Friend Families at Ridgecrest
Before the 2023 Fall semester at MSU, Donna Richard shared what Ridgecrest Friend Families are all about!
International students even now are preparing their passports and packing their bags, excited about their new adventure of coming to Springfield, MO!
We want to be ready to welcome these students! The first few weeks of the school year are the most crucial time to reach out to students! They are looking for friends. They want to meet Americans. They want to adjust quickly so they won't be embarrassed about making a cultural "mistake." And, we can be there to help them during this transition!
Ridgecrest Friend Families is a ministry to MSU international students that develops a relationship with a student to help them understand our culture, give them an American family they can call their own, and show them how we live out our daily lives as Christians in America. Soon after you sign up to be a friend family, an international student's name, religion (if known), and country of origin will be given to you. Pray over that student by name. Look up their country on a map and read a quick article about the country and religion for a better understanding.
We have asked a few Friend Families to contribute their thoughts, experiences and suggestions having a student relationship:
How do you contact the student?
"We first text the student to see when we might call them, as it is easier to ask first their schedules to determine a time to get together. Many international students don't have cars, so we offer to pick them up or to meet them the first time near campus."
"We texted, as sometimes it is hard to understand them over the phone with their accent. We met near campus. We also sent them a picture of us so that they could more easily recognize us at the meeting place."
What advice would you give to someone new to having an international student friend?
"Have fun!! Ask questions and they will be more comfortable asking questions of you. Be genuinely interested!"
"Students usually enjoy talking about their families - for many of them, it's their first extended time away from home. They like sharing about our differences in food, housing, schools and even our lack of pollution!"
"We had the pleasure of having a Chinese student. When we met with her, we were pleased to get to meet her father, mother and daughter who all had come with the student. Some students will have family members accompany them."
"Be flexible with both of your schedules, because class, tests, group projects and papers do take priority. Realizing the need to be flexible will allow you to graciously say, 'Ok, let's postpone to another time.' This shows them you respect them and their schedule but still want to develop the relationship!"
What is something that was unexpected but pleasant that occurred with your student?
"A funny thing happened one afternoon when I pulled into the garage with a carload of students, and they squealed with wonder about driving ‘into the house!’ They asked to take photos!"
"We made dumplings with my student's family and eating a dinner that they prepared. They never let my plate be empty. I was trying not to laugh and be respectful but her dad kept spooning food onto my plate, and whatever my own daughter did not like, she discreetly gave it to me as well!"
"With our first two girls from China, I asked the Friend Family coordinator if I was suppose to make Chinese food. He said, ‘No, make American food.’ I was delighted when one of our students asked what we were eating and I said, "Meatloaf." She was thrilled! She had just heard that word in class that day and really wanted to try it!! And best of all, she really liked it!”
Start praying now if God would have you open your heart to befriend a young person that might "fit" into your family, just as you are!
"I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME." Matthew 25:35