After spending five days with Morrison, IL, residents, Thanksgiving will now have a new meaning to a group of visitors, who came to visit over the holiday weekend.
Organized by the International House at the University of Chicago and local coordinators, Janet Fisher, and Carol Hollister, ten college students came from the following countries: Armenia, China, Japan, and Thailand. They arrived by bus Wednesday evening, November 21, 2018, and left Sunday afternoon, November 25.
Some of the activities over the weekend were bowling at Hilltop Lanes; a visit to the Dale and Sue Sterenberg farm; tours of the Mississippi River, Lock and Dam 13, Eagle Point Park, in Clinton, IA, and Morrison-Rockwood Park; shopping; horseback riding; attending church.
A Potluck dinner Friday night, November 23, featured dishes prepared by both host families and guests. After dinner, local host families introduced their students.
During the candle lighting ceremony, international students practiced their English by talking about their field of study, school, and host family. They expressed much gratitude for the opportunity to be with an American family.
Dancing was enjoyed by everyone as they learned the Hokey Pokey, Chicken Dance, YMCA, and a line dance featuring The Electric Slide.
Families who hosted this year were Joanne Dumar; Jim and Janet Fisher; Terry and Ruth Hoehn; Steve and Carol Hollister; Carol Howard; Dave and Linda Temple; Luke and Joan Vander Bleek.
Learning about another culture is a gift experienced by both hosts and guests. The Morrison Rotary Club funded this wonderful opportunity that introduces local residents to people who are potential world leaders and problem solvers in their countries.
Please consider joining us next year for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, by contacting Janet Fisher at jfisher@mchsi.com or Carol Hollister at cshollisters@gmail.com.
More information about the program can be found at