Celebrating Culture and Community

Each year, DBU hosts International Week, a week-long celebration of the many different cultures represented on the DBU campus. DBU's international presence is made up of nearly 500 students from 60 countries and embodies DBU's mission to be a global university for Christ. Throughout the week, the International Office hosted multiple events focused on gathering students of all cultures across campus to learn more about other cultures through faith, fellowship, and fun

To kick off the week on Monday, the International Office hosted "Buen Provecho" in the Sellar. Led by Susie Cassel, Director of International Student Services, students were led through an interactive cooking experience. From butter bean dip to croquettes, students were immersed into the culture of Spain through three rounds of tapas.

Tuesday night's Common Ground helped sponsor the International Worship Night. After singing praises with their peers, students were able to ask questions to a panel of students about their experiences at DBU with students of differing cultures. Students Jonathan Bratcher and DaeJu Lee recalled their experience camping together and how their friendship grew through that experience.

The Wednesday chapel, a traditional occurrence on the Hill, was a beautiful moment of worship with the DBU Family. Led by multiple International students, some of the worship songs were sung in both Hindi and Spanish. Dr. Han Oh came and spoke to the student body about committing everything to the Lord and using our influence to lead others to God. Following chapel, the Baptist Student Ministry held its weekly Free Lunch On Wednesdays (FLOW), where master's student Kathleen Sotomayer spoke about her experience as an International student and being faithful where the Lord has planted her at DBU.

"In Luke 16:10," Sotomayer explained, "God calls us to be faithful stewards and what better than to be faithful with our time and relationships. Being open to God's voice and direction while being here at DBU has allowed me to grow where I am plantedand better hear God's voice."

Thursday was the International Pepsi Break. Usually hosted by Student Life, Pepsi Break is a nice pause for the day from class and work to get some free snacks and drinks. The International Office hosted the afternoon and helped the students on campus with some relief from their busy schedules.

To conclude the week, on Friday, the International Office hosted the Food and Culture Fest. Foods from all different cultures were present and available to try. From banana and Nutella empanadas to rice pockets to chicken dumplings, students were able to fully immerse themselves into other cultures through food and fellowship, as well as hear students sing traditional music from their culture played throughout the event.

International Week is a great week filled with fun events. But even more than that, it allows the DBU community to come together and celebrate each other's cultures. Through cooking classes, free food, and worship, we come together as one people of God to celebrate with each other and rejoice in Him, being reminded that His love transcends our cultural differences.