Cal (who also goes by Mr. Scientist) is a science-loving 10-year-old little math whiz. My family had the pleasure of being his hosts from December 2015 – January 2016, and in that short amount of time, he demonstrated so much growth.

When Cal came to the U.S., he was able to write some words in English but he didn’t know much spoken English. When he left 30 days later, he rarely required the translation software and was communicating with us, his host family, almost solely in English.

But it wasn’t just his language skills that had advanced. Initially, Cal, who is quite small for his age, couldn’t ride a bike very well or go across the monkey bars at the playground. He worked doggedly until he had both mastered.

This is a little boy who is both tenacious and determined.

Cal is smart and polite and while he loved the outings and trips to the park, it was clear that what he really craved was a family. He was happiest just doing normal family “stuff.” He loved helping out around the house, delighting when he got to take part in cooking (especially baking cookies). He even wanted to be assigned chores like the other family members.

Even before he could fully understand what was being said, he loved sitting with everyone, listening to books being read aloud, instead of looking at the Chinese books his host family had for him.

Cal got along very well with my three younger children. He took part in all of the games and shenanigans, and even shared his candy stash! He’s very careful and clean and my kids got a kick out of watching his very thorough teeth brushing.

This is a little boy who will add so much joy to a family.

He was so delighted by the simple things, marveling at the robot in the kitchen (aka the dishwasher) and automated car doors. While he required individualized attention, he soaked up praise and encouragement and flourished in a noisy and active family setting.

Cal is very small for his age (wearing US size 4/5 clothing at age 9) and has a sensitive special need.

Update (received Jan 2017): “He lives with a foster family, now he is in Grade 4 and he does very well in his school. He has great language expression. He can sing and dance, he is active, he is not very tall.”

For more information, please contact meredith@gwca.org or call (512) 323-9595 ext. 3032.