Fifteen International students from the University of Chicago, Loyola University, and University of Illinois at Chicago stayed with host families in Morrison, IL, over the 2015 Thanksgiving Weekend.
Host families were
- Brett and Mindy Hagerman
- Steve and Carol Hollister
- Jim and Janet Fisher
- Kent and Spring Klima
- Kenneth and Sidonna Mahaffey
- Stan Steines and Deb Milder
- Emalie Sterenberg
- Luke and Joan Vander Bleek.
Countries represented were Brazil, China, France, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, Poland, and Saudi Arabia.
Some activities over the weekend included bowling at Hilltop Lanes; a visit to the Dale Sterenberg farm; tours of the Mississippi River and a lock and dam; Fulton, IL, Windmill Cultural Center; Eagle Point Park in Clinton, IA; Morrison-Rockwood State Park; shopping; attending church.
A potluck dinner Friday night, November 27, featured dishes prepared by both host families and guests. After dinner and a candle lighting ceremony, entertainment was enjoyed and provided by several guests.
- Brendan Hollister played “Frosty the Snowman” on his guitar, accompanied by his father, Josh.
- Abigail and Kaitlyn Mahaffey danced and shared a tumbling move.
- A Japanese guest played two piano pieces, one by Franz Liszt, “Liebestraum No. 3 Love Dream.”
- Dancing was enjoyed by everyone as they learned the Hokey Pokey, Chicken Dance, YMCA, and a line dance.
The weekend was organized by the Morrison Committee for the International Thanksgiving Fellowship Weekend, the International House at the University of Chicago, and Morrison Church Women United.
Learning another culture is a gift experienced by both host and guest.
A special thanks is given to our sponsors: Morrison Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Schuler Motors, Inc., and private contributors.
Anyone wishing to participate in next year’s Thanksgiving Weekend is invited to call Carol Hollister at 815-772-4032, Ben Hollister at 815-499-4007, or Janet Fisher at 563-249-1414.