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Sacrifice At the Cinema

Take a quick look at the video clip below and then read on to learn more about the ultimate sacrifice.

What an interesting question… why do our favorite movies always have a hero making the ultimate sacrifice? Could it be because deep down inside of us, we all want to be loved in such an immense way that can overlook our mistakes, selfishness, and mess ups, to see us as a treasure worth the great cost of sacrifice.  

What makes these movies so captivating is that the hero does something spectacular on behalf of those who could not save themselves. The greatest story ever told could be one of these blockbuster movies! It has miraculous events, skeptical political leaders, the suspenseful foretelling of danger, and the intense display of love by the sacrifice of one for the redemption of all.  

This Easter, don’t get distracted by the chocolate bunnies, pastel-colored eggs, and sweet jelly beans. A story has been in the making for over 2,000 years, and you are an important part of the script! Our world and each of us were created by a loving Creator for the purpose of perfect relationship and enjoyment with Him. But as most movie plots go, our human desires and selfishness lead to sin- wrong choices which damage that perfect relationship.

Now this is where the movie plot gets interesting… we could have been left living with brokenness and death, but our Maker made a way to restore us to perfect relationship that lasts beyond the grave, by sending a perfect sacrifice, His Son, who knew no sin and was willing to take on our mistakes and the price of our failures. It was not an equal exchange, our sin for His purity… the Son experienced the weight of sin so fully that when he died by being nailed on the cross, the skies turned black, the ground shook, and even the heavy temple curtain separating the holy from the unholy was torn from top to bottom. Some might think this is the climax of our movie, but it’s not. It’s still coming! The true power of the story comes 3 days later, when the Son defeats death and comes back to life as the risen Savior!  

Because He was willing to face death on behalf of all people, He invites us to accept this free gift to be an actor in the Creation story. God is inviting you to join in this life-changing movie today. Don’t miss out! 

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay

Jimmy

Jimmy was chosen as the AHLI Student of the Month for his involvement and growth at school and at home. Jimmy is a freshman at Lititz Christian School, where he is a part of the basketball team. He has made great strides in using his English in the classroom and on the court. He is intentional about developing friendships and helping his host family around the home. We are proud of you Jimmy! Keep up the great work!

February is the month of love for Americans. February 14th is the day that more roses, chocolate, and cards are sold compared to any other day. Everywhere you turn, you see pink and red hearts, and the infamous chubby cupid baby looking to shoot a person with a love arrow to cause them to fall helplessly in love with the next person they meet. 

Countries around the world celebrate the idea of love. France, home to the town of Valentine, celebrates with the exchange of Valentine cards. South Korea celebrates the day of love on the 14th of every month! For the Maasai in Tanzania, young men dance and sing to attract a bride. In Wales, the day is celebrated on January 25, with the exchange of hand carved wooden spoons! For people in the southwest of China, love is celebrated through the giving of colored rice! Spanish men show affection in October by making a ‘macadora’ figurine out of sweet marzipan for their loved one. 

Most cultures have a tradition, symbol, or celebratory day for love. We love to talk about love, and we love to be in love! Society tells us that love is an emotion we have for those who we have deep affection for. It can be much harder to feel love for those who are not like us, or don’t understand us. The Bible gives a us a different definition of love. Love is not just something we feel, but how we act.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 

As you look through the list above of what love is, what do you see? Love is something we do intentionally, even when it is difficult. Many times, I don’t feel love when my kids put the dishes in the dishwasher the wrong way, or when a driver cuts me off in my lane, or when a family member says an unkind word to me. Instead, I feel angry and frustrated. But if I think of love as an action, rather than a feeling, I’m able to show more patience and endurance through difficult times. This month, is there someone in your life who you need to show love to, even when you don’t feel it? 

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay

High school is a time for learning, growing, and understanding yourself. One way to do this is to give your time and talents to make our world a better place. Volunteering is an excellent way to make new friends, build your college resume, and help others, all while trying new things.  

If volunteering is new to you, let’s look at some opportunities where helping a few hours a week or month can make a difference for you and others.  

• Working with students – Many schools offer opportunities to assist younger students or even peers with their homework or class subjects. You may be good at math or science and can ask your teacher if there are students who need peer tutoring, or the school librarian may be able to match you with younger students who are learning to read books.  

• Help your school – Look for opportunities to help at your school. Your school may need help to paint a classroom, plant flowers, or organize the library. These events are usually only a few hours but can maximize the impact at your school. If cleaning is not something you want to try, ask your favorite teacher if they need any help preparing their classroom or lessons.  
• Protect animals – Are you an animal lover? Communities in the United States value animals, and there are many organizations that allow young people to help save, protect, and care for lost, injured, or abandoned animals. Local animal rescue organizations allow volunteers to walk and feed animals. You can volunteer with community agencies that care for the environment, which protect our wildlife, like planting a butterfly garden or cleaning up trash in local parks. 
• Help disadvantaged people – There are less fortunate people in our local communities. Volunteering your time to help prepare meals, help at an after-school program to work with kids, or create a coat drive to collect winter items that can be donated to a charity organization to distribute to people in need. Churches are a good place to find opportunities to help others. 

