ZHUOCAN

We have had the opportunity this school year to be a part of the "INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP FAMILY PROGRAM" at the University of Utah.  It is a program that you commit to be a friend and help these students learn more about our culture.  We got together and did something every month. The student we have been "hosting" is...

ZHUOCAN

(We have a hard time saying her name so we call her Jewels :)

 

 She is from China and is here working on her Masters in Atmospheric Science.  It has been really fun to get to know her and more about her family and culture.  The funny thing is when we decided to participate in the program my mom and dad had decided to participate in their ward too.  We didn't know this and when they were given a Chinese student as well it sure has made it nice to do things together.  Their students name is Laura.

Laura and Zhuocan

(Jake and Will's birthday dinner in November)

 

 Another family in our ward (The Cravens) were given a Chinese girl and boy to host (named Rolly and Kin Lee) so we did some activities with them as well throughout the school year.  We went bowling and to pizza in February. They had such a great time bowling.  The students had never done this so it was fun to watch them figure it out.

Zhuocan and Laura helped celebrate my 40th birthday with dinner at my parents home.

This past Monday night for FHE we hiked up to Ensign Peak with the students and the Cravens, then to Hires for floats and shakes (they tried rootbeer for the first time there.  They didn't really like it :)     

Zhuocan has finished her last set of finals and is heading back to China for most of the summer.  I think it was a great experience to show our kids that people have differences and come from different places but that we can be a friend to them and love them for who they are.  We will miss seeing Zhuocan every month but hope to always keep in touch!