Unser Umtausch auf Deutsch

Our friends in Friedrichshafen's Peoria Club have sent a reporter! Actually, one of their chaperones is keeping everyone at home updated on our activities in their native language. See for yourself at http://www.peoria-club.de/html/austausch_2007.html

We welcomed them with open arms

Last night, all host families and guests gathered to eat, to talk and to have a good time at the Youth Exchange Welcome Party. The party was held at a historic building on the banks of the Illinois River in Chillicothe, just north of Peoria.

Our group enjoyed a delicious American picnic of hot dogs, barbeque, pasta salad, cole slaw, potato chips, watermelon and Rice Krispie treats. And several families donated many, many drinks, desserts and veggie trays.

Everyone had very big smiles! The chaperones' thought that all of our students are happy with their host familes ... and their families are also very happy! Even though we have only been together for only two days, we think everyone will get along very well.

All students introduced themselves to the group. The German students shared a few of their first impressions of America and the US students shared something they had learned about their guest.

We have no official events this weekend, so it will be time for everyone to get to know each other better and explore the area. This year's exchange is off to a great start!

They are on the way!

It was an early morning for our friends, full of excitement! And in a very short time, they will be here!! I have received many emails this week from some very excited host families. It's going to be a great experience for us all.

See more photos at http://www.peoria-club.de/html/abflug_in_fn.html