This year marks our 26th anniversay as a Christmas International House host program. Through those many years, members and friends of Saint John Center Lutheran Church have welcomed nearly 200 international students for two weeks over the Christmas holidays. For many students, this is their first opportunity to experience life with a Christian / American family.This year's program dates are December 18 through January 2, 2010.
Many of the friendships established during this two week experience continue to grow through the years. This is truly peacemaking at its very best.
Our program, known as Lancaster County CIH, offers students the opportunity to participate in group activites, which in the past have included:
* A horse and buggy ride
* Lunch with an Amish family in their home
* A visit to a Amish one-room schoolhouse
* A horse and buggy ride
* Touring and volunteering at a material resource center
* An all-day trip to Philadelphia
* A day trip to the beach
* A visit to a dairy farm
* Learning how to quilt
* Sharing favorite foods and talents at International Night
Actual activities are determined prior to the program start dates and are dependent on good weather.
In addition to group activities, students will join their host family as they celebrate their customs and traditions of the Christmas season. This may include:
* Baking cookies
* Decorating the family Christmas tree
* Shopping
* Cooking and baking
* Visiting family and friends
* Playing games with children
* Attending worship services, such as Christmas Eve services
