows them to experience the everyday beauty of what this city offers year after year. Truth be told, the students are a gift to Kevin and Andrea. Keeping them young, allowing them to embrace and appreciate everything in front of them.
For more information on how you can become a host family visit: www.lrsd.net/isp/page/846/homestay
