I was a stranger, and you welcomed me
Last week in worship, we had a visit from Susan K. who works with CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange). For several years, she has served both as a host to international exchange students (high school), and as a local coordinator placing students with families. As she shared on Sunday, in recent years, many students looking to study abroad through CIEE note the importance of faith and church participation as a part of their profiles. When she reached out to me several weeks ago with this information, I invited her to come and share directly in worship about this incredible experience and opportunity.
Of course, I could share my own stories as well. From 2002-2006, I made several trips to Europe, staying with host families in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Bremen. When I was preparing to arrive in Bremen after a semester home stay in Russia, I asked the program director if it would possible to stay in a host family rather than in the planned university dorm. When the other students (currently in dorms) learned I would have a host family, several of them asked to be relocated as well.
One might think that young 20-somethings would prefer the independence of apartments, but it turns out, family life has its appeal. Not only did our language learning improve, we had a new network of care and support. That was especially important when I had a traffic accident that landed me in the hospital, and it made for a soft landing when family visited from the States.
One of my friends was placed in a family that was deeply involved in a non-denominational church. My friend and I with our respective UCC and UMC backgrounds fell right in, finding more energy and offerings for young adults in this setting than among the churches that were a closer theological fit. We attended small groups that met in the homes and apartments of other young people, finding connections we never would have back in the university dorms.
I’m not sure it’s possible to overstate the impact of experiences like these. Sure, I’m not speaking much Russian or German these days. (It’s all Spanish now to keep up with my son and my neighbors!) But cultural exchange is a grand exercise in humility and hospitality. We learn that things we take for granted are not standard operating procedure elsewhere. We learn that translation can be more art than science, for language reflects how people think and relate to the world: a grand tapestry of nuance. And whether we’re on the giving or receiving end of hospitality, the exchange is a blessed one. “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me,” Jesus says to the faithful flock in Matthew 25.
The world has changed a lot since I studied abroad, but here’s some good news: exchange programs are still happening. Even with the current state of geopolitics, young people still want an immersive cultural and linguistic experience, including within the United States. For those of us who are concerned about our nation’s reputation abroad, here is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate up close what caring, engaged, community-centered, and faith-based living looks like.
Susan mentioned on Sunday that host families can take on many forms. You need not have high school aged children to participate. (I had no in-house siblings in Germany, and it was great!) Families need to provide students with their own bed (bedrooms can be shared) and three meals a day. They come equipped to cover other expenses. Currently, Susan is looking to place young people (15 and 16 year olds) from Spain and Germany. If you’re interested in learning more about the current candidates for placement, or know someone who might, please reach out.
Even if now is not the right time to host, it is always the right time to give thanks for those who have welcomed us, whether in a time of adventure, or an hour of need. Hospitality is a sacred gift. It is my prayer, that as we feed and are fed across boundaries, God will show up with surprise blessings.
Pastor Jen
