Have you ever had the desire to volunteer, but don’t know where to start? Our friend and IFI staff member in Muskingum, Katie Pozzuoli, shared a “friendship family spotlight” with us about the Daniels and their experience volunteering with IFI– both the joys and challenges of hospitality to international students while living a busy life. Continue reading to learn more about how they manage to be intentional amidst full seasons!
Being intentional with our attention to people has been a growing ministry for our family. Whether through coaching soccer, hosting small or large groups in our home, or simply inviting someone over for Sunday dinner, we have felt God calling us to live with intentional hospitality. When a friend approached us about IFI and asked if she could pass along our information, we saw it as an incredible opportunity and trusted that God would lead the way - and He truly has.
At first, we were concerned that our loud, robust personalities might be too much for a student just arriving here. But God knew exactly who we needed (and who he needed). We have truly grown in our relationship with our IFI student and have been intentional about creating opportunities to spend time together. This year we have accomplished Black Friday shopping, shooting guns, running a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, Friday night movie nights, board games, learning to cook Indian food, sledding, and even included him in our immediate and extended family gatherings. Our children especially love when he comes over, knowing there will always be something fun or competitive to take part in.
With all the joys, there have also been challenges. This past fall was a particularly busy season with soccer, and we had to be very intentional about making time to connect and support him during his first semester. We recognize that this season can be difficult while adjusting to a new culture, making friends, and dealing with possible homesickness, so being present matters. We have also learned that even with strong English skills, communication gaps still happen. We’ve found it important to double-check plans, clarify expectations, and approach misunderstandings with grace. This experience has stretched us in patience, flexibility, and ability to communicate with greater clarity and love.
Our student will be with us for another three years, and we are already making plans for the summer. We are excited to see what God will continue to do in our time together. We have seen Him work in the way He brought us together, in the growth of our relationship, and in the ways He continues to teach all of us through this experience. When we allow God to lead our time together, we have been incredibly blessed by it.
