FIGMAN's Blog

Well in my last blog I was asking for your input about Foreign Exchange students. Of all the things I had concerns about I never dreamed the day after our new daughter arrived we would find out her home country would be invaded by Russia.

Ana is from the country of Georgia and we picked her up from the airport on August 7th. The next day we starting hearing about the conflict in her country. My first thought was, "how do I tell a young girl I don't even know, from a culture I don't understand that her home land appears to be in a war with their neighbor country?" The short story is I eased into it and over a couple days we were able to talk about it and get on the Internet to learn more. She was able to contact her family (who lives in rural Georgia) and she learned all was well with them.

Ana told me conflict with Russia was very common. She said her countries government is very corrupt and she and the normal people of Georgia are just victims who want independence. She is a very bright 17 year old and so far she has adapted well in our tiny town. She says we are a very busy family but she enjoys it. Her favorite food is Oreo cookies and bar-b-que...! More later as our experience continues.