For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named* Before their December visit to Colorado’s Bear Trap Ranch, a number of the students had never seen snow. We offered up impromptu tips on how to navigate slippery surfaces, taking in their early efforts with a bit of good-natured chuckling along the way.

Each exhilarating day of broomball on ice, indoor table tennis, family group, (Pretend) Olympic games, and mountain hikes would wind down with mealtime followed by a Christian faith ‘talk’ presented by a guest speaker. The Navigator organization’s international student minister, Nate Mirza, endeared himself to the community and consistently ranked among the favorites.

Through a small library toward the gathering room we moved after dinner, passing beneath the mounted head of a large and quite imposing form. The taxidermied head of ‘Bruce The Moose’ was affixed to a strong interior wall, peering down like a sentry keeping watch over library shelves laden with their literary stock.

I reflect on those yearly wintry seasons together with other community-centered events in a wide range of settings where groups of international students meet with a blend of fellowship, service and faith. I am stirred by a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. Whether it’s Bear Trap Ranch, the Springtime Car Care Clinic, our Saturday night ‘Strings n’ Things’, or road trips to Branson, Mo or St. Louis or Houston. One element seemed always to mark these times. The sense of family.

The final day of Bear Trap’s ‘International Student New Years Houseparty’ arrived – accented by scores of students scurrying about, rushing to toss their luggage into a waiting vehicle. And (more urgently) rushing to get in a last hug from another non-American student or campus ministry sponsor – who had been complete strangers seven days before. Winter coat sleeves served as Kleenex substitutes to catch – here and there – an abrupt stream of tears.

To the pleasure and wonder of staff and volunteers alike it was clear. Rich friendships had spawned over this brief period. Some had in fact taken on a deeper-than-ever family identity. Through a friend who stays closer than a brother.

*Ephesians 3:14-15 – ©2024 Jerry Lout Writer/Speaker Jerry Lout grew up in Okmulgee County. Jerry’s “Living with a Limp” and “Giants in the Rough” are available through Amazon. Current projects include “Inside-Out” and “Thresholds” – a string of narratives highlighting surprises, sorrows and adventure in the post-Africa years. Jerry welcomes reader comments at jerrylout@gmail.com and 918-857-4373.