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| Following In Your FootstepsDear Friends: When I first came to Pacific Beach United Methodist Church in 1991, one of the first events I attended was a party at the Holmes house in honor of a Brazilian exchange student who had lived with them in the seventies. This "member of the family" was returning with her husband and children for a visit. Not only was the Holmes family eager to welcome her, many other members of the church were present and filled with anticipation as well. This year, a similar event took place. The Rodenbergs welcomed a former exchange student from the same era, a man originally from Africa now living with his wife and children in France. The visiting family was brought to church and welcomed with great fanfare. An important era in the PB UMC's history was remembered and lasting friendships were renewed. Clearly, participation in the International Christian Youth Exchange program had a big impact on this church and on the families who hosted students during the years when the congregation was actively involved in the program. It seems to have been a very positive experience. Because of what I have witnessed about the strength and durability of those host family exchange student bonds, I was predisposed to be interested when I learned that Christina's high school sponsors one or two exchange students each year through a program called "ASSIST." I was interested, but not prepared to take the plunge. I had to watch the Harpur family in action for two years as they hosted first Monica, from Bulgaria, and then the next year Edita, from Croatia. The Harpurs made it look easy and fun, so when the school asked Christina and I to take a turn hosting this year's student, we agreed. Lisa T. is from a town of about 38,000 people in Germany. The closest "big city" is Munster. She is here for the entire academic year. As per the school's standard plan, we are hosting Lisa for the second quarter. She moved in with us at the beginning of November and will stay until late January. Lisa's sociability and ability to function in English are an inspiration to me. As a high school junior, she is taking calculus, marine biology, American history, American literature, French, and pottery. She's playing on the junior varsity soccer team (her first experience as a soccer player though certainly not her first introduction to the sport). She brought photos and favorite recipes from home. She and Christina alternate between baking chocolate chip cookies and German apple cake. (Both girls learned to bake from their grandmothers.) Lisa has won my heart by eating my vegetarian cooking with enthusiasm. We're having fun comparing and contrasting the way things are in America versus the way things are in Germany. I want to thank all of you who paved the way for me to enter in to this "host family" experience by showing me just how beneficial and rewarding it can be. Lisa attends the 10:30 worship service (for some reason she could not get excited about coming down to church at 8 a.m. the way Christina does). She is enjoying getting to know the church members and speaking a little German with those of you who know the lingo. She joins me, Christina, and Lizz in wishing everyone a joyful advent and Christmas season. Peace to all, Pastor April |
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