GCS Family,

The International Program at Gaston Christian school exists to bring global missions to our doorstep, as well as cultural awareness and diversity to our school community. Through the International Program, we have had the opportunity to invite students from all over the world into our student body to share in our classes, churches, chapel services, sporting events, homes, and our lives. It is our prayer that through this program, we will see lives changed locally and abroad, and will ignite the love of the nations throughout our campus.

This last month we have had the privilege of hosting 8 high school students from Buenos Aires, Argentina. These students have lived with GCS host families, attended classes each day, showed us all how to play futbol (soccer), and been GCS’ biggest cheerleaders at the basketball games. The students visited the high school and middle school Spanish classes and shared more about their lives and their country. They shared first-hand experiences and typical conversations and greetings. The students also visited the elementary school and gave a presentation to the classes about their country and even taught them a traditional Argentine dance. Although they were here for just a short time, the cultural exchange has been priceless.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity my Spanish 1 classes had to meet and hear from the Argentinian exchange students. What a powerful way for GCS to pursue its mission statement to Prepare People, Teach Truth, and Glorify God! Our society is increasingly global, and we must prepare our students to thrive as they live and work among other peoples and cultures. Even more importantly, though, God’s kingdom has always been global. We must do all we can to foster a love of other people and places in our students, so they yearn to bring the gospel to the nations and fulfill Jesus’ command to love our neighbor as ourselves.”  – Stephanie Lynn, MS Spanish & Bible

“This past week our elementary students had a wonderful opportunity to hear from our High School international students from Argentina. Our Argentine guests shared about their culture, traditions, and country. During this enriching experience, our elementary students practiced asking meaningful questions to learn about others and concluded this special time by learning traditional dance and hearing a closing prayer in Spanish.  How marvelous it is to remember that God unites people in Christ all throughout His creation regardless of geographical distance or language! Special thanks to Mrs. Amanda Knight, International Student Program Coordinator, and Mr. Patrick Lester, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, for making this event possible.” – Bethany Meekins, Elementary Principal

“My students, and I, thoroughly enjoyed learning about life and culture from another country! My kids talked about it for the rest of the day and learned so much. It was so much fun to have them learn about Argentina and get to ask questions about what they learned!” –Ashley Proctor, 2nd-grade teacher

“I’m so glad that I was able to be a part of the exchange with the students from Argentina. They brought so much laughter and smiles to the school every day that they were here, and I’ve made lasting friendships and memories of their time here. We got to learn their culture and got to experience an American high school. I hope that they can continue to visit us again and that more students get to participate in the exchange in the future! We will miss them so much!” – DeLaney Kaylor, GCS Sophomore

“Being a Spanish teacher, I was excited to hear that our school would be hosting a group of students from Argentina for a month. I was excited to have students with whom I could practice Spanish. I was amazed at how well they fit in with our students and so quickly became a part of our GCS family. One of my favorite memories of their time with us was watching them get so hyped up at the home basketball games. Their energy was contagious! – Mark Moore, HS Spanish teacher

“I loved having the Argentinian students come to our school. I feel like I made lifelong friendships with them for the short time they were here. I enjoyed learning about their lives, culture, listening to their music, and dancing with them. I am very thankful that I got to meet the Argentine students and hopefully I’ll see them again soon”.  – Grace Marlowe, GCS Senior

“What a breeze of fresh air to have had the Argentinians at school!  With their enthusiasm, their easy-going manner, their joie de vivre, their willingness to participate in our class activities, and share about their culture, they offered their peers a peek at a world that might have remained a far, far away land.  Yet now, just because they have formed friendships and made connections, Argentina seems a bit closer, enticing, calling us to come to visit and experience the vibrant culture and the spirited people.  Caro, Lucia, Flor, Matias, Mateo, Jao, Lao, Roman, we are going to miss you!  You now have a big place in our hearts.  Vayan con Dios!” – Bethsy SanMillan, HS Spanish

As you can tell, their time with us at GCS was a joy to students and teachers all across our campus! We’d like to thank our amazing GCS families who hosted our guests while they were here. We couldn’t have done it without you! We are so grateful for the quality time you invested in the lives of these students.

Needless to say, It was a privilege to have these students here with us for four weeks. We were sad to see them leave, but the memories made, friendships formed, and culture exchanged are something we will never forget.

Sincerely,

Amanda Knight

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