Michael and Marit

Some 14 years ago, Cheryl had a foreign exchange student from Germany stay with her and her family. His name is Michael. He became friends with Cheryl's oldest son Greg, who is similar in age. Greg and Michael have stayed in contact all these years.

Michael married Marit in 2001 after their "meant to be" meeting at a church camp where they were both working. The both of them visited the states in 2002 going to Disneyland with Cheryl and some of her family.

Then in 2008 they decided to buy a ticket that would allow them one year to fly to various parts of the globe.

They started in Japan where Marit was born to her missionary parents. Then they traveled to New Zealand where they fell in love with the beach. (they lived in Gisborne, New Zealand map. Read more about Gisborne here.) They were there for 8 months before heading to the United States.

They arrived in California where they visited a bit, including San Francisco, before heading to Boise to stay with Greg & Megan.

Cheryl and I were in Boise for New Years and they hitched a ride back to Seattle (well actually to Kent!) with us. They've managed to navigate the bus system and endure our city tours. Cheryl has enjoyed fixing them breakfasts and we have both enjoyed hearing their stories and seeing their pictures (even if they were on a Mac).

They traveled to Vancouver, Canada via Amtrak Monday and Tuesday, returning late last night. They leave for Boise mid-day today and then for Germany on February 5th.

It's been our privilege to host them and I hope we remain in touch vicariously enjoying their adventures!




(A few more pictures of their visit can be seen here.)