ACES Host Family Association February Event
ACES Staff
This month, our Host Family Association gathered for a hands-on community service evening through the Meals from the Heart program at Ronald McDonald House Charities (Read more about the program here). Together, we stepped into the kitchen with a shared goal: to create a warm, comforting meal for families staying at the House while their children receive medical care in Portland. As we chopped vegetables, assembled trays, and checked recipes, the room quickly filled with conversation, laughter, and that familiar feeling of working toward something meaningful together. By the end of the evening, we had prepared and served an enchilada casserole dinner for 30!
What stood out most wasn’t just the meal, it was the time spent together in the process. Cooking side by side gave us the chance to connect in a natural and relaxed way, sharing hosting stories, advice, and a few kitchen mishaps along the way. The simple act of serving others created space for deeper conversation and reminded us how valuable this network of support truly is. By serving together, volunteers modeled the values of empathy and global citizenship that shape the student exchange experience. It was a simple but powerful reminder that small acts of care can bring people together and make a lasting impact.
Thank you to our host families who helped make this event a success!
If you would like to join the ACES Host Family Association for a future social or service event, email hfa@exploretheworld.org
