International Connection (ICon), a student organization at Bluffton University, will present its annual global weekend, Feb. 11-13. This year's theme for global weekend is "Many Faces, One Family," and will consist of various events and activities that explore the home countries and cultures of Bluffton international students. All activities are free, unless otherwise noted, and open to the public.

"Global Weekend is an opportunity to get a glimpse of our student's cultures," said Louise Matthews, director of The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center and ICon advisor. ICon will kick-off with an international chapel at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in Yoder Recital Hall, featuring guest speaker Jonathan Larson.

ICon will show the foreign film, Lemon Tree, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, in Stutzman Lecture Hall in Centennial Hall. Snacks will be provided during the movie by the locally owned Shannon Theatre. The Lemon Tree is a true story of a Palestinian widow.

She fights to keep her lemon grove from being uprooted when Israeli security forces declare that it is a threat to the Israeli defense minister living next door. Teaming up with a young lawyer, the widow takes her case to the Israeli Supreme Court. But in the process of seeking justice, she is forced to hide the forbidden bond growing between them." The movie is in Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles.

International students will be available for conversation and provide a variety of global displays, showcasing artifacts, maps and cuisine Saturday, Feb. 13 in Marbeck Center Commons starting at 10 a.m.

An ethnic meal prepared by Bluffton University Dining Services will be held from 5-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in Marbeck Center Commons. Dinner is $6.75 for adults and $3.75 for ages 3-7. Contact the box office at [email protected] or 419.358.3239 to make reservations and plan to pay at the door.

A pi~nata breaking, co-sponsored by the Bluffton University Latino Society, will take place at 6:20 p.m., during dinner, followed by an international variety and fashion show. The show will feature cultural dances and songs performed by Bluffton University international students.

ICon provides all Bluffton students with an opportunity to become involved in activities that emphasize building friendships and sharing experiences among students of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.