Yabuki Breeze Blog

(See Pictures) July 4 is usually a busy day for us. Between parades, parties for students, etc. there is always a lot to do. This year was no exception. Two of us being in a parade, a combined TCU and UTA July 4 party in Fort Worth. It was non-stop. Also, BOY WAS IT HOT!

The day after arriving home from Colorado, Lisa had to wake up early in the morning to take T-9 to Downtown Arlington because they were going to be IN the annual Arlington July 4 Parade on a float presented by his cub scout troop. Later on, I brough J-12 and C-6 and we sat along the route, looking forward to seeing our family members there. As we were waiting we were treated to some wonderful floats, marching bands, horse teams, etc. all dedicated to America’s monuments. Even Nolan Ryan was there as the grand marshall and Elvi were riding around in their signature white costumes riding their motorcycles.  T-9 cruised along on his scooter and looked great with his friends and mom.

In the evening, we picked up some student friends from UTA and headed off to Fort Worth to Celebrate July 4 with other student friends from UTA & TCU at the home of Babs Alvarez, a key partner at TCU. We all feasted on hamburgers and hot dogs and enjoyed the company of many friends, including some that we hadn’t seen in a long time and some we were meeting for the first time. One student, Jung, was back for only three days all the way from Korea and was able to join us! As it got dark we were able to enjoy some fireworks from a nearby park.

Tags: Fireworks, July 4, Party, TCU, UTA

Luke’s Speeder, Obi Wan’s Light Saber, R2D2′s suit, these were just some of the things Roy, J-10 and two TCU students experienced at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Star War’s exhibition. Purple Cow milk shakes were also on tap for this trip. Also, just a week later, on July 4, Roy, these same two students from Italy & Korea and at least 25 others from many other countries enjoyed fireworks while sitting in volunteer Bab’s yard after a delicious Hot Dog barbeque. (Pictures)

Texas Christian University (TCU) is one of the campuses we are trying to develop a new ministry on in the DFW area. This summer, we are working hard to develop relationships with new summer students as they start their journey here in the States. Hopefully these kids will form the foundation for the next school year. Babs and volunteer leaders Bennie & Patti Moore and other students leaders have done a wonderful job of building the ministry at TCU.

Tags: 2007, July 4, Summer, TCU

Arlington Park Baptist Church had people who had a heart for international students. Many of them had much experience but they wanted to partner with ISI to more strategically reach students. Thus came the partnership that resulted in a special July 4 party for UTA ELI students.

Ron Bunyard coordinated ISI’s involvment with APBC Missions Pastor Robert Smith, long time international student lay minster Pot Samermit and Roy’s mentor Al Kawamoto and around 20 student and many more church family members interacted, played games, etc. It was a great opportunity to break the ice with several new students. The whole Yabuki family was able to be at this party of students and families.

ISI is always open to partnering with other churches and organization to reach international students because it is our goal to touch EVERY international student and we can’t do it alone.

Tags: 2007, Arlington Park, July 4, Ron, Summer