This year, our family decided to host an exchange student for the entire school year. We did it once before and had a great experience. In 2012, we hosted a 16-year old German girl named, Charlotte, when our son was 8. This time, we are hosting a 16-year old Turkish boy named, Utku, and our son is 11. We are laughing, learning, and cooking Turkish food once a week.

Here are 10 reasons why it has been amazing so far:

One: We introduced him to the fine art of crabbing.

Two: We taught him how to sea-kayak

Three: We convinced him that the Pacific Ocean isn’t so cold.

Four: We told him to hang on and don’t fall off the tractor.

Five: We showed him how to glean (and balance) pears.

Six: We let him pick out his own pumpkin and carry it back to the car.

Seven: We introduced him to Halloween farm kitsch.

Eight: We took him to Oregon’s tallest waterfall.

Nine: We pointed out all the big trees along the hike.

Ten: We appreciate ALL the big bro vibes he dishes out.