I had the privilege of staying with Bill and Barbara in Tucson for three unforgettable weeks during my first trip to the United States as a part of USAID Community Connection Youth NGOs program 2006.
Coming from Kazakhstan, everything felt new and unfamiliar, yet Bill and Barbara welcomed me with such warmth that I quickly felt at ease. I even insisted on calling them Bill-aga and Barbara-apay, using the Kazakh words for respected elders — something they accepted with kindness and curiosity.
I still vividly remember their home — filled with bright pinks and deep violet purples. It felt so full of life and creativity, and to me, it reflected their spirit. They were both musicians, and I was lucky that I had mentioned I had studied music as a child. They patiently listened to my modest piano playing, encouraging me in a way that made me feel seen and supported.
One detail that stayed with me was a certificate Bill had on the wall about the Y chromosome — something I tried to understand at the time using an old offline translation program on my laptop that only worked when plugged into the wall. It makes me smile now to remember those small efforts to understand each other.
Our last evening together remains especially dear to me. Bill prepared the entire dinner himself, including a wonderful chocolate cake, and he did so with such pride. Coming from a culture where cooking and household responsibilities were traditionally reserved for women, this moment left a deep impression on me. It quietly expanded my understanding of the world — showing me that care, creativity, and contribution are not defined by gender.
What touches me just as deeply is that our connection did not end there. After I returned to Kazakhstan, we continued to stay in touch through emails. Bill-aga and Barbara-apay patiently read my early messages and helped me express myself in English, even when my words were imperfect. In many ways, I learned to communicate by writing to them. I also remember receiving from them a book to study business English, which became a meaningful part of my learning journey and helped teaching English in our rural English Access Michoscholarship Program sponsored by US Embassy.
Over the years — for nearly two decades — Bill-Aga and Barbara-apay continued to send Christmas letters, sharing updates about their lives and families. When I later came to the United States, they even sent me letters with small amounts of money, continuing their care and support as if I were truly their host-daughter.
Looking back, I realize that my connection with Bill was not only about a visit, but about a lasting bond. His kindness, generosity, and openness helped shape my understanding of the world and gave me confidence to grow. I remain deeply grateful for him and for the place he will always hold in my life.
Bill and Barbara changed not only my life, but through me, they have reached many others — in Kazakhstan, Namibia, and now in New York. What I learned from Bill about American culture, language, and hospitality is something I have continued to carry and share with others.
