Tami and Greg have both told us how much they would like to spend time with you and get to know you. Greg was the ONLY host parent who chose to join in the group activity because he wanted to show you that he is interested in being involved. But we did not observe you speaking with him while he was there. We were VERY happy to see you speaking with the other students and using your English to get to know them. Your English is much better than we realized and the more you use it, the better it will get. The family thought that you were not speaking to them because you didn't have the language skills. We were happy to see that you do - it is very important that you communicate in the home too.
We hope that you will start to talk to the Beckenbaughs more and get to know them and their children AND let them get to know you. They have told me that the youngest LOVES to be with you and wants to play and talk to you. The older child told me she is trying to help you with your English and enjoys having you in her home, but that she doesn't see you very much because you are in your room "all the time". You and the family BOTH have responsibilities to develop the relationship and help you through your year.
The question I ask you - and I ask you to ask yourself is what YOU are doing to help yourself to become more comfortable here. Are you working to develop relationships at home and school? Are you trying to get to know your host family? Are you doing things to get involved? Tami mentioned she found a volleyball club that she thought you might be interested in - did you join?
Your host family is trying hard to welcome you into their family. They are trying to make it as easy as possible for you to feel comfortable. They want you to enjoy school, home and your whole year. But it can't be just them working hard.
I don't want to sound like I am upset with you, but I have heard from you about things you do not like. I have not heard about things your are trying? Things you DO like? I have not heard about talking to your host family (like we have encouraged you to do many times) about questions and things that would help you. You need to be part of this process and participate in working through the problems too. That way you can also enjoy the year as much as possible. Your exchange year will not happen in your room.
Please let us know how things are going and please speak to your host family about how you are feeling. Let me or Adam know how this goes. I look forward to hearing from you about this by Wednesday. Arlynn