We began hosting Mahmoud “Mudy” Hassan Omar from Tanzania in the fall of 2024 through the YES (Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study) Program, and our family of three could never have imagined the profound impact this experience would have on our lives. From the moment Mudy arrived on August 23, 2024, our world expanded in ways we will cherish forever.
When we decided to host, we knew this would be an opportunity to share our home, but it became so much more. Mahmoud is Muslim, and while our family practices Christianity, we made a commitment to support his faith. He supported our services and faith as well during the first 4 months of his stay. We ensured he could attend mosque twice a week and joined him in learning about Ramadan. We decorated our home for his fasting period and celebrated the traditions with him. Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, is centered on fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and community. Supporting Mudy during this time allowed us to understand the beauty of his traditions and values.
Cultural differences were vast—our languages, food, and lifestyles. Swahili is Mudy’s first language, so as a family we challenged ourselves to learn Swahili at a beginner level. He reciprocated by enhancing his English language. It was heartwarming to see each of us teach phrases and laugh at our pronunciation! I’ll never forget his amazement at everyday things like automatic doors at ShopRite the local supermarket, Costco, and other technology like microwaves, and even Google Assistant. It reminded us of how much we take for granted.
At Parsippany Hills High School, Mudy was initially slow to meet new friends and he was apprehensive. As time passed however, he began to embrace his new school environment and community. He began to thrive academically and socially. Though English was initially a challenge, his knowledge and diction of the English language began to grow. With that so did his confidence. Mudy began to excel in subjects like Physics, Algebra II and Computer Science, even learning Python programming.
After 6 weeks following school start Mudy participated in extracurricular school activities. He competed in three sports including Cross Country, Wrestling, and Track and Field and his love of each sport helped to further enhance his confidence. He was slow in the fall but by winter he quickly bonded with peers and embraced American culture while sharing his Tanzanian heritage. One of the proudest moments was when Mudy was selected as Student of the Month at PHHS. This award was an incredible acknowledgment of his hard work and resilience. His guidance counselor, Ms. Morisela, was outstanding—she provided unwavering support to ensure Mudy experienced a full and inclusive school year with no academic deficits.
The impact of Mudy’s presence extended beyond our family and community to the entire school community. Teachers and students learned about Tanzanian culture, traditions, and perspectives. He participated in class discussions, shared his experiences during cultural events, and sparked curiosity among peers about global exchange. His positivity and openness helped break down cultural barriers and built bridges of understanding within the school.
One highlight was registering Mudy and our 14-year-old son for the NJ Orators competition. Within just four months, Mudy earned honors—a testament to his determination and adaptability. Watching him grow taller, more mature, and more confident was an incredible joy. He was so proud of his gold medal being placed around his neck during the awards ceremony.
Beyond academics and activities, Mudy became part of our extended family. Our son taught him basketball, and our dinner conversations were filled with laughter and cultural exchange. My colleagues at work even knew about Mudy because of the stories I shared!
Saying goodbye on June 11, 2025, was one of the hardest moments. We had not just hosted an exchange student—we had gained a son, a brother, and a lifelong connection to Tanzania.
Throughout the exchange experience we learned so much more than we ever anticipated. Hosting Mudy taught us that cultural differences are not barriers—they are bridges to understanding. We learned the value of patience, empathy, and adaptability. We discovered that faith traditions can co-exist harmoniously under one roof when there is mutual respect. Most importantly, we learned that love and connection transcend borders, languages, and customs.
The YES Program truly changes lives—both for students and host families. We are grateful for the opportunity and encourage every family to consider hosting. It is a gift that lasts a lifetime.
The Crawford Family
Written by Marilyn, AFS-USA Volunteer and Host Parent
Learn more about becoming a host parent by attending an upcoming host family information session or by filling out this short form!