June 17, 2011
Exchange family encourages others to share in the blessing
The Weinzapfel family, with exchange student Mirijam in the middle, pose for a group photo on their deck. They are Paul, Bailey, Mirijam, Kerrie and Alex. (Message photo by Paul R. Leingang) Click for a larger version.
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
Jan is from Germany. He likes “meeting friends, skateboarding, judo and computer games. He speaks English, French and Spanish, and he wants to be an exchange student.
Lin is from China. She plays piano and cello, likes reading books, playing tennis and going horseback riding. She speaks English, and she wants to be an exchange student.
From reading notices like this, Paul and Kerrie Weinzapfel of Newburgh learned about possible students to share their home with their two teenage children.
They knew a lot about Mirijam before she came for two semesters at Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville, and Mirijam became “like a sister” to Alex and Bailey.
The exchange program is operated by ASSE, which promotes a “World of under-standing through cross cultural and educational programs,” according to the organization’s website.
The Weinzapfels learned about Mirijam on an ASSE web page — but those pages are available only to ASSE staff, volunteers and host families who have completed the application process.
Some of the students seeking to come to the United States are able to pay tuition for the high school they will attend.
In addition to photos and information about languages and likes, the ASSE web page also lists the faith tradition of the student.
Paul and Kerrie Weinzapfel they said “sat down as a family” to consider the exchange program. They wanted a student “from a smaller town, a Catholic who was active in her faith, and about the same age as Alex.”
They know that some exchange families sometimes have some challenging circumstances, but Paul Weinzapfel has only praise for the system as it worked for his family. “The photos showed exactly who she was. That’s who we got,” he said.
Mirijam was active in school classes, sports and other extra-curricular activities.
“She told me, ‘I want to play basketball,’” said her American father in a recent interview. “I told her, ‘It’s in the garage,’ thinking she meant she wanted to play with a basketball at home.”
But Mirijam had already talked with the coach at school, and she was given the opportunity to experience a high school team sports program. She also ran track, auditioned for a school play, and was active in a Teens for Life group.
Mirijam is outgoing and personable, but seemed a little embarrassed when her American family asked her to repeat what she said when she went to her first Friday night football game at Enlow Field in Evansville.
“It’s just like in the movies!” she said.
Mirijam is home now, back with her family in a small town near Frankfort. Her studies next year will include English and politics. She is missed.
“She’s just one of my kids now,” said Kerrie Weinzapfel.
“She gets to go home and see her family. We don’t have that advantage,” said Paul Weinzapfel.
“If you decide to take a student, just treat them like your own kids,” said Paul Weinzapfel. “Give them responsibilities and rules.”
“If a family is considering an exchange student, don’t let fear stop you,” said Kerrie Weinzapfel. “The rewards are greater than the risks.”
Their summary of the experience? “A blessing. An absolute blessing.”
To find out more about the exchange program, visit the website www.asse.com or contact Diane Stanley at 812-401-7322. Email dianestanley.asse@hotmail.com.