What's Up, Doc? Host Families Needed for Summer

By Randall Freeman, PhD

For the past several years, my family has hosted one or more young people from other countries during the summer. For a few weeks, we share our home and our family with high school students from China, Italy, Russia, France, and Spain. By the time these young people return home, lasting bonds of friendship have been formed. When my wife and I were married, the two exchange students from Japan who had taken turns living with her family in high school flew in from Japan to participate in our wedding.

These students visit Menifee to learn more about the American way of life. They attend school at Bell Mountain Middle School in order to learn or improve their English language skills. They travel to local sites such as Disneyland and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

While visiting with their host families, these students immerse themselves in our customs and family traditions. They learn how Menifee young people live and learn. They share some of their customs and traditions with us as well.

Host family students earn 15 hours of community service time that can be applied toward their high school service requirement. Host families and their students socialize with the other host families/students in special events. By the time the students are due to return to their countries and families, there is a lot of crying borne from the special bonds that have been formed.

This summer, exchange students from China, Italy, Russia, France, and Spain will be coming to Menifee on July 6. A special welcoming dinner is hosted and the students meet and eat with their host families. By the time that August 1 rolls around, the host families and their exchange students have become an extended family. Social media help these families to maintain contact when the students have returned home.

We are in need of host families who are willing to open their homes to one or more students for 2-4 weeks this summer. You won’t regret your decision to participate.

For additional information, please contact Kristi Aguirre at 951-259-7615 or email her at efhomestaykristi@yahoo.com.

Randy Freeman and his family have lived in Menifee since 1993. Randy teaches kindergarten in Perris and his lovely wife Karen teaches first grade here in Menifee at Freedom Crest Elementary School. They are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters: Daniela, Sarah, Holly, and Megan. Other family members include dogs Scruffy and Max, and turtle Tuttles. Randy earned his PhD in early childhood education in 2011 and has served on the Menifee Union School Board since 2008. When not assisting Karen in driving the girls to all of their sporting events, Randy volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley.