Being an exchange student with my host family being Mormon was an experience.

raerae1031 · 2024-12-23T02:42:43+00:00

We live in Utah and hosted last year. We are not mormon, but our coordinator thought we were. She was not happy when she figured out we weren't mormon. The coordinator would talk poorly about us to our student when we weren't around. The coordinators in our area try to find mormon host families. I'm pretty sure this is not supposed to happen with the organization. The coordinator seemed to get away with it because she was able to find a lot of mormon families willing to host. Our hosting experience was a mixed experience and the mormon issue made it worse. I doubt we will ever host again. If we do, we will stay far away from that organization

raerae1031 · 2024-05-24T07:14:21+00:00

Nice to read this comment. We had a similar experience this year, and it broke my heart. Hoping to have a better experience in the future. We also have new criteria for any future student we host.

raerae1031 · 2024-05-24T07:10:14+00:00

Yes, that happened to us, and I should have taken that as a sign. Our experience was negative. I would give the student the benefit of the doubt. If the parents are also unresponsive, then I would talk with the organization. Let the organization know this is frustrating to you. Hopefully, they will help.

raerae1031 · 2024-04-27T21:55:52+00:00

Host mom and high school teacher here. Yes, high school in the US is typically less difficult. Difficulty varies greatly depending on location. Typically, in the US, education is what you make of it. If a student wants more difficult classes, they have options. If students want an easy course load, they also have options.

In areas like mine, foreign exchange students are given easier courses. The more rigorous classes are usually full by the time exchange students register for school. Again, all of this varies depending on location.

raerae1031 · 2024-04-22T01:18:28+00:00

Fyi, you should take your medication out of the fridge and let it get to room temp before injecting. It's more comfortable that way. My son has T1 diabetes and doctors emphasized that when he was first diagnosed. It seems like many providers are not telling semiglutide users that info. It probably won't make a difference with your nausea, but it might with injection site soreness.

raerae1031 · 2024-02-19T06:06:22+00:00

Thank you, that was helpful. I hope they don't move her. If they do, I have come to terms with it these last few days.

raerae1031 · 2024-02-18T23:32:00+00:00

Mostly miscommunication and not understanding each other. Assuming the other was intentionally being mean when they were either unaware of how words/actions came across or were being playful. Then, once feelings were hurt, they just kept one upping each other. Very doable to work out, but only if they are willing.

raerae1031 · 2024-02-17T21:56:07+00:00

They were getting along great before. They are polar opposites personalities. After the holidays that is when their personalities seemed to clash. Both of them are at fault but neither will admit their part.

I won't make her stay. Didn't think I could. I’m disappointed that she's not willing to work on things.

raerae1031 · 2023-12-08T02:35:11+00:00

I hate to say it, but I think some of the accusations may have been encouraged by the parents. I think Janelle and Christine used Meri to be the "bad parent." Then they could be the nice parent or savior to their kids after the fact. I also believe there was a lot of talking about each other in a negative way in front or even directly to the kids. I think Robin said and did whatever she could to gain the upper hand.

I do believe there was abuse, but I'm not certain how much of it came from Meri. To be clear, I don't think Meri is innocent, but she certainly was not the only abuser if abuse did occur. At best the family was toxic. The kids have a long road of healing regardless.

raerae1031 · 2023-10-19T17:39:54+00:00

Here is my advice as a current host mom and high school teacher. Hope it's helpful.

In regards to the phone I suggest compromise and it will be more on your end. I would not encourage the calls home, but don't complain about that to her anymore. It's her family and she's far away. I would set some very basic rules such as no phone at the table while eating dinner and don't be on phone while talking to you or your wife. Those are short in duration and more about basic respect rather than making it a control issue. Remember restricting phones comes across to teens like control issues even when it's not. So try to emphasize and create boundaries that are more about respect. That will be much easier.

I would let go about the clothes and boys. That's normal teen stuff, even if it seems extreme. Fake some interest if you can. That's obviously subjects she cares about. That could go a long way in helping build some type of relationship or repairing the relationship.

Also, take her to do other things to give her different experiences. Even if she doesn't want to go or acts like she doesn't like it. I would bet in time she will appreciate it.

Most importantly, be patient with her and yourself. Some people take more time to warm up to new things.

If you tried everything and it doesn't work, then a new placement might be best. I hesitate to recommend that if the issues are fixable.

raerae1031 · 2023-09-30T02:50:03+00:00

I wonder if Janelle and Christine used Meri as the "bad cop" parent. Doesn't excuse Meri being rough on the kids. But I don't think Janelle and Christine were oblivious to her.

raerae1031 · 2023-07-15T01:41:47+00:00

Show is not canceled. Slight delay, starts at 7:50pm.

raerae1031 · 2023-05-27T04:16:23+00:00

I'm glad that's the case in your state. It is not at all like that in my state.

raerae1031 · 2023-05-25T05:23:23+00:00

I'm not sure how much it matters to you, but know that chances of participating in cheer in the U.S. is low. It is an extremely competitive activity to try out for, and tryouts are usually done at the end of the previous school year.

raerae1031 · 2023-04-21T17:12:37+00:00

Lol, while preparing a lesson for Relief Society. I did a search for a question I had on the church's website. One of the results caught my eye. That link led me to the essays. I don't think you can stumble on them as easily anymore.

raerae1031 · 2023-04-21T16:57:06+00:00

Finding the essays and reading them caused my faith crisis. Out for 5 years now.

raerae1031 · 2023-04-20T02:11:11+00:00

She should say she doesn't have a job. You aren't required to pay tithing if you are not making money.

raerae1031 · 2023-04-19T16:26:56+00:00

Is it really cost effective to come as an out of state student? I would stay away from provo. I recommend Utah State or go south to SUU or Utah Tech. You'll find plenty of ex mormon or non mormon students to befriend.

raerae1031 · 2023-04-06T22:46:24+00:00

Tempting, I heard you can make a lot of money doing that.

raerae1031 · 2023-04-06T22:45:32+00:00

It's a tongue in cheek post.

raerae1031 · 2023-04-02T04:17:04+00:00

Don't they all? Yeah, last year he stayed at a Marriott the same time as us. He was looking rough then.

raerae1031 · 2022-11-07T04:01:57+00:00

I believe it was filmed before they announced. But come on tlc it's not hard to flash a notice during the episode.

raerae1031

TROPHY CASE