RUSSELLVILLE - One tall and quiet and the other a social butterfly, the Ford family of Russellville has had the unique experience of hosting two exchange students since Thanksgiving.
Yuhao Liu, 16, is from China and Joao Vitor Souza Almeida de Oliveira, 17, is from Brazil.
Each came with a different language and personality, but their goal is the same - to better understand American culture.
That learning begins in their host home, where Jason and Michelle Ford are first-year empty-nesters. The couple previously had hosted two students during the senior year of each of their own children.
They were not intending to host this year. However, when the window was closing for Liu and Vitor's chances to study in the United States, the Fords decided they would host again.
"We've enjoyed having them both because they interact well and share with us," Michelle Ford said.
Liu said he was curious about how Americans live day to day and especially their food. What he has learned so far is how to fill spare time, as life is much busier in China.
Vitor studied English for four years and benefited from a scholarship to visit.
"The U.S. is awesome; I'm glad to be here to see inside," Vitor said. "It's just magic outside."
Although he believes "English builds a bridge," Vitor said being immersed in a different culture allows one to build friendships and observe new behaviors.
"I want to be a citizen of the world, to break stereotypes," he said.
With an active Multicultural Club to find quick friends and common interests, Liu and Vitor have also found activities to suit their interests.
Liu plays on the varsity boys basketball team. He has found American basketball players to be in better condition, the coach is kind and on-court physical moments don't turn violent.
At 6-foot-3, Liu has played basketball for years in China. However, he has already seen the benefits of body conditioning. And he has a goal to dunk the ball before he leaves.
Vitor, on the other hand, has enjoyed his first experience as a cheerleader.
"I had to learn everything from zero," he said. "It's something new for me; I was curious."
Coming from more tropical climates, winter has been an adjustment for both.
Vitor said he was surprised at how Missourians get out and go in the snow. In Brazil, everyone stays indoors when it is below 40 degrees, he said.
This was Liu's first Christmas, as they celebrate the Spring Festival in China in much the same way, he said. Arriving the week of Thanksgiving, the Fords held back in decorating their Christmas tree so both students could participate.
The Fords also took them ice skating and to see the lights in Kansas City.
Vitor has enjoyed learning new cooking recipes. However, deducing different terminology for ingredients has presented challenges at times, Ford said.
For example, pie can be anything in a crust in Brazil. "Cornstarch cookies" in the United States are called graham crackers.
Crossing cultural or language barriers also comes into play with games requiring lots of rules and in interpreting others' sense of humor.
Communication is a primary focus.
"We take time to talk, to sit down with each other and ask how things are going," Ford said. "We want to avoid things that might be lost in translation."
Vitor agreed. When he arrived, a few differences struck him as "wrong," and he didn't like them. However, he said he soon learned there was no "wrong or right," just different.
"Experiencing a different culture is not always easy; we have our bumps," Ford said. "But it stretches you to accept different ways of thinking."
And the Fords now enjoy an extended family in other nations.
"The hardest thing is letting them go back," Ford said.
Families interested in hosting an exchange student in the future may contact Kristi Widmer at 660-572-0028.