International Exchange students are introduced to GiGi’s

Speaking from personal experience, I can say it is a great  to host an international exchange student. I have had five students live with my family from any where from 4 months to 1.5 years. You learn so much from having them living in your home. I never new that I would have life long friendships. A few of our exchange students have come back to visit us. What an honor to have them return because they had such a great and memorable time. Gunnhild, from Norway, (she was our very first exchange student to live with us) came to visit us this past week. I had the opportunity to bring her to the Madison’s Playhouse grand opening. She thought it was just wonderful that American had something “like this” (a GiGi’s Playhouse). She was truly impressed.

Then, I came to work on Monday and I found a beautiful letter on sitting my desk. It was a letter from a volunteer that happened to be an exchange student from China attending Rockford Christian High School. I would like to share this letter with all of you. GiGi’s Playhouse is making an impact not only in our community but across the US and into so many different countries!

“As a foreign exchange student, I am still working on my English. I hope you can understand what I am writing about. I am glad GiGi’s Playhouse gave me this opportunity to serve. This is the place where I found true love, the kind of  love that Jesus Christ teaches us in the Bible. All the gatherings at GiGi’s provides a place in which people who have disabilities can gather together, spend some time and have fun. I am honored to have participated at GiGi’s as a volunteer. I have learned an important part of life from you. To love by allowing people, no matter who they are, what they have done, and without any kind of pay back. That is truly happiness. I hope I cancarry on the spirit I have learned from all of you. Although, I have only served for a half a year, I will miss you. When I go back to China, I have a deep desire to come back next school year to continue to participate in this place. The room is not too big, but I found love in it.”  Frank Thang

We never know how GiGi’s will impact people. From our participants, to our donors, to our volunteers, we are touching lives. I am so grateful for a place such as GiGi’s Playhouse!

#generationG

Be Kind

Be Generous

Be Accepting