“Hello families! I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart your generous donations for the Christmas gifts. Thanks to all of you, I have been able to make this winter break a little more special, especially this year when I couldn’t go home. I also want to use this message to let you know that I’m very happy to have the opportunity to work with your children during this course because they are amazing people.”
— Ane
“Dear Families,
I want to start by saying a huge thank you for all the effort and dedication you’ve put into this program and into us, the LAs. These past few months have been amazing, full of moments I’ll never forget.
Whenever someone asks me why I’m so happy here in Minnesota, my answer is always the same: it’s because of the incredible community that has grown around this program. It’s one of the most special experiences I’ve ever had. You don’t just care about us—you always go the extra mile, and that means so much. Being far away from family and friends can be tough, but your support and kindness have made it so much easier.
I especially want to thank the host families and coordinators who welcomed us with open arms from day one. You’ve shared your homes, your time, and your happiness with us. You’ve given us not only a place to stay but also your traditions, advice, and so much love. You’ve included us in your daily lives, celebrations, and important moments, making every day feel special. I felt this even more during Christmas—not just because of the thoughtful gifts, but because of the love and company you gave us during the holidays. It’s something I’ll never forget and will always be grateful for.
I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to give back all the love and support you’ve shown us, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for everything.”
— With love, Kelly
“Thank you so much for the Christmas gifts and for the warmth you’ve shared with us during this special time of year. Spending the holidays away from home can be difficult, but your generosity and kindness have truly made the season feel brighter and more meaningful. I’m grateful not only for the gifts but also for the opportunity to be here and share these moments with such a wonderful community during an important time.”
— Andrea
“Dear families,
It’s hard to find the right words to express how I feel when I think about the support and kindness you’ve shown us since we arrived here. What you’ve built is not just a community, but a true home away from home. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms and making us feel so valued and loved.
Living far from home, thousands of miles away from our families and friends, is not easy. But you have made this journey so much easier. You’ve included us as if we were part of your own families, provided us with a safe and warm space, and reminded us what it feels like to belong.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks, especially to the host families and the coordinators, who have been fundamental pillars of this experience. To the host families, thank you for opening your homes to us, sharing your time and love, and making sure we had everything we needed. And to the coordinators, thank you for guiding us every step of the way, always being available to support us, and ensuring we felt accompanied and cared for. Your dedication and effort have made a world of difference in our lives.
I also want to thank you for the Christmas gifts, which were not just thoughtful gestures but also a reminder of how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such generous and caring people. Each one of you made this season, which could have been bittersweet, feel joyful and full of love. Thank you for always looking out for us, for making us feel important, and for turning what could have been a challenging experience into a chapter of our lives that we’ll always cherish with gratitude and affection.”
— With all my appreciation, Asun
“How nice that there are people who are so aware of us and have given us such a nice gift. Spending Christmas away from home and so far away has not been so difficult because it is the place where I have decided to be and I am very happy about it. Obviously, at the same time, home and our relatives are missed. But thanks to the whole community and all the people who are there to make this easier, more familiar here away from home... It’s incredible. The gift will be very good for us, I’m sure of it. Eternally grateful to all those who have collaborated and all those who are there loving us. I love you too. Thank you and thank you very much again❤️”
— Carmen
“Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for all the dedication, beautiful experiences, and wonderful moments you’ve given us. I could never have imagined that this experience would touch my heart so deeply. Your energy and kindness, your trust and hospitality, are what allow us to shine as if we were in our own home.
I am so happy to be here, and a big part of that is because of you. My family in Spain is just as grateful as I am, if not more, for how well you take care of me. They send you a kiss, a hug, and warm Christmas wishes.
As for me, I just want to say that I wish you health and lots of love in this beautiful life we’re sharing this year. You have already found a place in my heart, and there you will stay forever.
Merry Christmas, a prosperous New Year, and all the happiness in the world.”
