Internationalmatt's Blog

This blog is about my international friends and their inspiring stories

Friendships formed between people of different countries and cultures

Being a part of introducing people that form friendships is one of the best parts of my work. It is satisfying to watch as people form different countries and cultures become friends. I have seen it happen numerous times and it I never get tired of witnessing it happen. On eusch friendship is the one that my friends Phuong and Wen Zhu have made. Phuong is from Vietnam and Wen Zhu is from China. They are always happy to see each other and stay in touch thanks to the internet.

Wen Zhu and Phuong at the college group at my church

In my Sunday class we have a very diverse group. One Sunday I went to lunch with a group that illustrates how people from diverse cultures enjoy each others friendship. That day I went to lunch with Yoshio from Japan, Alex from China, Lizzi from Russia and Mindy from Vietnam. It was fun to watch them interact with each other.

Yoshio, Lizzi, Alex and Mindy at Ali Baba's restaurant

I have also felt blessed to watch as those who come here because of work or as international students form friendships with those who come under less fortunate circumstances as refugees. A good example of this is the friendship that Neil from Congo had with a family from Korea while the family lived here for one year. They came to my Sunday morning class and shared some fun times together. Dr. Jung and his family invited Neil and I to come for dinner. We all went to a Christmas program together.

Dr. Jung and his family with Neil

One of the common bonds they have is trying to live in America and trying to learn English. There is something about a shared difficult experience that can bring people together.  Friendship can reach across cultural and language barriers. As a teacher there it is one of the best things to observe.

January 20, 2010 Posted by | African friends, Chinese friends, Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Experiences of international friends, International Friendships, Internationals, Japanese friends, Korean friends, Vietnamese friends | Leave a Comment

American Friends met some of my international friends last week

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to speak to the Second Wind Group at my church about my classes there and about internationals living in Lincoln. The Second Wind group is for people who are in their 60s and up.  It was a blessing to watch as my American friends in the group welcomed my international friends and talked with them. It was easy for two of my international friends, Carlos and Phung,  because they already knew two of the people in the Second Wind group who help with my Sunday morning class Rex and Pat. Sally and Mohaned also had the chance to interact with some of the people in the group and meet new friends.

my international friends being welcomed by Pat

I always welcome the opportunity to share with people about internationals in Lincoln. There are some facts that can be surprising such as the fact that Lincoln ranks very high in per capita- ratio out of every thousand people- for refugee resettlement or that Culler Middle School had 61 language groups one school year. Such opportunities are chances for me to help people build bridges of friendship and understanding with each other.

me speaking to the group

I appreciated the response of the Second Wind group and especially how welcoming they were of my international friends. They are warm and open to people different than they are.  My hope is that some of the new friendships continue.

the Second Wind group

January 20, 2010 Posted by | Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Experiences of international friends, International Friendships, Internationals | Leave a Comment

   

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