Scott Mackenthun’s family grew by one teenager last year when he and his wife, Jackie, and their two daughters, Quinn and Cora, hosted German exchange student Marisa Doddo. As Scott gained another “daughter,” another father, an ocean away, let go of his. Marisa’s dad, Daniel, knew the exchange student experience would be a “valuable part of her life.” After ten months apart, Marisa’s joyous reunion with her dad will be on display this Father’s Day weekend at Holy Trinity as they provide the Musical Offering on Sunday during worship.
Marisa’s exchange student process started a full year before arriving in the United States. Marisa explains, “As it turned out, I was so lucky to be placed nine months before I would leave! It allowed me to contact the Mackenthuns very early, and I didn’t have to worry about getting along with my host family. As it turned out, I got really lucky with my placement! I love my host family and am very grateful and glad to have been placed in New Prague, too.”Scott agrees the early placement was crucial to a successful experience for everyone. “Jackie and I knew what we were signing up for since host parents receive a portfolio of the prospective student, including her academic transcripts. For more than half a year, we used Zoom to connect with Marisa and her family before she arrived. In short, we knew we were getting a bright young lady who liked music, was dedicated to her church, and wanted to learn and experience a new culture. It was an easy decision to host her.” Marisa arrived on August 20, 2022, and Scott made sure she felt a part of the Mackenthun family by giving her a nickname. “Everyone at our house has a nickname (I do the naming), so Marisa became ‘Mar-Bear.’ I quizzed her on American stereotypes – fast food and diet, sports obsession, guns, patriotism, Hollywood, and cultural influence. I quizzed her on translations, using Google Translate along the way, something she’ll never forget or stop laughing about.”
While Scott was making Marisa part of his family, Daniel was coping with her absence in his. He reflects, “I liked the idea of Marisa going to the U.S. for an exchange year from the beginning. However, I let Marisa go with mixed feelings. 15-years-old is relatively young, and the pain of parting hit me more than I expected. I thought I was well prepared for the situation, but saying goodbye came faster and harder than expected. I really struggled the first two days. But I learned to deal with it with God’s help and grace. After a few days, I felt a lot better – thanks to video calls!”
Video calls and Jackie’s blog about the Mackenthun’s hosting experience helped bridge the gap that spanned an ocean. Jackie documented everyday life and special family trips online via beyondgermany.blogspot.com. Stories, thoughts, and photos about the Minnesota State Fair, high school musicals, archery competitions, seeing Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, singing in church during worship, National Park explorations, Marisa’s Sweet 16 birthday, prom, graduation, and more. Marisa contemplated her journey after receiving her honorary diploma from New Prague High School. “Coming here was very surreal. I can’t grasp the fact that my exchange year is almost over. The biggest difference from Germany was school. I actually enjoy going to school in New Prague, partly because the teachers are so much nicer and classes were easier. In fact, I’m actually sad school is over. I’m really going to miss choir with Mrs. Thietje. We don’t have choir in German schools, just as we don’t have any sports or other activities in school. It’s all about academics, and it’s a lot more stressful. I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to be here, and I will definitely carry these memories and experiences with me forever!”Ten months of experiences, and a lifetime of memories. Scott, a Fisheries Biologist with the MN Department of Natural Resources, sums up what it was like to have an extra daughter, “As we near the end of our experience, we’re grateful for the chance to have spent time together and for creating lasting relationships with another family abroad. We’re making the most of our final weeks together, and trying to let ‘Mar-Bear’ and her family experience the best part of living in Minnesota – the summers! I’m certainly going to make sure she gets some final fishing in as well – something she had never done before she came here. Marisa likes the fish eating, and now she likes the fish-catching component, too.”
Daniel agrees, saying, “I’m excited to see Marisa again and to meet her host family and friends.” Jackie adds, “We have many fun things planned: Eve of Destruction in Elko (new for all of us!), Valleyfair, MOA, and an archery event with Scheels.” Marisa’s mom (a teacher) and brother arrive on June 22 after their school finishes. “We plan to take them to the candy store in Jordan and probably a dinner at Fogo de Chao as they don’t have any Mexican or South American food in Germany,” Jackie states. The Doddo family will leave New Prague on Sunday, June 25, and travel around the western U.S. for three weeks before returning to Germany in July.
All are welcome to worship this Sunday at 9 am to celebrate fathers of all kinds. Marisa and her dad will sing “Above All/All in All” for the Musical Offering. You won’t want to miss it! (Don’t forget your tissues.)
