	Christmas International House 2006
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In January 2006, the Good Hope Presbyterian youth group, Tri-Chi, met to determine their goals and objectives for the coming year. One of the main projects they wanted to undertake was to hold a Christmas International House similar to ones that Good Hope had held in the past. Those CIH Christmases held fond memories for them and they wanted to be able to experience the joy that comes from opening our hearts and homes to college students who are out on Christmas break. With much excitement and with the wonderful support of the Good Hope congregation, they planned for months for the arrival of our six international students. Finally, on December 17, the students arrived. From the beginning, barriers were broken down and friendships were formed. By the end of our two weeks together, with tearful goodbyes, we had formed friendships that will last forever. Thank you Atsuko, Eric, Fiona, Hito, Marie, and Tomoko for a wonderful Christmas Holiday. May your year be filled with God's blessings. Below are pictures of our time together and comments from the CIH participants.

Atsuko Kuroda is from Japan. She attends Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. Her major is psychology. Below are her comments about the Good Hope CIH: "There are many activities for fun, but my most wonderful experience was to meet people who are in Good Hope Presbyterian Church and other CIH students. I spent with them most of days. They are so kind and friendly. I had a great holidays because of them. Even though Iva is a small town, I really enjoyed here! I'll never forget this experience. I really appreciate them."	Eric Touze is from Spain. He attends Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. His major is economics. Below are his comments about the Good Hope CIH: "I remember when I got out of the plane in Greenville, and I saw Dylan M Katherine and Ashley, they gave off so much kindness and energy, since the first day I felt like at home In Iva. The Presbyterian Church welcomed me with a lot of enthusiasm, and this enthusiasm lasted until now. My experience with the CIH program has been very positive for me, at the beginning I was a little afraid because I though I was not be able to understand what the people were going to say to me, but everybody have been very understanding and patient. When you asked to me to write the negative things also, I didn't found nothing to say. Thank you very much for your affection and care. I love you all, and I will miss you. Of course we' ll keep in touch"	Fiona Wu is from China. She attends Southeast Missouri State University in Girardeau, Missouri. Her major is mass communications. Below are her comments about the Good Hope CIH: "I really love here! I never thought about having so much fun before I came here. It's amazing! People here are all super kind, sweet and friendly. They treat us like family members. I feel so homey living with my host families. It seems like I have two more mothers (Cindi and Judy) and two more fathers (Dave and Ronald). I also gain the good relationship with the young people here. During the past happy two weeks, we eat together, play together. No matter what we were doing, since we were together, we had a lot of fun. I also learned more about American, Japanese, as well as Spanish cultures. According to my poor English, the best thing I can say is here - Iva, SC is my home. I'll come back next vacation, next vacation, next vacation and next next vacations. I love here!"
Hito Haiya is from Japan. He attends Troy University in Troy Alabama. His major is business. Below are his comments about the Good Hope CIH: "At first I am very nervous about coming to home stay program, but I meet really nice people and know I don't have to be nervous. I can only think of good things about the program."	Marie Misumi is from Japan. She attends Concordia University in Irvine, Ca. Her major is English language studies. Below are her comments about the Good Hope CIH: "South Carolina is a lot different from California where I go to school. At first, I was surprised because there's nothing in Iva. But I really like people here. Everyone who I met was really nice to us. I could feel hospitality of people here. I could experience the food, music, and lifestyle of South which I have never experienced before. I'm happy that I could spend a good time during Christmas and a new year. I really thank everyone who welcomed and took care of us."	Tomoko Iwasaki is from Japan. She attends Lyon University in Batesville, Arkansas. Her major is North American Studies. Below are her comments of the Good Hope CIH: I had a great time here in Iva. I met a lot of wonderful people, not only the people in this church, but the people in Iva. The friendship that I could make in this two weeks was wonderful and precious. I felt like I was in my hometown though I knew nothing about Iva before I came here. I would like to appreciate to the friendship and memories that I would have in this two weeks. I want to come back here in the near future. Good Aspects: _ I could meet lots of wonderful people and make friendships that I want to have forever. _We had lots of activities and visited many places. _ I could experience American culture and found my favorite American food! (grits) Request: I wanted to have more time to spend with my host family, especially in the first week.







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