I have had the pleasure of knowing my next guest for almost 15 years, I first met Debby and her husband Dick in 2008, when I decided to share my home with international students. I had heard around the Blue Mountains Hotel International School that students requested Debby and Dick, as they had a reputation of being exceptional homestay parents.
They were welcoming to all of the students, immersing them in the Aussie culture, cooking delicious meals, and also encouraging students to cook their native dishes. I was told by one of my students from Hong Kong that Dick cooked chicken feet better than any Chinese cook. His Asian dishes were the talking point of many of his students. The young students related well to Dick and affectionately called him “Boss”. Debby and Dick were known for their social gatherings and on a few occasions I would drop off my students at their home and even join in on the festivities. I met their son, Dave, on one such occasion, a handsome young charismatic young man in his mid-20s, dazzling smile with deep-set eyes. I remember thinking at that point, no wonder all of my young female students want to visit.
It was an exciting 5 years, of being exposed to different cultures, relating to young adults, and developing lifelong friendships. When I stopped the homestay program in 2013, I had shared my home with 39 international students.
Debby and Dick continued to share their home with international students. In 2015, the unthinkable happened.
Listen in on Debby’s courageous and heartfelt journey.
