Wonders of Communication

You don't realize how far communication has come until you get to use the new technology. This statement is coming from a communication major. I have been out of college now approaching 15 years. The internet was just starting to take off during that time. It was more used along the lines for research at that time. You really didn't use it to communicate with the exception of the occasional e-mail. Boy did I never realize how it was going to explode. When Mem and Pap hosted, they may hear once from their exchange student before they arrived. Many times there was no communication before the students arrived. On Father's Day this year, we received an e-mail. The subject was titled "I am so excited." We had our first communication with J. He had gotten permission to contact us before we had permission to contact him. He did what most people do now. He sent an e-mail. He then did the next step in communication today. He added us as friends on Facebook. We talked to him on there later that day. He left for a class trip the following day. He would be gone for a week. We heard from his Mother and oldest brother during that time. I talked to his brother more than him that first week. Well, what transpired was what a consider a good start to what is becoming a good friendship between the two families. We were able to respond to questions and put their minds at ease on many things. I can truly say that I have enjoyed talking to them. We even joke around many times like we have known each other for a long time. Just think back before the internet. There was no way to do this kind of thing prior to it really. With the cost of international calls, you wouldn't have called people much. Sending snail mail took forever in many parts, so their was much more of a blind sending of your child into the unknown. At least now, you can have plenty of contact between families if you get your student early enough. You can erase some fears. That wasn't possible before now. Even better is the new Skype technology. We have talked to J on Skype a few times. It was interesting to see his room, and actually talk face to face. Not to mention we were talking to someone in Germany for free. That was probably the coolest thing that has come along. We loved it. All of this is going to make our transition easier.