God has gifted you with important talents. You can expand your abilities by using them to help others. Research has shown that volunteering boosts a person’s mood and decreases depression. Also, volunteering can help you get into the college of your choice. In 2018, a survey of 264 College Admissions Officers published in Forbes magazine stated that 58% of respondents agreed that “A student’s community service experience has a positive impact on his or her acceptance to our higher education institution.” College admission departments recommend that you volunteer consistently for at least a year to show commitment to more than yourself.  

Let 2023 be the year where you give of your time to make your community a better place to live! 

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay

Jerry

Jerry was chosen as the AHLI Student of the Month for his involvement at school and helpfulness at home. Jerry is a senior at Lititz Christian School, where he is involved in basketball, managing the volleyball team, and National Honor Society. He is also starting an internship with the Athletic Director at his school in January. We are proud of you Jerry! Keep up the great work!

Are you ready to say Goodbye to 2022 and Hello to 2023? How will you celebrate the coming of the new year? Many people will have parties and participate in the tradition of watching the lighted ball drop at the stroke of midnight in New York City’s Times Square. One million people typically flood Times Square for this annual event, with 1 billion people watching it on television.  

Let’s look at how other countries ring in the new year! 

Brazil: The new year is during summertime in Brazil, so people head to the beach to celebrate. At midnight, Brazilians jump into 7 waves, making 7 wishes for the New Year. 

India: Indians in the Bombay area create an effigy of an old man and burn it at midnight, signaling the letting go of grievances in the old year and creating space for the new. 

Spain: At midnight, people eat 1 grape at each strike of the clock for a total of 12 grapes. To have a prosperous new year, all 12 grapes must be eaten by the last strike of the clock. 

Japan: People eat soba noodles and believe biting the soft noodles symbolizes breaking away from the old year. 

Colombia: On New Year’s Eve, people place 3 potatoes under their bed- one peeled, one unpeeled, and one partially peeled. At midnight, each person reaches under their bed and pulls out 1 potato…representing either financial struggle, a year of prosperity, or a mix of both. 

Denmark: Usually throwing plates at people’s doors would not be a good thing, but on New Year’s Eve, the more broken dishes you have at your doorstep, the more friends one has.  

Philippines: At the New Year celebration, 12 round fruits are served (one for each month), such as apples, plums, grapes to mirror the shape of coins.  

Greece: On New Year’s Day, you will see onions hanging from people’s front doors to symbolize growth and fertility, just as an onion sprouts on its own! 

Haiti: January 1 is also Haiti’s Independence Day, so people eat a special pumpkin stew that used to be considered a delicacy, reserved for the elite, ruling class. Sharing your stew with your neighbors is part of the tradition. 

Canada: You better like wintry weather to celebrate New Year’s in Canada. Families go ice fishing together, building heated huts and roasting the freshly caught fish on the spot. 

Here’s a funny video to ring in the New Year!

Happy New Year! 

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay

Steve

Steve was chosen as the AHLI Student of the Month for his growth and involvement in school.

Steve is in 9th grade at Peoria Christian School, where he is involved in soccer, basketball, and the praise band. He is always eager to help those around him. He keeps a positive attitude even through challenges. We are proud of you Steve! Keep up the great work!

Enjoy these facts about Thanksgiving! Maybe even surprise your friends and family with this trivia at the dinner table tomorrow. 

1. When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated? 

In 1621, a 3-day feast was held for 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians. History records that only 5 women were present. This celebration sealed a treaty between the two groups for the next 50 years. 

2. What food was not at the first Thanksgiving? 

Turkey! Native Americans and colonists most likely shared a meal of venison, duck, lobster, seal and goose, with sides of pumpkin and cranberries. 

3. How many turkeys are prepared and eaten each Thanksgiving? 

46 million! 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving. 22 million people will eat turkey on Christmas too. 

4. What is a Turkey Pardon? 

In 1989, President George H. Bush pardoned the first turkey before Thanksgiving at the White House, when the 50 lb. bird “looked a little nervous.” The big bird went on to live a full, long life after being excused from being on the dinner table. Every president since then has pardoned a turkey, with some being sent to live at Disney World! 

5. Do turkeys actually gobble? 

Only male turkeys make a gobble, gobble sound. Female turkeys cackle. 

6. How many calls does the Butterball Turkey Hotline receive each Thanksgiving? 

The Butterball hotline is a free phone number people can call to ask questions about how to prepare turkey. Each year, 100,000 calls are answered about how to prepare, stuff, and cook the bird. The Butterball company also now accepts text message questions as well at Thanksgiving time. 

