Kurt and Nanette Olsen joined iFace in October 2006 to work with international students and scholars in Lincoln, NE.  

 

Starting in 2015, we transitioned from working with international students, as we saw the great needs among immigrants and refugees in Lincoln.  We understand what it is like to be foreigners, because we lived in the Middle East for over six years.  

 

We are deeply concerned for our international friends and want to demonstrate God’s love in practical ways as you learn to function within our language and culture. We are certified facilitators for trauma healing groups.  Some other ways we help include English programs and practice partners, opportunities for cross-cultural friendships, help with navigating and accessing local and governmental resources, and navigating our healthcare, transportation and educational systems.  

 

We purpose to connect people from different parts of the world to promote friendships acrosse cultures, desiring that each of our friends would gain an understanding of the mosaic of cultural and religious norms in our community.  We aim to answer your questions about our faith in Jesus Christ in gentle and respectful ways.

 

We believe that education happens both on and off campus, through both formal study and through life experiences.  We provide outlets for universtiy students, including international students, or American community members looking to enrich their lives through volunteerism.  Avenues of service include conversational English, tutoring and other opportunities with kids and families, including purely social gatherings and outings.

 

More than anything, we want your experience in Lincoln to be a positive one.  Our prayer is that you will form deep bonds with loving American friends, and gain an understanding of where our hope in life comes from.