As I reflect on my time with my host children, Benigne and Hervin, my heart fills with joy and warmth. From the very first moment we met, it felt as though we had known each other for a lifetime. These two little bundles of energy, aged two and four, welcomed me with open arms, and we quickly became close friends.

Our first encounter was nothing short of magical. We hugged, laughed, and joked together, and I was amazed by their carefree and loving nature. What touched me most was that they never questioned who I was. Instead, they simply accepted me and gave me a name of their own, “Tonto,” without any prompting. As the days passed, our bond grew stronger. They would secretly take snacks from their mom and bring them to me, and we would share laughter, play, and small adventures that made each day special.

One of my favorite moments was when they would wake me up early in the morning, pull off my bedcover, and ask, through bursts of giggles, if I had died. Their innocence and humor were endlessly entertaining. I also loved their unique way of communicating, like when Hervin asked for porridge and called it “Momopa.” Learning their little language and sharing those moments with them brought me so much happiness.

The day I had to leave them was bittersweet. They cried, and we had to comfort them by promising that I would come back. Before I left, we spent the day dancing, taking Snapchat videos, modeling, cooking, and enjoying each other’s company to the fullest. Even as I settled into my new surroundings, my heart remained with them.

Their imagination and innocence are qualities I will always cherish. When I told them I was leaving to visit Spiderman, they believed me without hesitation, and I promised to surprise them with a visit one day. Until then, I will hold tightly to the memories we created together and look forward to the day we reunite.