New Friends

Tonight we spent time with our new friends, Hadiqa and Ayesha.  These young women are international students from Pakistan, spending a semester in an exchange program at a local university.

Our pastor for missions connected us with them to be a "host family".  He told us that 80% of international students never step foot in an American home during their time here in the U.S.  We feel like it is such a unique opportunity for us and for our children to get to know these sweet ladies and broaden our worldview at the same time.

We shared a lovely "American" meal and lots of laughter at California Pizza Kitchen  :)   I feel honored that Hadiqa and Ayesha shared so honestly about their families, culture and Muslim faith and we were able to do the same.  Our friend Rebecca joined us and it was so neat to listen to these young women relate to each other.  They told me that as their host family I am their American Mom.  I love that, what a privilege!  I am happy to have children who know how to go potty by themselves.  ;)  ha!  Our daughters thought they were so beautiful.  Every time I looked up, they were staring and smiling at them.

Women like Rebecca, Hadiqa and Ayesha give me hope for the future.  They have a passion to grow and learn about people, other cultures, and other points of view.  It is a beautiful thing!   I pray that God would be glorified in their lives and for generations to come.