Thursday, October 2, 2014

October 2, 2014::new friends

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."

-- Maya Angelou 


Part of our plan for our children's education is the commitment we have made to introducing them to as many different cultures and people as possible. As a one income family, international travel for our whole family is hard. Though we have plans to visit other countries with our children, or to facilitate their exploration of other countries as young adults, it is important to us that the celebration of cultural diversity be of importance daily.  We are always on the lookout for diverse experiences within our own community. So much to learn and so many new friends to meet.


Since we have been in Kokomo, we have become a part of the group of people at IUK who welcome, assist, and recruit international students. Last night, we shared our home and table with nursing students and faculty members from Beijing, China. Reeves helped me explain how to put together a plate of American nachos. Embree shared selfies and compared American and Chinese fashion with all the students, and Brice taught them all how to play Monopoly.


This evening came just one day before Todd leaves for a recruiting trip to Southeast Asia, including China, SKorea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Singapore. It was a fun night and a great way to start our indepth study of the cultures of these countries.








Namaste