Written by World Link host mom, Janie De Raadt
Back in high school, I met two exchange girls from Denmark and Sweden who became my life-long friends. Ever since then, I have wanted to experience welcoming a student to my home.
In 2018, we met Askar – a 15-year-old boy from Kazakhstan who, while living with a different family, became a part of ours as well. He would always come to our house and was just happy to learn more about our American/Mexican culture and share some of his own. An amazing acquaintance with Askar made it clear our next exchange student had to be from Kazakhstan as well.
Janie and Askar in 2018, during Askar’s exchange year.
Hosting Dameyla
In 2019, we met Damelya. Little did I know that Damelya would become a part of our family forever. This young lady, who took on every opportunity to experience the life of an American teenager, made an impact on our family in ways I cannot describe. She fit in just right, cooking dinners with us, playing board games, watching scary movies with my daughter, and just simply doing anything together.
Take a look at this heartwarming video capturing the moment Damelya and Janie first met when Damelya arrived in the U.S. for her exchange year.
Damelya’s friend, an exchange student from Ukraine, started coming over as well. The two girls were like sisters, and soon, it was hard to imagine doing anything without the two of them. We went on trips, I visited their cheerleading performances, and I spent long nights trying to beat them in Monopoly. Yet, the hardest part of hosting is seeing them go.
Our exchange year did not end well, as COVID came and changed everything. With so much uncertainty, we sent the kids back during a very scary time. I sat at home and just cried. My heart broke that my girls were gone. It was crazy how the year went by so fast.
Yaroslava and Damelya in their cheerleading uniforms in during their exchange year.
Our Reunions
Over the years, we kept in touch with all three of my kids. I was excited that both the girls were here for a visit for Christmas 2022 and finally, in June 2024, my Damelya was graduating from the most prestigious university in Kazakhstan – an event I could not have missed.
I flew over to Kazakhstan, where Askar met me at the airport; oh, how much he has grown! Sooner, I met Damelya and Yaroslava, who also flew in to support her best friend. I could not believe seeing my girls together again, just like they had never left. We spent two weeks meeting more of Damelya’s family and friends, seeing the beautiful nature of Kazakhstan, and trying all types of new delicious foods. Her family so warmly welcomed me that I felt like I belonged right away. I know I am always welcome at their home, just like they are at mine.
One year of hosting made an impact on all of us for the rest of our lives, a feeling one can only experience on their own. I am beyond grateful to World Link for the opportunity to host and experience finding family in all corners of the world!
My Reflection and Appreciation
I will never be able to truly explain the warm welcome I received in Kazakhstan.
My Damelya’s family and friends embraced me immediately. Many people flew from different parts of Kazakhstan, to help welcome, Damelya’s American mom. They took time out of their busy lives to help travel with me during my trip.
I would love to thank Damelya’s parent’s childhood friends, Bota and Kanat for welcoming me into their beautiful home. Their whole family was so kind and loving to me.
Aizhan and Nursultan for flying out to meet me and never letting my drink go empty. I loved dancing the night away with you.
Venera and Kairat for also flying out to meet me and then once again meeting up with us in Almaty. They have the best children and I look forward to visiting your home next time.
To Johnny Fonte (inside joke) and his lovely wife Ainasha for also flying out and singing for me and also making sure my glass was always full.
Bolat, Murat fishing buddy for taking the time to be our tour guide.
Bauyrzhan and Dina, Damelya’s Uncle and Aunt for being so kind and caring. I can not wait to watch your daughter in the 2028 LA games for rifle. You do not need a translator to see how proud they are of both their daughters.
Damelya’s Uncle Daulet and Aunt Meya I look forward to watching him compete in an Iron competition and a visit to my home.
My Kazakh son Askar Rafail for taking the time out of your life to join me on my travels across your beautiful country.
Mainly I would love to thank Saltana and Murat Aman Uly, Damelya’s parents. They trusted me 5 years ago with their precious daughter. It was a gift to have her in my home and become my daughter. They have raised an amazing young woman. Damelya’s parents spent months planning my trip to Kazakhstan. They wanted to show me as much as possible and had every little detail worked out. Murat was an amazing tour guide and very knowledgeable about his country. They opened their home and their hearts to me. Thank you so much for a trip of a lifetime.
Also a shout out to everyone who ran out and made sure I always had ice!
I look forward to returning for more visits to Kazakhstan and my home is always open to my now large Kazakh family to visit.
Hosting with World Link Inc. changed my life for the better.
Watch Janie’s Summary Video of her amazing visit to Kazakhstan:
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