b'FRIENDSHIPWITHOUT BORDERSThe global community seems to get smaller and more connected by the day. News, viral videos, and all sorts of information zip from one end of the Earth to the other at the speed of light. But often, screen-centred connection fails to stirmother in Brazil asked if Cheryl would fly south for Lizzies high compassion and create the bonds of community in theschool graduation ceremony in December 2023. way that meeting face-to-face has the power to do. (Lizzie) was so excited for me to come, because then I could In this modern world, the Louis Riel School Divisionsexperience her life, Cheryl said.(LRSD) International Student Program is perhaps more important than ever. It provides opportunities not only forSo, Cheryl hopped on a plane and travelled 23 hours to the LRSD students to immerse themselves in other cultures,small town of about 6,000 in Brazil, where Lizzie lives.but also for members of the LRSD community to hostWhen she arrived, Lizzie, her mother, sister-in-law, and students from diverse nations, helping to create a greaterboyfriend were there to greet her.connection and understanding between the peoples of this shared planet.There were a lot of tears, Cheryl said. Perhaps this sounds a tad grandiose. But its easy toFrom minute one until I left, I could not have been treated any be inspired when hearing stories like those of LRSDbetter. I was welcomed by everybodynot only her family International Student Program homestay family Cherylbut her community Her mother even said it was like she was Lazarenko and her Brazilian student, Lizzie. meeting a sister.She lived with me for five months, and we hit it offCheryl said Lizzie and her family introduced her to many, many immediately, Cheryl said. I love her as if shes my ownpeopleso many that she felt humbled and even a touch child. embarrassed by all the attention.For Lizzie, this was the first time shed ever travelled. ForNo doubt many would feel the same if a school thousands of Cheryl, who had been a homestay family before and whokilometres from home hosted a luncheon for them, and they said she does not have children of her own, this was aarrived to the reception Cheryl received.special connection. Near the end of their time together in Canada, Lizzies 40'