Reflection on Host Family

Caroline Barker

Back in October, my host family, the Mitchell’s, celebrated my birthday by welcoming my family from out of town, the Fellows, and my Fellows director over for dinner. My host dad was born in Mexico and loves to cook a traditional Mexican meal. So we of course had pork butt tacos, served on handmade corn tortillas, and tamales. This evening was meaningful to me because my people got to meet and get to know each other. My family lives six hours away in Tennessee, so it was special for them to spend that day with me and for them to meet the people I have been telling them a lot about. It was a meeting of worlds in the best of ways. I felt cherished by some of the closest people in my life. Also, my host parents showed me what it looks like to welcome people into their space. I hope to be able to show hospitality in that way. I’m grateful for how they’ve brought me into their fold. I look forward to continuing my relationship with them.