This school year was going to be a tough yet exciting year in the Pelletier house. We have 2 senior daughters, Jayda and Taylor, that will be graduating. The end of their high school years and the end of them living under our roof. We also have a 10-year-old, Kiyanna, that we needed to make sure she didn't get left out during this time. In August, Jayda came to us and asked if we could host a foreign exchange student. This was something we were always interested in doing. We agreed that my husband Chris and I would think about it. After some very deep conversations we concluded that this just wasn’t the right time. The rising costs and uncertainty of the economy, we didn’t think we would be able to offer enough experiences to the student to make it a great experience for them. We delivered this message to Jayda and although she was sad and disappointed, she understood.

Shortly after the school year had started Jayda asked to have a serious conversation and needed both myself and Chris to be present. We sat down and she told us all about a student from Italy that was in a home that wasn’t working out for her, it was just not a good match. Jayda continued to tell us that’s all she wanted for Christmas was to take her in so she could go to sporting events and enjoy everything possible in the United States. We decided to set up a time where we could meet her. Aurora arrived at our house later that evening and we sat down and talked with her. She explained where she was from, why the home wasn’t a good fit and what her expectations were while in the United States. We couldn’t help but fall in love with her. She is sweet, loving and such a kind young lady.

 

Chris immediately asked, what the process was to get her switched into our home? We went through all the steps, met with her coordinators and 4 days later we were inviting Aurora into our home. She very quickly fell into place in our family and took on anything we asked of her. All our children have a chore that they do, and Aurora was assigned washing, drying and folding our towels. I don’t think this is the most exciting chore and I’m pretty sure she hates it but has never complained. We did quite a few experiences with Aurora, Taylor, Jayda and Aurora all had senior pictures taken, we went to a pumpkin patch and participated in the activities they had to offer, carved pumpkins, built gingerbread houses, spent the holiday’s with both sides of the family including a trip to South Dakota to visit extended family with Jayda and my oldest daughter Kloey and her fiancé Brandon. Jayda and Aurora also got to fly to Florida to visit relatives and we visited the college Jayda will be attending this coming fall. Prom dress shopping was so much fun, and I was very honored that Aurora asked me to do her hair and makeup on the day of Prom. While Aurora was staying with us, she was involved in Gymnastics and almost made it to State! She also stepped out of her comfort zone and joined Track & Field this spring. Throughout the sporting seasons, we have tried to support her by going to all her home meets. We treated her exactly like she was one of our own. I always tell everybody that she truly was the missing piece to our puzzle.

In case you were wondering, Jayda did get a Christmas present because Aurora ended up being a gift to us all. The other night the girls were headed out with friends and before our children leave, we always tell them that we love them. As we said it, Aurora replied, Love you too and this brought tears of joy to my eyes. I hope she always feels like a part of our family and that we continue to have a relationship with her for many years to come. We are going to truly miss her bubbly personality around our house. It saddens me that the year is coming to an end, but we won’t say goodbye we will say, see you again….

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AMBER PELLETIER & FAMILY, IN NEW ULM (MN)