Janet Fisher, Morrison, IL, submitted this 2024 Thanksgiving weekend report. Jim and Janet Fisher celebrated Thanksgiving with two International guests from the University of Chicago, through the International Thanksgiving Fellowship program.
“We have been a part of the Thanksgiving Homestay program since 1994 and have hosted students from 23 different Countries. We have stayed in contact with many of our former guests, and some have returned to Morrison to visit.
“Our guests were part of the campus International House’s Homestay program. The men arrived by bus on Wednesday, November 27, and returned home Sunday afternoon, December 1.
“Youcheng Xing, left, is from Beijing, China, and his field of study is Political Science. Ichwalsyah is from Bahasa, Indonesia, and his field of study is Master of Public Policy. Yes, his name is only one word.”
“They enjoyed touring Rockwood State Park; the Morrison downtown area; the Mississippi River; Eagle Point Park; U. S. Lock and Dam 13. [We introduced them] to pickleball at Westwood Sports Complex in Sterling, IL.”
“Saturday night we joined other host families and 13 other students in Rock Falls, IL, for a dinner, candle lighting program, karaoke, and line dancing.
“The best part of the week was getting to know each other by sharing experiences, food, and games. Besides having fun, we created lifetime memories and friendships.
“I tell our students, the first two days they are with us, they are guests. After that, they are family.
“At home, we also celebrated Thanksgiving evening by stepping outside for a brief prayer service at 7:00 p.m. With our list of 47 past International student guests, since 1994, we looked up at the stars and prayed for their health, happiness, and success in life. We picked out a star for Xing and Ichwalsyah and reminded them they will always be remembered, especially at Thanksgiving time.
“We thank the Rock River Valley International Group and Steve Caudillo for organizing and sponsoring this year’s wonderful program.”