In 2016, My older sister (Also known as Mrs. Guice, a teacher at BHS) participated in the GAPP where she got to experience the same things as us. Over the course of the time her exchange partner, Celine was in America she became a part of our family. I thought of her just as a sister, for the longest time genuinely thinking we had legally adopted her. Eventually learning when I got old enough to understand how adoption works, I realized that it wasn’t legal but that she was forever a part of the family and was always welcome in the home. Luckily, she still lives in Germany, giving me and my twin sister, Abigale (also a part of the exchange) had the opportunity to see her again. So, after 11 years, we finally reunited on June 3rd, 2025. We walked her dog on the Himmelsleiter trail, played mini golf, got food, and then played billiards. Celine and I giggled at Abigale for her being so bad at the game the most. All of us had a couple comical oopsies but her especially. While eating our food, we got a more “American” food, eating burgers, and mozzarella sticks. Abigale called my mom, my dad, and my older sister so they and Celine could talk and reunite as well. We talked about all the things that have changed between families, moving houses, getting married, all of the above. I even got to see the outside of where my older sister stayed when she was here back in 2016. We had such a huge impact on each other, she still has every letter we wrote her in a well-kept folder, and a magnet of her second family in her kitchen. All in all, it was a beautiful night, and I miss her already. It felt like no time had ever gone past, still loving her just as much as we did when we were 6. I enjoyed every minute with her, then and now, and I wish we lived closer. She will forever have a special place in my heart.
– Addison
