What Happens When a Host Family Shows Up: The Story of the Starr Family and Greta 

Shortly after arriving in Ohio from Germany, Greta faced one of the hardest experiences an exchange student can face—one that she thought was going to cut her exchange year short. Her original placement hadn’t worked out, and for a month she lived with her Local Coordinator, Cathy, navigating the uncertainty of not knowing where she would land a placement for the rest of her exchange program. When the Starr family said yes, Greta didn’t yet know what it would mean for her, but she found out quickly. 

Find out how the Starr family’s kindness transformed Greta’s exchange year—and why they deserve recognition as the AYA Host Family of the Year runner-up! 

A Family Who Said Yes on Faith 

The Starr family came to hosting through their daughter, a teacher at the local high school, who brought Greta’s situation to them and asked if they could help. They prayed about it and felt moved to say yes. Cathy recalled her first meeting with the Starrs, and the moment Greta joined their family: 

“I felt so happy when I met them and I did the host family interview. When I moved Greta there, it was immediate respect and love. They have been there for her to grow emotionally and spiritually.” 

The Starr family is, in Cathy’s words, “a very traditional American family,” with all three generations deeply involved in each other’s daily lives. Greta stepped into that extended family, and almost immediately became part of it. “It feels as if she has always been there,” family members would often remark. 

Greta emphasized how natural it felt to join the Starr family: 

“And it’s true. From the very beginning, I was welcomed like one of their own children—they took care of me, worried about me, and made everything possible that could be possible.” 

Showing Up, Every Time 

The Starrs showed up for Greta in every aspect of her life. Every morning, they drove her 20 minutes to school, and every afternoon, they picked her up after practice. Greta remembers fondly how they were always there on the sidelines supporting her during games and track meets: 

“They were at all my basketball games and track meets, cheering me on. Which means more to me than they will ever understand. My host dad captured all those moments in photos and proudly shared them on his Facebook.” 

The little moments meant so much to Greta, too. The simple way they would say, “Goodnight, sweetheart,” and bring her medicine and tea when she was sick, left a meaningful impression on her. Their constant caring—the way they showed up in big ways and small—made Greta truly feel like she was a part of the Starr family, rather than just a guest. 

What made their efforts even more remarkable was that while Greta was in their care, the Starr family was navigating serious hardship of their own. Greta shared that even through these challenges, their support for her was unwavering: 

“Even while they were going through serious family challenges, like a hospitalization of one of the grandchildren and preparing for a funeral for my host dad’s dad, they never once neglected me.” 

The Starrs Through Greta’s Eyes 

Greta paints a beautiful portrait of what life was like in the Starr family, and what she’ll miss most, writing: 

“Cuddling with the dog on the couch, working out with my host dad in his home gym, having dinner together, watching the entire season of Gilmore Girls with my host mom and driving in the convertible after practice singing to loud music with my host dad—those are the things I will miss.” 

Although Greta is sad that she has to say goodbye to the Starr family, she knows that their connection is one that stretches beyond time and borders—it’s the kind of bond that is bound to last forever: 

“With my host family, I didn’t just experience an unforgettable year—I found a second family that will stay in my heart forever. In every minute, my love and gratitude for them grew—and I know I will always have a place in their family, no matter where in the world I am.” 

Want to make a difference like the Starr family did? AYA is here to help you find an exchange student who your family will remember forever. 

The Starr family’s story is unique and moving in its own way. Through family challenges, they rose to the occasion and hosted Greta when she needed a home. Their dedication to supporting high school exchange—and making a lasting impact on a young person—will not go unnoticed. And for that, we’re so grateful to them. 

Thinking about becoming a host family like the Starrs? AYA is here to help!