Progressive Dinner!

Hello, friends! 

Last week, our family got to take part in one of my favorite Nebraska IV traditions, the Progressive Dinner! We gather students from all over the state and progress from place to place for each part of the meal (appetizers, main course, and desserts). I love this event because it's a great way for students from different campuses to get to know each other and connect in a fun way. It's fun seeing students meeting new people and even getting dressed up for a "fancy" party. 

We knew things would be a bit smaller this year with all of the transitions in the Nebraska area, but we still felt the invitation to gather students, staff, faculty, alumni, and volunteers. We had people present from Metro Community College, Bellevue University, UNO, Creighton University, and University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Instead of using 3 different places for each course of the meal, we had appetizers in one part of our partner church, the main course in a second part of the church, then we all went to our coworkers house for desserts. 

One of the students who came is a Nigerian international student, ChiChi, who had just arrived 4 days before the dinner. She was invited by her roommate, Shelby Little, who is a student intern with InterVarsity at Bellevue University. ChiChi prayed that God would bring an African woman to the dinner for her to connect with as she adjusts to the United States. Jacinta is a Kenyan woman who was an international student over 20 years ago. She was set to come to the dinner but was feeling tired on a Friday night, but as she laid in bed God told her she needed to get up and go to the dinner. They met and connected so well. It's a great example of how this dinner has provided life long connections between people who wouldn't have a chance to meet otherwise. 

The kids also had a great time. They love running around and meeting new people. They REALLY love seeing some old friends, particularly the Bellevue women's basketball team. 

Have an excellent day!