BISM Ski Trip 2016

This weekend I join 30 other international students, scholars and families to Holland, Michigan for a ski trip organized by BISM*. We are divided into groups of 3 or 4 to stay at different host families’ home. I am with 3 other girls and we are assigned to stay with an elderly couple.

*BISM: Bloomington International Student Ministry

Our hosts, Don and Karen are an amazing couple. Don is a military veteran that served at the front line during Korean War; Karen studied and taught music. Together both of them have traveled and performed Christian music at many countries such as Cuba and Cambodia.

Tonight was a fun night. Don and Karen fed us with good music, interesting life stories and ice cream. Don told us some of his war stories. We didn’t get much into it though because Karen wanted to make sure that he wouldn’t get too upset and nostalgic recalling all those tough times. Karen told us some of her traveling experiences. They played 2 songs for us too! Don played the saxophone while Karen accompanied him with piano. The song session was definitely highlight of tonight.

Karen has also encouraged us with her college experience; she understands and empathizes with our struggles as soon-to-be or fresh graduate in search of job and new life direction. I felt so much better just listening to her.

Picture above: Karen is assembling the saxophone for Don before they play.

Picture above: Don is showing us an empty bomb shell left from Korean War.

(Not shown in the picture: We didn't know that the shell that he was about to show us was outdoor so when this picture was taken, we were actually bare foot and without any coat on.)

All 4 of us girls giggled as we watched the interaction between Don and Karen. They are old and have been married for long now (19 years), but we can tell from their actions and conversations that they are still very much in love and they care for each other. They know each other’s stories dearly.

Karen married Don at the age of 44 and she was never married before prior to that. She told us to be patient. I value her advice. After I come to the States, one of the best things I have been a part of is to be a witness to many God-centered families: the Rajamanis, the Huffs, the Houstons, the Raads and now added to the list Don and Karen. The way they honor God and each other in their families are just something I love and desire. And I think good things like this worth the wait.

I am going to ski tomorrow morning so I better off to bed now. Good night.