Most days at HOPAC, ethnicity is forgotten, even though our kids come from 30 different countries. Our students have names like Tsiry and Hyungmuk and Dasha, they bring chopsticks and sushi to school for lunch, and speak many different languages at home, but in their blue uniforms and the universality of childhood, their differences fade into the background. HOPAC certainly has cliques and rivalries just like any other school, but they are not based on race.
But one day a year, those differences are celebrated. International Day has always been one of the highlights of the year. Students dress in their national costumes, parents set up booths full of artifacts and food from their home countries, and dances and songs are performed. This day never fails to bring me to tears, as I always get the distinct impression that we are witnessing a foretaste of heaven from the Creator and Lover of culture.
Many of the nationalities at HOPAC come from business people working in Tanzania, but more encouraging is that many are MK’s–from Sweden, Spain, Korea, Germany, UK, Australia, Finland…the list goes on. What an amazing experience to witness the worldwide Body of Christ.
11th Grade Girls and Their Science Teacher
Litte Dutch Girls
Little Swedish Girls
The Korean Clan
Big Tough Irish Guys
It’s November…and gathered on the basketball court, everyone sweats in the same language!
Mmmm…Everbody’s favorite part is the food.
All the kids get their “passports” stamped at the different displays.
Magnificent!
Tanzanian Dancing
Iksheeta and Grace: She wasn’t too happy with the crowds and noise!
Heather Pelczar
what a stunning display of diversity. A great inspiration toward thoughts of the One who created it on purpose!!! :>
Megan @ SimplyThrifty
Beautiful! What a fun and amazing experience.