By Kacey Riel, Class of 2025
The wonderful thing about God is that he knows exactly what we need, not what we think we need. This is evident in my gracious host family, the Murchisons. Prior to moving to Charlotte, I was so excited to meet them, and I felt so hopeful about this family that I would be living with for the next 9 months. A little intro to my host family: Fred and Katy (parents), Ivy (14) and Ella (12). Rounding it out with 2 pets, we have their dog, Lolli (She and I are pals) and their cat, Raven. (We are… still warming up to each other).
I want to share more about my own heart/family before moving here and why this part of the program felt so important to me. My family upbringing was full of a lot of dysfunction and I never felt like I had a good role model showing me how to live out my faith. I was really excited and hopeful to witness how a family that loves God lives out their faith and how it impacts every little aspect of life. To give one example, God knew that Katy and I would connect over art. I have never connected with anyone in my own family on art, and I felt very cared for by God that I had someone to connect with in this way. Katy is a ceramic artist and it has been exciting to watch her in action. I have also felt so cared for in the Murchison’s provision and kindness.
Some specific gratitudes include:
The dinner tradition of Peaches and Lemons. (Highs and lows of day)
The way the invite is always extended when they go somewhere.
Being included in all the birthday celebrations.
Learning something interesting whenever I talk with Fred (e.g., the ins and outs of the mortgage industry & Texas Hold ‘Em)
Ella’s beauty bar! Ella paints my nails all the time, and it is my favorite thing.
Bonding with Ivy over Marvel Movies!
Friday night pizza & movie traditions. I love Friday nights because it is a consistent time that everyone spends together.
Saturdays= pancake and bacon breakfast.
Being a part of their Thanksgiving and Christmas. I felt like I was a part of the family over the holiday breaks.
I am learning so much from Ivy and Ella. I am learning how to be present with them, how to be a good friend/host sister, how to have fun and be goofy, how to listen, and I’m learning what the “underdog” on the swing is (truly a thrilling experience).
Lastly, I am learning so much from Fred and Katy as I watch them raise their daughters. I get to witness their care for them, watch them adjust to new schedules that accomodate all of their extracurriculars, say “I love you” before sending them off for the day, and how they gently correct. Their example is something I aspire to be as a parent one day.
God provided not only what I needed in this 9-month stint, but more than I could have asked for. I love the Murchisons, and I am so grateful God hand picked them to be my host family in Charlotte!