Its beginning to look alot like Christmas....

 in Mikalas Dorm!

'tis the Season to be Jolly!'

Christmas Day is a celebrated on December 25. Christmas is a Christian holiday marking the birth of the Christ Child. Decorating houses and yards with lights, putting up Christmas trees, giving gifts, and sending greeting cards have become holiday traditions even for many non-Christian Americans. A group of students from Kokomo High School are hosting an American Christmas Party for the boys here at the dorm on Dec 16th. This will allow the boys to partake in some of our American traditions. 

Keita Cooks!

 Keita went shopping for the ingredients to cook some Sushi!

 Converting to the metric system

 Rinsing the rice

Thanh volunteering to help!

 

Cooking the meat. I was amazed at Keita's precision in the Kitchen. He took his time and did things right! He was an excellent cook!

 

 Feast!

 Delicious

 Jose enjoying some raw sushi

Thank you Keita! It was amazing!

Happy Birthday Yannic

 Yannic choose PRETZELS for his special Birthday treat! 

 Miguel giving the Birthday Boy a BIG hug!

 The boys were given an opportunity to tell Yannic what they admire about him- Fan said something clever! 

Great Smile Santi!!

Some of the things said of Yannic were:
1. Great Laugh

2. Thanks for helping me fix my computer

3. A good friend

4. The dorm would not be as fun without Yannic

5. Enjoy staying up late and talking with Yannic.

6. Enjoys good music

7. A good roommate 

8. Funny! 

We are so thankful for you Yannic! 

Dorm Needs....or maybe wants :)

The boys are looking for an Xbox or a Playstation. They were borrowing one at the beginning of the year and used it everyday. They hosted their soccer friends in tournaments and enjoyed the time spend together while playing. They had to return the Xbox and really miss it so if anyone has one that is not being used we would love it! :) 

International Festival in Indianapolis, IN!

 Today we took 7 students to Indianapolis to attend the International Festival. 50+ booths were on display featuring numerous ethnic groups. There were performances all day in addition to real Ethnic food to eat.

  The Group!

 Costi found the Italian exhibit but was disappointed that none of the representatives were able to converse in Italian. However, he did find another foreign exchange student from Italy that he was able to talk to!

Caleb getting ready to embark into the Tepee!

Donkey Basketball!

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Some of the International Students in the Dorm attended a Fundraiser for Bridges Outreach Inc. [an after-school tutoring program in Kokomo, IN] entitled "Donkey Basketball."  The event featured teachers, policemen, fireman, and community volunteers on Donkeys attempting to play basketball!

 

Fun Night! 

Indiana University Visit

Indiana University Kokomo invited our Dorm to meet their staff during an informal 'Meet and Greet' on their campus. This was a time for the students to meet the International Staff  and to ask any questions they may have regarding an American University. We have four boys attend and they were able to meet some very interesting staff. Costi was able to speak Italian with a Language Professor and Thanh met with the Admissions Counselor to discuss enrollment.

Thanksgiving

11.11.12
Giving thanks is a conscious decision we need to make daily. So last night at our house meeting we began by listing the things that we were thankful for in our Dorm...

Jose said, "For my 10 new brothers."
Miguel- "For the experiences we do together, like on Saturday when we all went to the girl's Basketball game."
Costi- "I'm thankful for Pizza Hut Pizza on Saturday nights!"
Santi- "For this experience"

I'm thankful for this opportunity to share life with 11 International boys! I'm thankful for the sound of the ping pong balls hitting the table as they challenge each other to a friendly match. I'm thankful for our Cook- Nancy, and our Janitor-Yvonne. I'm thankful for cable T.V and wifi in the dorm. :) I'm thankful for a beautiful 75 degree day in November! 

 I'm thankful when the boys display kindness as when Jose offered to give up his chicken last night so that Bruno could have some. When Yannic lost his wallet and Costi offered to go back to the school to help him look for it. When Keita, Fan, and Costi helped with chores last night when it was not their job this week. When Miguel took time to play with my biological boys. When Keita played 'tag' with Caleb. When Jose missed the Sports Bus because he was looking for Keita to make sure Keita had a ride home. When Thanh bought fruit snacks and beef jerky for Caleb and Micah. When the boys bought their host parents gifts from their countries. When Santi went to watch and support his host brother at his soccer game. When Oscar helped us move our items into the dorm. When Yannic and Fan helped me with my computer. When Arthur helps take pictures for the blog. These acts of Kindness show the character of the students here and that is refreshing to see!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday Jose!!!

 Jose celebrated his 17th Birthday today! His Host Family decorated his room with Purdue items and dropped off some packages! 

He requested Lemon Pie for his special dessert and was graced with compliments from his brothers. Many reported that Jose is very polite, a good friend, fun to be around, has a great laugh, and is a excellent athlete! We are so thankful for Jose's leadership in the dorm and his polite spirit! Happy Birthday Jose- we love you!!!

Prom 2012!!

 Kokomo High School hosted their Prom this past weekend and 8 of our 11 Boys were in attendance! What a great looking group!!

 The day started at 3p.m  with pictures. Then they headed to the high school to get in their HUMMER LIMO!! The limo took them to Indianapolis, IN for dinner at Buca de Beppo! Then it was back to the high school for a fun night of dancing and festivities! 

 Costi and Rachel

 Jose and Kelsey

 The boys!

 Stephanie and Bruno

 More pictures

 Thanh and date

 Miguel and Kinley

 The boys and their dates. Oh Miguel....:) 

 I snuck in a little picture too! 

Yannic and Lejla

[I wasn't able to get Arthur and Keita's individual shots :( ]