Participants were treated to a plethora of multicultural foods, drinks, decorations, and (best of all) conversation this morning when PAX exchange students hosted this week‘s Community Coffee at the Chamber office in downtown Hope. Each student brought a dish native to his or her home country and then gave those in attendance an explanation of ingredients and the traditional use of the selected item. Most also expressed joy to be here participating in the program and said they hoped guests enjoyed the food that represented their respective nations.
Nael, from Italy, brought pasta with tomato that is eaten often in her home country. She told SWARK.Today that she was happy with the morning’s event. “I like this,” Nael said. “I enjoy meeting people.”
Erine and Anna, from France, brought quiche and a dish made up of a waffle with cream filling topped with banana. They said they were excited to be at the Coffee. Erine said, “We love learning about new cultures.”
Raul, from Georgia, didn’t have a dish but he did have a laptop displaying pictures of his home country. When asked what he would want people to know most about Georgia, he humorously replied,” I would want them to know that Georgia is not a state in the U.S.; it’s a real country.” Raul also said Georgia is known for its wine. “Our wine was one of the first in Europe to progress. It’s very well-known.”
Zaloa and Amaia, from Spain, brought tortilla potatoes, and when asked how they felt about being at the Coffee today to share info about Italy, they said simultaneously, “We’re excited!”
Muhammad, from Nigeria, provided meat pies and soup for guests to sample. He and Ciatta, who hails from Liberia and is with the same host family, brought a huge display of pictures detailing their journey to the United States. Muhammad said he was having a great time in America, here in Hope, and with his host family.
Natsumi, from Japan, cooked rice balls, egg rolls, and tea, and said she has been having a good time since she’s been here in the U.S. When asked the biggest difference between Japanese culture and American culture that she has observed so far, she replied, “One thing I noticed here, people eat fast food twice a week or more, but in Japan fast food is not healthy so people make their own food.” Natsumi said she enjoys making Japanese dishes for her host family and she even brought a few ingredients with her since they can’t be found at the local grocery store. Cory and Haley Lewandowsky, her host family, said having Natsumi in their home has been a wonderful experience. “We came into this already with an affinity for other cultures, the Japanese culture being one, so we came into it confidently expecting a good experience all around,” Corey said. “Natsumi has been a very good host daughter. It’s been an enjoyable experience we will definitely be doing again.”
Arnetta Bradford, Regional Development Manager for Pax, said she thought hosting the Community Coffee was a wonderful opportunity for people in the community to get to know the exchange students. “I think these events bring awareness about who and what these countries, or their people, really are versus what many people might see on TV’” Arnetta said.” Now you see the actual person and not just form an opinion by what you watch on television or see on social media. This makes them more personable.”
Guests seemed delighted to try the new delicacies from other nations, only teasing their curiosities for more, as they then could be seen visiting with the students and asking questions with a genuine enthusiasm and interest to learn.
These students will be at the Chamber again with more to share during the Christmas Open House on November 17 from 5pm to 7:30 pm. Anyone interested in hosting a student as part of the PAX program can visit the website or contact Arnetta Bradford at 8708263465.
