There are moments in life when “thank you” simply doesn’t seem like enough. This is one of those moments.
As Giulia’s time in America came to an end, Lisa and I, along with her grandmother Charlene and our entire family, have found ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey she has experienced here in Council Grove. While she came here as a foreign exchange student, she leaves as family, not only to us, but because each of you welcomed her as one of your own.
To every teacher who encouraged her, challenged her, and believed in her... thank you. To every coach who gave her a place on the team, pushed her to be her best, and celebrated her victories both big and small... thank you. To every classmate and friend who invited her to sit with them, included her in adventures, laughed with her, and created memories she’ll carry for the rest of her life... thank you.
You didn’t have to make room for someone who came from halfway across the world. Yet you did. You opened your classrooms, your locker rooms, your homes, your hearts, and your lives.
You didn’t just show Giulia what America looks like; you showed her what kindness looks like. What generosity looks like. What community looks like.
You gave her Friday night lights, school spirit, celebrations, heartbreaks, victories, road trips, inside jokes, late-night conversations, and countless moments that can never be recreated. You gave her a place where she belonged. The beauty of Council Grove has never only been its history or its scenery. It has always been its people.
Years from now, Giulia may not remember every homework assignment or every score of every game. But she will remember how you made her feel. She will remember the hugs before she left for school, the cheers from the stands, the smiles in the hallways, the conversations after practice, and the friendships that crossed an ocean. She arrived here as an Italian student. She leaves carry-ing a piece of Kansas in her heart forever.
As host parents, we’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into a more confident, courageous, compassionate young woman. That growth didn’t happen because of us alone. It happened because an entire community chose to invest in her.
To every person who said “yes” to including her, mentoring her, encouraging her, or simply being her friend, you have left a mark not only on Giulia’s life, but on ours as well. We often hear that it takes a village to raise a child. Council Grove, you proved that it also takes a village to love one.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for giving Giulia a year she will cherish forever. Thank you for showing her that family isn’t always defined by blood or borders. Sometimes it’s found in a small Kansas town filled with extraordinary people. Though an ocean separates us, the friendships, the lessons, and the love she found here will never fade. Council Grove will always have a home in her heart and in ours.
With endless gratitude and love, Lisa & Phil Meyer Charlene and our entire family