Meet the Chubbs

Hooray! I finally met my new family! The Meet-A-Family program at Harlaxton is amazing. You wouldn't believe the time, effort, and number of people this program requires. This semester 89 students have been placed with a family (15 were rejected).

My family is great. They are the Chubbs. David and Henrietta. I'd say they are in their early 30s. They have 2 children... twins! Age 4, Harry and Libby. I didn't get to meet the twins yet, but on our next dinner date I will get to meet them.

Tonight was the Meet-A-Family reception.... It's where all the families come and meet their new "children" (Harlaxton students). It started in Harlaxton Manor's Great Hall. All the students waited patiently for their new families to arrive. The Chubbs arrived by 7 p.m. I have 2 new sisters in my family as well (2 other Harlaxton students also paired w/ the Chubbs). Lauren Doerner and Stacey Wright. Lauren just happens to be my best friend and roommate from UE. How'd we manage? I don't know, but somehow we always do. :)

We enjoyed a delicious formal dinner with our new family in the Long Gallery. Breaded chicken breast, fresh green beans, cauliflower, roasted potatoes, red wine, white wine, tossed salad, tea, coffee, chocolate/orange cake. yum! We talked for almost 2 hours, during and after dinner. I can't even remember what all we talked about... everything from the horrible exchange rate to Henry the VIII and traveling to Berlin. The Chubbs seem very down-to-earth. I really enjoyed their company and can't wait to spend more time with them (and their twins!). We've made arrangements to have dinner with them again in 3 weeks. Hopefully we'll continue to meet every 2-3 weeks after that.

We had a briefing last week on the Meet-A-Family program. They basically gave us rules and proper etiquette suggestions. Dinners are taken so much more seriously here than in the U.S. At home, we may plan a dinner or luncheon and have someone cancel just hours prior. Here, that is simply unheard of! You never, unless there is an extreme circumstance, cancel dinner plans with your host/hostess. I've never been one to turn down a free meal, or any food, for that matter. I don't think this canceling dinner thing will be a problem for me. :)

Tonight we gave our family a Thank You card and some flowers. I don't know what an appropriate gift would be for our following visits. ? Maybe a gift for the kids would be just as graciously received. Who doesn't love for their kids to get gifts? I know my parents love it because that means that's less they have to buy for me. haha.

I think I have spent way too much time on the internet this evening... words are starting to blur together and the clicking sound of the typing keys is starting to sound strangely rhythmic. Time for bed, I suppose! OH, and Just 2 days 'til I'm off to Scotland! From here that's a 6-hour drive north by bus for all you land-lovers... arghhh! (Say that last sentence in your best pirate voice. haha)

Good day!