| | Chi Alpha Pacific NW Area Light & Intl Student Christmas Banquet
 Kathy and I just returned from our annual Chi Alpha Area staff conference-- We call it NW Light. We had around 60 staff and interns from Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho and B.C. [See photos here]
British Columbia really isn't part of our Area at all, but our staffs tend to crossover a bit since many of the BC staff started out at Western Washington University. The BC director John (white sweat shirt front) is doing an awesome job launching Chi Alpha in the province (they operate under a different ministry name). We love being together!
  Light is a time to update each other, share what's working on campuses, and enjoy relevant teachings and/or discussions, as well as have fun together. This year we talked about practical ministry trends, followed by a discussion on what the best position (from a Chi Alpha ministry viewpoint) is when it comes to sciences, creation and/or intelligent design. Both topics were really intriguing. Being with the staff always inspires me since these are the most creative and often most intellectually brilliant people you could meet.
Our location, Lake Retreat is always a beautiful, serene spot in the Cascade foothills about 30 miles northeast of Tacoma. There's lots of history there too since that was the spot that Kathy responded to a gospel presentation as an elementary school student at summer camp.
International Student Christmas Banquet at Portland State
Just before leaving to PacNW Light, Kathy and I took part in our annual FOCUS Christmas Banquet. 319 students and American hosts took part in the semiformal evening at Greater Portland Bible Church in southwest Portland. [See photos here]
We do this as a celebration of the season and to show our international students how much we love and appreciate them. As you look at the photo above you see about 40 tables each hosted by a local family supplying their best china, place settings and centerpieces. For many of them its their first opportunity to make a new international friend.
 Through the evening we do share many of the Christmas traditions we all love in the US such as sharing a big formal dinner with all the trimmings, lots of candles, decorations, Christmas trees, as well as a dramatized nativity story, carols, and a special version of "The 12 Days of Christmas".
Kathy also directs the international student gospel choir. They been practicing all through the Fall a mix of black gospel style Christmas music. It's always a highlight of the year.
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| | Posted 12/14/2007 1:19 PM - 6 comments
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