When my daughter Ruby was about six years old, and  Matt and I realized we  would not have more children, we decided to host international students in our house. What a joyful journey it has been!

We have shared our lovely Cambridge home with students and scholars from every continent ( except Australia); eaten delicious food  and even became huge fans of kimchee; helped a few students become American citizens; stood in as parents at a wedding and at a Harvard graduation; travelled to France, Italy and India with students; taught girls& young men how to cook and do laundry; listened to amazing stories; met friends of friends and parents of students.

Most of the exchange of culture happened around the table.  That’s what my stories focus around: food, conversations about food,  and general stories told at the table.  Recipes are posted  in my blogs–recipes that students have favored and that I have learned to prepare. Miyuke, a wonderful Japanese woman who lived with us for a year, called me a ‘genius cook’ and I am sure most everyone but the big meat eaters who stayed with us would agree.

I continue to be excited  when each new student arrives at our door. I wonder how she/he will fit in, what they’ll like to eat, if they’ll help Matt in the kitchen, if they know how to use a vacuum cleaner.  Do they speak and understand English?  Some  speak fluently but don’t understand a word.  Some understand everything but can’t speak. The real young ones learn language skills in a flash. A few know all the non-verbal cues from watching American TV but not how to use them. The head tilts and eye blinks have sometimes caused us a lot of confusion.  But we learn.

A few years back I decided it was time to write about this beautiful experience that has filled our house with songs, and smiles, some tears, delicious food, and so much youth and beauty!

Blessings to all, Christine Palamidessi

Some of my host daughters become muses for my artwork.

Please visit my artist website where you can see many lovely sculptures: palamidessi.com