7. Do other countries celebrate Thanksgiving? 

Yes, Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving, but it is always the second Monday in October. In the U.S., Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November. 

8. What is the most popular dessert to eat on Thanksgiving? 

Each year, 50 million pumpkin pies are eaten for dessert at the end of Thanksgiving dinner. 

9. What professional sport is always played on Thanksgiving? 

NFL football always has games played on this holiday. The Detroit Lions have played every Thanksgiving Day, except during World War II. In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys joined in on playing on Thanksgiving, and has played every year since then, except for 1975 and 1977. 

10. Which president made Thanksgiving a national holiday? 

President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday on October 3, 1863. Sara Hale, who wrote the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” wrote letters to presidents for 17 years requesting a National Day of Thankfulness. 

We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay

As we approach the end of October, the exciting newness of living in America may be wearing off. Homesickness may be settling in, causing you feelings of loneliness and sadness. Homesickness is the intense feeling of missing one’s home, which can include family, culture, food, language, and even pets. It can cause anxiety and sadness because of being disconnected from the familiar.  

Longing for home is a normal part of cultural adjustment. Adapting to a new “home” does not come quickly and takes time to settle in. Learning how to cope in an unfamiliar environment is an important life skill that will be a benefit as you make moves and transitions later in life. Remember you are not alone in what you are experiencing.  

When struggling with homesickness, you will start to think about how good and comfortable your life at home was. It is easy to reflect on all the positive things you left behind when you got on that plane. Life in your new home may be different than you expected, and not as fun as you had hoped. You might be tempted to compare which culture is better. It is also easy to withdraw from others and spend time alone in your room.  

But let’s look at healthy ways to work through homesickness: 

1. Limit the amount of time you spend talking on the phone with family and friends back home. This may seem the opposite of what you think will help. It is important to stay in touch with friends, but too much time keeps you from developing new relationships. Emailing family can be better than spending hours on the phone, which keeps you from building a relationship with your host family. 
2. Create an “Exploration List.” Do a little research and see what interesting places you can discover in your new town….it may be restaurants, historical buildings, parks, or cultural locations. Ask your host family to help you check things off your list.  
3. Keep a journal. Writing down your feelings and experiences helps you process your emotions. In a journal, you can be honest with how things are going, but you can also include what is going well, so you can remember when there are difficult days. 
4. Get outside! America is full of beautiful places with lots of nature and green spaces. If writing in a journal is not interesting to you, go outside and make a photo log of your community. All of our phones have excellent quality cameras that you can use to capture the beauty around you.
5. Get moving! Go for a walk, ride a bike, visit a gym, take an exercise class- there are lots of ways to get exercise that keeps your body and mind healthy. Research has shown that regular exercise releases a chemical in the brain that causes happiness.  
6. Take a risk! Taking risks is scary, but can have big benefits in helping you adjust faster to your new home. Join a club or sport at school. Talk to someone new on the school bus. Volunteer to serve at church or in your community. Cook a traditional meal for your host family. There are lots of ways you can try new things and make new friends!
7. Talk to someone you trust. When you are feeling sad about not being home, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with your friends or AHLI Coordinator. Even if they have not experienced the same thing, they can be a support just by listening.

Remember that home will still be there when you return. Embrace your current situation as an opportunity to learn and experience new things. With time, the feelings of homesickness come less frequently. Trust the adjustment process, and you will start to become acclimated to your host family, school, and community.  

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”  Lamentations 3:22-23 

Welcome to the start of a new school year! We are excited to have you as part of the AHLI program and look forward to finding creative ways to engage with you over the course of the academic year. As you settle into a new routine, I want to encourage you to look at the start of school as a new opportunity – to make new friends, be more diligent in your studies, try a new club, sport, or activity, or even, let go of a habit or behavior that is holding you back from achieving your goals. 

Jumping into “newness” can be incredibly exciting or incredibly scary, depending on your point of view. Whether you are arriving to the U.S. as a new student or returning for your fourth year, the start of the school year is your chance to make a fresh start. All of us have an area we would like to improve in. This month can be your chance to develop, stretch yourself, and grow in these areas.  

Think of starting this year with a clean slate. The Bible teaches us that God’s mercies (second chances) are new every morning. God gives us a fresh start every day, but what you do with each new day is up to you. Do not waste the chance you have been given to be kinder, put others before yourself, and seek more wisdom. No matter how big the endeavor, God will help you move forward.  

A Chinese proverb says, “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and others build windmills.” How will you respond to the winds of change this year? Will you resist and hold on to past ways, or embrace new things and build a better version of yourself? 

Your AHLI team, including your Director and Coordinator, wish you a great beginning of the year, and are excited to see the wonderful accomplishments you will have!

Sincerely,

Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay

Seniors, reach out to me on WeChat to tell me your favorite high school memory!