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Coming Together With My New Family Matthias from Germany Matthias spent a year as an exchange student in Michigan. Photo from Matthias So. Finally I was in Chicago, I was in America. And pretty soon I would see my new family for the first time... All I knew about them was their address, names and voice.   So. Finally I was in Chicago, I was in America. And pretty soon I would see my new family for the first time... All I knew about them was their address, names and voice. And I had a sheet about their interests. Wrestling and cooking were their main activities according to it. And they liked all kinds of crazy sports. Wow, that sounds interesting, I thought—although a little bit strange, honestly. But I guess that's America... But I did not meet my family as soon as I expected to see them : my flight was canceled, and I had the pleasure to wait 3 hours in that huge airport... I gave them a call, but they were already waiting at the airport in Moline... too bad. Everybody got some money for food from the stewardess, and so I took off in order to look for a good place to eat. I found a Chinese restaurant and bought a huge meal. I knew that you don't get any change on those gift-cards as I had one. So I ordered Pepsi with the rest of the money. I did not know if it was... well it was enough ! I got 4 huge cups of Pepsi. WOW. That WAS a surprise. So what to do with all that pop?! Photo: Matthias I think I was really lucky. The kids were cute, the family nice and honest, and I was very happy to be in this family. Then, finally, after hours of waiting I arrived at Moline Quad Cities Airport. I was excited. And as soon as I got off the plane I saw them. We talked and they seemed to be very nice. They talked slow, and I did not have any problems understanding them. They told me that they had a small house, and they were not sure if I would like it. Well, the house might be small, but it is enough. I have seen much worse houses! And anyway—they gave me the largest room in the whole house! Actually I have the whole basement for me! And they put me a lot of stuff in there, a fridge, TV, notebook, big bed... We went out for dinner and talked about the flight and much more. I think I was really lucky. The kids were cute, the family nice and honest, and I was very happy to be in this family. And when I came to speak about their hobbies, they had a big laugh. It turned out that the sheet was totally screwed up! Fortunately. Those hobbies on that sheet were too crazy... But unfortunately it was only a welcome family. Well, as the days went by, one day we sat together and talked. They said that they do not want to kick me out of the house, but they thought that their house was so small, and I might find a family with much better conditions. I was happy because I did not mind the house. Really. They seemed really cool, and anyways, I had a huge, high-tech room.... I could not complain about anything! So a few days later the father signed the paper that I could stay in their family! Wow! I was happy and a really good time found a new beginning... Part 2: My First Days at School | Part 3: I Am a Swimmer Return to: Foreign Exchange Students | Experiences Learning English | Home Page TOPICS Online Magazine ©1997-2008 - Sandy and Thomas Peters - topics.mag@gmail.com