We hosted two Belorussian boys in our home over a period of six years and it was one of the best and most heart-breaking experiences our family has ever had. My suggestion is to learn as much Chinese as your student learns English from you. Years later, your children will have that little bit of lexicon as a precious relic of the experience. Example: My children use the word dai (sounds like die). If one of them has something the other words, they come up and say "dai." Sounds like they're telling each other to drop over dead, but it means "give" in Russian. And then they wiggle their fingers and say dai, dai, dai, in imitation of one of our boys. It's funny and poignant to see how they've taken a bit of him and made it their own. I wish you luck in this endeavor. Patience is the watch word.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We have truly received two of the most remarkable young women. They are so kind and thoughtful. I will take your advice to learn from them!
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