Buffalo says goodbye to 2008-09 Exchange Students

‘Bye, ya’ll... Luisa Schreiter, Buffalo friends Amber McKelroy and Michael Morelock, and Becca Dolling and Deniz Yalcin share a group hug at a goodbye get-together. The census is not yet underway, but one sub-population of Buffalo has definitely been decreasing this month. BHS' five international exchange students have completed their year in America and, one by one, are heading home.

Tak Jumsai flew back to Thailand in mid-June. She was the first to leave, but may also have been the student who experienced the most "firsts" while in the USA. She saw her first snow and rode her first horse. In the fall she joined the BHS band and learned a new instrument. This spring she joined the BHS track team and ran in her first race. It's a pretty safe bet that she was the first Buddist in the First Baptist Church choir... and she sang her lil heart out.

As a matter of fact, all five of our "temporary Texans" got really involved in our community this year. They contrib- uted a new perspective in the classroom, played on teams, competed in UIL, and became a loving part of their respective church homes. Deniz Yalcin had a part-time job at Mickey's Pizza. Becca Dolling sang our national anthem on several occasions.

Tak and her host dad Ron wait for the plane which will take her back to Thailand. Deniz Yalcin and Luisa Schreiter headed back to Turkey and Germany, respectively, last week. They each said goodbye to a pair of young Texans to whom they had become beloved big sisters -- "Sissy" and "LuLu". How difficult it must be for Geno and Elle, and Savannah and Sydney, to understand those suddenly empty bedrooms! The host moms and dads will feel a sense of loss, too, you may be sure.

For others, however, last week was a time of special celebration. The families of Auri Talliens and 'Becca Dolling arrived in Texas to meet the host families and pick up their teens in person. Becca's six-year-old sister Hannah, and Auri's siblings, eleven-year-old Antoine and seven-year-old Oceane were thrilled to finally lay eyes upon the big sister and big brother who had been away from home for a whole year. Their parents, too, shed some happy tears upon being reunited with their teens.

Auri Talliens and his family -- sister Oceane, mother Francoise, brother Antoine and host mom Lee Gayle Boettcher -- leave the 4th of July fireworks show in Cenries The arrival of the Dolling and Tallien families coincided, happily, with several events that allowed them to experience Texas in a Big Way. They attended the Teague Rodeo on Friday night, and on Saturday they were able to participate in Centerville's Fourth of July festivities on Saturday. The little ones especially enjoyed collecting candy during the parade, and everyone got a kick out of the wonderful fireworks celebration at CHS at the end of Independence Day.

Becca Dolling is swamped by welcome hugs as she is reunited with her parents, Joachim and Claudia, and her little sister, Hannah. The family has been separated for eleven months during Becca’s exchange year in Buffalo. Van’Go’photos These teens are leaving with a special appreciation of Texas and the USA. Between the five, they racked up quite few miles sightseeing in our great country. Auri and Luisa went to Hawaii with their YFU group. Becca and Tak got to visit Arizona, where they experienced the wonder of the Grand Canyon, and San Antonio, where they earned an appreciation for Texas' history. (Did you know SIX Germans died in the Alamo? Becca counted!) Deniz and her host, Amanda Petree, checked out the Big Apple and New Orleans. Indeed, these teens have made memo- to fill many a scrapbook, and have formed friendships which will last a lifetime. With the internet and Facebook, you can bet they WILL be able to stay in touch.

Thank you, therefore, to everyone who made their Texas experience a positive one for these special residents of our community. Perhaps you helped them find their classroom on the first day of school, or shared your lunchroom table. Maybe you taught them in class, shared a pew at church, or let them ride your horse. You may have waited on them in a local restaurant, or served them an iced coffee -- with a warm smile. Whatever it was, you have made a difference. They return to their home country with a special place in their hearts for Americans in general and Texans in particular, because you made them feel welcome here. They will not forget.

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If you are interested in hosting an international exchange student for 2009-10, contact YFU reps Karen Helmcamp: 903- 3 2 2 - 4 7 4 6 or Vanessa Goodwyn: 903-388-9305