If it would be helpful in creating sacred space, light a candle or chalice. Read the story "Here They Come!" Think of your own experiences when you have traveled to a foreign country or spent time with an immigrant or visitor from another country. Reflect on the circumstances that brought you together with people from a different country or culture. How did you communicate? What did you share? What kept you apart?

Were there aspects of the other person's culture you envied? Aspects that made you uncomfortable? What did you learn about yourself from the encounter? How have your personal experiences of intercultural differences helped you be a builder of world community?

Keep your own experiences in mind today, as you guide the children in Faithful Journeys in positive explorations of other countries and cultures. Focus on activating children's international awareness and engaging them as builders and members of a world community.