My heart was filled with excitement the day we left.

My hands were shaking. As we stepped on the plane, I didn't know what to expect. I had nine hours before I would reach a place that will remain in my heart for a lifetime. The date was July 4, 2006.

The destination was Germany. In March, Standley Lake High school had22 German students come to America. They had come on an exchange trip. Now it was our turn to visit our new German friends. My new friend's name is Isolde. From the moment we met, we knew it was the perfect match.

Our first plane landed at the Frankfort Airport. We had to run to get to the next plane, which would take us to Munich. From Munich, we took a two-hour train ride to Deggendorf. Ever since I was little, I dreamt of going to Germany, and finally my dream had come true.

When I finally got to Deggendorf, Isolde, her mother and her little brother had come to pick me up at the train station. I didn't know what to expect. I hoped they would like me and we would all get along. I met her father later that night. They are a kind and loving family and they were really wonderful to me.

Everything in Germany is laid out differently than here at home. I lived in a wonderful flat that was right off the main street. There was one big, long street that held the old courthouse in the middle.

The buildings around the courthouse were shops and grocery stores. Everything they needed was not to far from their homes and it was in one area. The school I went to was just down the street. It is called Comenius Gymnasium.

In Germany I did many things. Each summer the town of Deggendorf holds a festival called Volksfest. I went as often as I could. It was like a giant carnival. I also went camping at the Danube River with my host family.

I got to see the beautiful buildings and forests. I also got to see some amazing churches and castles. The countryside was absolutely beautiful!

I left my host family for a week and met up with the other American students. We visited Prague for a week. It was so beautiful. We all lived in a dorm near the main square. We went to the Charles Bridge.

It was amazing! We got to eat dinner in a real castle. We visited the John Lennon wall and wrote our marks down. Mine read, "Love, live, remember always."

We then went back to our host families and stayed with them for another two weeks. We were able to do lots of enjoyable things with our families. The time finally came to say our goodbyes.

It was raining and the air was thick as we gave our final hugs and kisses and loaded on the bus. I miss my German family so much. They will always have a special place in my heart. I can still taste all the wonderful new foods I tried.

I can still feel the love given to me by my host family. When I turn old and gray I will look back on my life remembering fondly my special trip and my special new family in Germany.

I plan on keeping in touch with my host family for the rest of my life. I am also hoping my family and my host family will someday meet and they will also feel the special bond. This was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

- By: Kristin Steinman