Holliston Lions, Kathy and Mike McKenna, joined other Lion families around Massachusetts and took in two international students for 10 days this July. 

Sebastian from Indonesia and Thomas from Germany joined the McKenna family to see what it is like over in “America” as they both called it! 

The boys first went up to NH to tube, swim, and waterski. Thomas, an avid swimmer, swam across a lake with Mike following in a kayak for safety. Thomas also got up perfectly the first time trying water skiing. Thomas is also a very fit EU Footballer playing midfield and forward. Shopping at the Wrentham outlet (2X) was also a hit, and the “Tommy” Hilfiger store was Thomas’ favorite, of course. Sebastian loved tubbing and kayaking, as well as the Natick Mall and the Wrentham Outlets. 

 Sebastian also loves basketball, so the McKennas promised to take him to the Basketball Hall of Fame, when he returns to Massachusetts with his family in a few years. The boys also enjoyed seeing a US Professional US Football Practice at Gillette Stadium. They are now both Patriot and Revolution Fans. Here are some pictures of their adventures. They loved being here in Holliston and both hope to return some time in the future.

All the international students stayed with their host families the first week, then came together the second week at a local hotel to do day trips around Massachusetts. They came from countries like Brazil, Hungary, Slovenia, Poland, France, Italy, Israel, Netherlands, and Spain. Their age ranges were from 15 to 22. Some activities were Nantasket Beach, visiting MIT, Harvard, RISD and WPI, kayaking on Lake Quinsigamond, a college summer baseball game and of course shopping/eating at Downtown Crossing. Students also visited the State House and the Boston Public Library. 

The last night together the students and families gathered together at the Woburn American Legion Hall for dinner and entertainment from DJ Lion Victor NG, a member of the Boston Host Lions Club. After dinner each international student gave a short presentation about themselves and their countries. Sad goodbyes were given at the end of the evening, as all the students were set to depart back to their homes!

To learn more about Lions International and our motto “We Serve”, as well as, the Lions International Youth Exchange, please visits the Holliston Lions website at: hollistonmalions.org