Savannah and Cole reside in a modestly beautiful home in Paradise Valley, Arizona. They are a younger couple, in their 20’s, and for years they have been involved with the youth ministry in their church as group leaders. Throughout this experience, they have enjoyed cultivating relationships with the middle and high school-aged participants.
The couple had also been fostering kids short-term when they received an email from the pastor of their church explaining that a host family was needed for a 17-year-old girl from Italy who would be attending high school in the area as an international student. It piqued their interest.
“Of course, being 25, we were like, ‘there’s no way we could do that’, and waited for someone else to step up,” explains Cole. After two weeks she was still available, so they started thinking and praying about it. Savannah explains:
“I had studied abroad in college and lived with a host family that I stayed in contact with, and the idea of being able to do that for someone else sounded like something we would love to do. After talking with our (PSE) Local Coordinator, and lots of prayer, Noemi was moving in a week later!”
Meanwhile, in Italy, Noemi’s dream was to study in America and embrace every experience that the exchange program would provide. “I wanted to get to know an interesting culture that has always fascinated me, meet new people, learn the English language, and have an experience of personal growth.” When she found out that she would live with a younger couple with no children, she wasn’t sure what to expect.
Savannah and Cole were also unsure about how the transition would go. They recall the day when Noemi first came to their home. Cole shares, “We were both so nervous! We really didn’t know what to expect.” Savannah adds, “Our hope was that we would be able to provide a loving home and just create special memories and experiences with her.”
Fortunately, for everyone involved, the transition was relatively easy and they quickly settled in as a family.
“When I first met Savannah and Cole, I was so excited because they are young and so positive!” says Noemi.
Cole and Savannah appreciated from the start Noemi’s hard-working, loving, loyal, observant, and adventurous personality.
Noemi believes that there were many benefits to having younger host parents. “First, they have always been available for me because they do not have children of their own right now. Also, because they are a young couple, they have a lot of energy! We do a lot of fun activities together like going to Disneyland, playing Mario cart, watching TV series, working out at the gym, going to the movies, miniature golfing, going out to eat, shopping, and going to church, just to name a few things.”
“It has been so fun over this year to watch her walls come down and get to know her sweet and silly personality,” says Cole. Savannah shares, “Honestly, it was not easy all the time, but we got to know each other more deeply through those times. Those conversations were really my favorite part of the hosting experience.”
Savannah continues, “We had several meaningful conversations about our differences in cultures and beliefs that I will always cherish. Through it all, it was clear that she was meant to be in our home for this year and be a part of our family forever.”
Noemi also values their shared conversations. “I tell them things going on in my life and we have great conversations together. They trust me more because of our talks and the trust is mutual.”
The couple recalls how special it was for Noemi to get to know their extended family and friends. “A lot of them thought we were crazy taking on a 17-year-old at our stage in life, but it has been so sweet seeing her connect with everyone whom she has met.”
Savannah shares, “Something that made us so excited while hosting Noemi was hearing how involved she was in school. We were so excited to go to the football and basketball games to see her cheer, and we got to see her at her Spring Dance show, which she was amazing in.”
She continues, “Overall, our experience hosting Noemi has been such a gift. We have learned so much from her. She became more than just a part of our home, she is part of our family.”
Some Favorite Memories
The couple recalls wonderful memories of their trips to California while visiting Savannah’s family. “One of my favorite memories with Noemi was taking her to Disneyland in October. We had a great weekend going on rides and she even conquered her fear of roller coasters!” says Savannah.
Noemi agrees, “We had a lot of fun in Disneyland, and I loved spending time in California. Seeing the ocean, the beach, and there are many beautiful things there.”
Cole shares, “Another amazing memory was when she and Elisa, a friend in her program, cooked us a delicious Italian meal using ingredients that her parents sent from Italy. It was awesome!”
“My ultimate favorite memory was on Good Friday when she came to church with us. She had been asking us many questions and observing Cole and I all year which led to so many conversations. It was evident to see how God used this experience to draw her to Himself and it was the most amazing night,” says Savannah.
Noemi agrees, “Yes, I loved going to church almost every Sunday with Savannah and Cole.” She appreciates them giving her the opportunity to experience their faith with them and to strengthen her own faith.
As their exchange year progressed and neared the end, it was time for Noemi to apply for colleges. Savannah recalls, “We sat with her on the couch as she was applying to colleges, and we celebrated when she got her acceptance letters!”
Noemi currently attends Grand Canyon University as a Freshman. She reports that she is very happy. “Everything is going well. The teachers here are very nice, and the campus is so cool. I have already made several friends, and my host mom’s cousin is here studying Pre-Medicine just like me!”
Noemi reflects on her exchange experience:
“I feel that I’m more mature and responsible of myself. I feel that I grew up, and I learned a lot of things that I’ll keep in my heart and mind for the rest of my life. I met a lot of people and I’m so happy! I think I will cry when I go back in Italy because I will miss my host parents and friends!”
Savannah and Cole share this heartfelt message to prospective host parents:
“Hosting Noemi has changed us forever. It is amazing how you learn so much about yourself, your family, and your home when there is someone from a different culture, background, and family living with you. It is amazing how easy it is to just love someone you’ve never even met when you are willing to open yourself up to their experiences and share what you have with them.”
PSE wishes you the best in all your endeavors, Noemi, and we look forward to continuing to see you grow and blossom!
Written by Flo Webb; Edited by Lauren Lunt