If raising a family actually is cheaper by the dozen, then the Darnall clan of Lake Orion is one person closer to proving the theory factual.
Marty and Robin Darnall, parents of nine children, are currently hosting a 17-year-old Japanese student as part of the Youth For Understanding international student exchange program.
Their guest, Natsumi Yatabe, joins the couple’s other children to form an eclectic mix of unbridaled energy and diverse personality. It’s a chemistry on which the family thrives.
Robin Darnall says Natsumi is fitting in perfectly with the Darnall household, particularly now that her English skills have improved.
‘Natsumi has been here two months and she’s doing much better with her English,? says Robin. ‘It was difficult for her at first. In school, she has a translator to help her with her Algebra class. It was really tough, but now she’s doing much better with it. She’s getting all A’s.?
Being accostumed to spending more time doing homework and studying in Japan, Natsumi is enjoying the additional free time. She also appreciates the varied social aspects of the American lifestyle.
‘She loves going to the high school football games, and just attended the Homecoming game,? says Robin. ‘But her favorite thing is going shopping. She watches her money and doesn’t spend a lot, but she loves going to the mall.?
Surprisingly, Natsumi has not appeared to be particularly homesick, says Robin. Athough she occasionally calls her parents and e-mails her Japanese friends, she generally seems comfortable in her new environment.
‘Our oldest son takes her a lot of places, and she’s always real excited to go,? says Robin. ‘She is very impressed with being in such a large family.?
Natsumi isn’t shy when it comes to joining in the family fun and she is more comfortable with exhibiting her outgoing nature.
‘She’s a riot and she has a good sense of humor,? says Robin. ‘She makes jokes right along with the rest of us.
‘And she’s a very loving person,? she adds. ‘She always gives me a hug goodbye whenever she leaves the house. She says ‘I love you mom.??
Natsumi is the second exchange student the Darnalls have hosted through the YFU program.
Robin recommends the student exchange program to other families wishing to learn about young people from other cultures.
‘We’ve had such a rewarding experience doing this,? she says. ‘It’s beneficial to the exchange student and to the host family.
“It opens your eyes to the different cultures,” Robin adds. “It’s interesting to learn about and compare the differences.?
Local residents interested in hosting a foreign exchange student, may contact YFU volunteer Barbara Kilkka at 248-932-0811.