By: Laura Leighann
Two years ago, we didn’t know a soul in Germany. Now, we have friendships in both Aachen and Dortmund. In 2022, my daughter participated in the ASCA 5th-grade exchange program between Arlington and Aachen. While she was the official participant, it became a family affair. After being paired with an incredible family, we hit it off right away! Our bond grew stronger as we spent extra time together, traveling with them during Easter to visit their family in Dortmund and even exploring Amsterdam.
We had candid conversations about World War II, the war that initially connected our cities. Our Aachen partner family visited Arlington National Cemetery on their exchange visit with us in Arlington. While in Germany, we toured the Siegfried Line’s overgrown remnants in Aachen and watched our kids play hide-and-seek amongst the concrete barriers which was bitter-sweet. We also heard stories from our Aachen family’s grandfather, an orphan, who was freed by Allied forces, surviving on chocolate bars the American solders gave him until proper rations came. I hope someone’s writing down his vivid stories—they’re the kind that should not be forgotten.
In between history lessons were lighter moments—our daughters quickly overcame language barriers to become fast friends. We introduced our Aachen family to banana pudding, line dancing, and pumpkin-spice Halloween adventures. They loved line dancing so much that they joined a club in Aachen and now even perform around their city. Our families bonded over guitar playing, southern hospitality, fresh-baked bread, and, of course, chocolate!!
Now, in 2024, we are eagerly anticipating another exchange—this time with our son, a new 5th grader. We are excited for more connections and friendships, knowing that these exchanges create lifelong bonds…one family at a time.
