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I was operating unconsciously as if everybody shared my Christian knowledge and views. It was my wake-up call. I needed to invest in friendships with non-Christians again, and that would require intentional effort.

When we build cross-cultural relationships and live life with a diversity of people, we see other angles and pieces of the puzzle; we experience the fullness of life as God intended.   

The pandemic only amplified life’s normal unpredictability, pushing some of us beyond our comfort zones. So how do we face the surprises — the good and the bad — in a positive way?

Anxiety has plagued me ever since I immigrated to the US when I was nine. Like an imaginary friend accompanying me wherever I go, anxiety whispers questions of doubt and fear.

School just started and it’s not what you’ve ever imagined college to be like. Instead of moving into the dorms, you’re stuck at home. Instead of all the welcome events with free food at the beginning of the year, you’re attending one Zoom call after another. It’s easy to focus on all the things we’re missing out on this season.

If you’re like me, you may be struggling with FOMO, worry, and complaints.

While it's important to acknowledge what's hard and mourn what we've lost, it's equally if not more important to recognize the gift of the pandemic as the new school year begins. Perhaps there are unprecedented opportunities God has for us during this unique season.

International students or not, we simply don’t have control over the pandemic. But we do have control over how we respond. This is an opportunity to extend and be blessed by friendship.