Ed, the founder of Premier Education, asked me to interview Gina saying, “They (Gina and her husband) have made a profound impact on students in their home.”
I was excited to get to know her and ask her about what she thinks makes a family a family. We chatted for 30 minutes and it took no longer to discover why Ed used the words, “profound impact,” to describe Gina.
Tell me about your hosting experience with Premier Education.
Gina: “I think I’ve been doing it for 5 five years. My husband (Albert) and I have been a part of Premier since the very beginning. Ed and Priscilla and my husband and I became friends at church during a parenting class together. Since that relationship started we’ve hosted seven students altogether. We’ve only had boys. I love boys. Boys are simple, no drama, honest and not complicated.”
How have these students impacted your family’s life?
Gina and her husband also have two daughters Andromeda (age 11) and Andrea (age 9).
Gina: “Through the years I’ve learned so much about myself. Hosting has given me meaning. Sometimes it’s hard but I really value what I’m doing. Even though they are not my biological boys I talk to them like they are my children. When they are on breaks they come to me and talk to me. I’ve learned a lot about how to help teenagers. The bottom line is that, we are all humans and we want to feel safe, secure, special and understood. I try to show them I care and then they listen to me and we build a strong relationship. Sometimes the boys are stressed and I tell them I care about them too much and we’re going to talk about it. I also am learning how to prepare to parent my girls when they become teens.”
She also added that it’s like her daughters have big brothers when they are living in their home. They play basketball together and the boys come to cheer them on at their sporting events. The girls make necklaces for the boys and they wear them to school.
What would you say makes a family a family?
Gina: “I think what makes a family a family is when you have that ‘there’s no place like home’ feeling when you step into your house. It’s like that ‘ahhhhh….’ feeling when we go out and come home, and there’s no place like home. A family means that when you get tired after hours at school you feel relieved and feel like, ‘ahhhhh…. I’m home’. Being at home with your family feels safe and secure. It’s a place where you can be yourself. You don’t have to worry about somebody judging you either. A family is a lifetime relationship, not short term.”
Gina and Albert are currently hosting Tony, Alex and John and they are all the juniors in high school. She is dreading when they will graduate and all leave her home at the same time next year.
“Family is not defined by our genes, it is built and maintained through love.”
– Amalia G., Independent Adoption Center
Not only do Gina and Albert love the boys they are hosting but they are also going to go to China in two months to adopt a boy, Andrew, who just turned five. Gina and girls are learning Chinese and Tony, Alex and Albert are helping and anticipating helping when Andrew is brought home so they all can communicate with Andrew in his native language.
Gina also mentioned what a blessing Ed and Priscilla have been in helping them through the entire adoption process.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
Gina: “I think it’s amazing how God has connected all the dots from meeting Ed Wu at church, to hosting the boys in her home and now how everyone will help invite Andrew into their home through adoption.”
The Family of God
By Bill and Gloria Gaither
Chorus
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
Chorus
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here, but PRAISE GOD! I belong!
Chorus
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
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