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Crossing Thresholds with International Students

Published Date: April 7, 2015
by Dr. Marilyn Elliott (D.Min, 2006; MA, 1998) Vice President of Community Formation

In each of our lives there are thresholds over which we cross into some new way of living or being. These threshold places can be both sacred and daunting. Picture stepping through a door for the last time, walking up an aisle, being escorted out of your old office, or laying fresh eyes on a new grandbaby. These and many other events, large and small, are thresholds we barely notice but once crossed, we go on with life in a new way.

The more complex the threshold, the more difficult the transition experience. When many layers are at play, such as leaving a family home, changing language and food, and physically separating from family, the longer and more painful is the process of finding a new and contented ‘normal.’

Our international students (and families) have crossed a complicated threshold to arrive in our Kentucky or Florida community. More often than not, their flights arrive in Wilmore after the sun has set and many hours of travel have been endured. Worn thin and almost too tired to hold onto hope, families struggle with bags and babies to the waiting van and are plunked into a new home.

The threshold is crossed – but it is impossible to be present oriented. Everything of value is in what was left behind. In this moment of tender vulnerability two things are needed. The first is physical provision. God provided Elijah just this – sleep, food and safety – when he had crossed a ministry threshold and was in pure exhaustion. After food and sleep, these dear ones need presence to alleviate the intense sense of loneliness and loss.

Asbury’s transition ministry for international students is keenly sensitive to these needs. Just before the travelers arrive beds are freshly made, a simple kitchen is stocked and a basket of food is left in the kitchen, filled with the essentials for a few days of living as well as an assortment of foods popular in their country to give a sense of home.

This is what students said this year after their threshold experience:

“The set up at home and welcome basket were a relief to us. Coming into a new environment and arriving in the night to find these things in place for us was a thing of joy. We were able to use these things before locating the stores.” (Korea)

“It is hard to express the meaning of all you have done. I have tears of gratitude and happiness in my eyes right now, because everything the welcome team did means the kindness of God toward us. One of the greatest points of the Asbury experience is the work of you all. God bless you and keep this warm, kind and loving vision upon you.” (Brazil)

This year the welcome team is seeking to raise $5,000 from within the community to provide welcome to over 30 incoming international students and their families. All donations are tax deductible. When we think about return on investment, this kind of gift is a life changer for these courageous and fearful new members of the community.

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One response to “Crossing Thresholds with International Students”

  1. Esther Matteson says:

    I recall the dilemma of a young family from Lebanon who were at Asbury when we were. They went to Fitch’s grocery and stood and waited for someone to ask what they wanted and then to retrieve it from the shelf for them. When that just didn’t happen–and our friends didn’t “know the ropes” as to grocery shopping in America, they left the store. Of course, eventually they learned how to shop. But imagine the frustration with having no idea how they were to obtain what they needed, simply because it was so different from the procedures back in their own land.

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