Flavors from Around the World
On Saturday, November 23, 2019, the WMC International Student Program (ISP) gathered at the home of one of our host families, Russ and Cindy Gabel, to celebrate the American Thanksgiving holiday.
The WMC ISP twist was the international flavor added to the event.

Each student was asked to bring a food item from their country. There were Patatas Bravas, pasta, and Spanish Chorizo sausage and cheese, and a Spanish omelet from Spain, an egg roll, kimchi egg and candy from Korea, and spring rolls from Vietnam. These were all side dishes to the main course of turkey, ham, stuffing and mashed potatoes provided by the Gabel family. Students and host families totaled more than 50 giving thanks for our school, food, culture, each other, and the blessings we have. The group was joined by Man Ho, a WMC grad and current Calvin College student, pursuing a nursing degree and some friends.

This year WMC has 28 students from China, Korea, South Africa, Spain, and Vietnam. Each month the ISP has a cultural activity that has so far included a camping trip and a Fall Festival. Students will celebrate Christmas later this month and there is a spring break trip planned to go to Washington D.C.

Each student lives with an American host family that includes a monthly stipend to help cover transportation and food expenses. This is a great opportunity for families to share faith and culture as well as learning a new culture and developing long-lasting relationships.

(left to right) Gene Zhou (12th), Benjamin Sandoval 11th, Owen Varnardo (10th, WMC host family), Pablo Crespo Ballester (10th), Hugo Allende Campillo (10th), Marco Allende Campillo (11th), Hector Sanchez Alcon (10th).
CLICK HERE for more information on WMC’s International Student Program.
Interested in hosting an international student? Please contact Kyle Kempster.