Bob from Toledo, I would thank you to watch the way you talk to my mother. She was not deserving of your scorn. I can assure you that it doesn't matter to her where kids are from, what language they speak, or even whether or not they are hers - She's always supportive, loving, and a friend. And she has always listened to all the kids around her, and I've brought home a lot of strays, believe me.

The other thing to consider is that it's not always so easy to "call France" and talk to Junior's parents. Part of the point of AFS and exchange programs is that there is a division between the student and their home, and they have to learn to deal with their host family on their, and our own terms, without constant mediation. The problem, in this case, is that THEY haven't been willing to try and talk with us, not that we haven't been listening or trying.

A year is forever - but everything takes a little time. And manners are ALWAYS appropriate. Especially to my mother, in front of me. Be glad you didn't say that IRL. -Jessica