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Helen Young, 1989
"It has been the experience of my life. I've probably learned 50-60 words in Russian."
Melinda Fogel, 1993
"We wanted our kids to see different cultures and to learn to love everyone no matter what their race is. My daughter has learned that we are all equal and that many people are nice, even though they speak a different language."
Anonymous, 1993
"We have been a host family for six years and enjoyed it every time. The things we learn from these dear friends all over the world could never be learned in a classroom or textbooks. The bonds of love and friendship we feel for each dancer are formed easily when you are living under the same roof even if the language is different. It is so nice to receive all the letters and postcards all year long and have an open invitation to visit any of them at any time, which we have done.
Because we love all of these people in far away lands, we suddenly care about their county and their people too. We have all gained a love for all mankind which we could never have received in any other way. What a privilege to live in a small town with a big enough vision to attract people from all over the world and sent them home with a large portion of our hearts. Thanks Rexburg."
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Florence Greensweig, 1994 Sunbirds
"It was worth the whole trip to Rexburg. These young people became like our grandchildren. If they (other sunbirds) don't take this opportunity, they've missed an opportunity of a lifetime to enjoy young people from another country."
Frank Zalonis, 1994 Sunbirds
"I'll have tears in my eyes when they leave. I can feel them coming on now. They helped with the dishes and would eat anything we served them. They also didn't want to throw anything out--even a little piece of leftover pizza."
Marilyn Gee, 1995
"...Its neat that you learn how to communicate with laughing, hugs, and pointing. It's amazing that you really can get through even though you can't speak the same language. You start crying about three days before they have to leave. You adopt them awfully fast. You cheer and watch them like they're your family."
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Fred and Sharon Royle, 1998 Sunbirds
“It’s the highlight of our whole summer,” said Sharon. “Mostly, we do it for selfish reasons. It’s a lot of fun and we get to meet lots on nice people.”
Emilsa Butler, 1997
“I heard we had to feed and take care of them as if they’re our own family. I thought, I can do that. I didn’t want to take on too much, but my family loves it and my children are having a ball. It’s fun. They get to see and meet people from other countries.”
Sherry Bratsman, 2000
"One thing the teams like most is the fact that they are able to live in the homes of our people and form friendships, many of which will last forever. Some teams are nervous about this at first since they have only been housed in forms or group accommodations in other festivals. They soon learn how great it is to have their 'own' family in America. The true picture of the love developed during our festival can be seen as the buses prepare to leave. Hugs, laughter, exchanges of addresses and faces pressed against windows with tears streaming down faces tell the real story."
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Linda Brooks, 2002
"You get to say, 'there are our dancers'. It's a wonderful experience. It's something that unless you've done it, you just can't explain the benefits. There's such a warm feeling from helping people in another country come to your won, live with them, and share a friendship with the. It's something we keep and something they take home with them."
Eunice Layton, 2002
"All of a sudden, the world becomes more personal to you. You care about what's going on because you know someone living where the world's headlines come from. Those who volunteer in the dance festival soon become part of a big family."
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