Washington University in St. Louis RUF International
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RUF International is a community for international students to build friendships and explore Christianity. We welcome WashU students from all backgrounds to join us for fun cultural events and meaningful conversations. Whether you are an international Christian hoping to grow and serve, or from a different background altogether and hoping to find real community while in America - we hope that RUF-I can be a home away from home for you!
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Are you an international student wanting to meet us? Or a St. Louisan wanting to volunteer? We'd love to hear from you! Write to us here.
Meet Our Team
Kirk Norris
Kirk and Anna both grew up in America but always had a heart for the diverse nations of the world. They met in St. Louis in 2010 while studying at Covenant Seminary, and graduating in 2012, they moved to Lviv, Ukraine to lead an RUF student ministry. During their 9 years in Ukraine, they had four children, Lucy, Finn, Evie, and Jane, who also love welcoming students into their home. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the Norris family returned to America to start RUF-I at WashU.
When not hanging out with international students, you will probably find Kirk running, reading, watching sports, or reading Harry Potter to his kids. And Anna will be listening to podcasts, cooking, or playing Bingo with her kids.
Breanne (Moench) Perkins
Breanne is originally from Omaha, NE, where she received her degree in social work. Prior to working for RUF, Breanne worked in various nonprofits aiding the homeless population in obtaining housing and documentation. Prior to working at WashU with RUF International, Breanne served with RUF at the University of Central Florida, first as an intern and later as campus staff. While working in the RUF Internship, Breanne met her husband, Tadd! Breanne is a student at Covenant Theological Seminary alongside her husband and is grateful to continue her seminary education while ministering to international students.
In her free time, Breanne enjoys hiking, camping, running, visiting national parks, playing pickleball, and crocheting.
Calais (Eledui) Houston
Calais grew up in Huntsville, AL, and attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where she first became involved with RUF. After graduating in 2020, Calais moved to State College, PA, to serve as the RUF intern at Penn State. There she met and married her husband (Ezra) while working for the Intern Department in the RUF National Office. In the summer of 2024, Calais and Ezra moved to Saint Louis. Calais is a student at Covenant Seminary and is so excited to be back on campus serving international students.
Calais is highly extroverted, so she pretty much enjoys anything as long as people are involved. She loves being outside, celebrating, trying new things, chocolate chips, and any opportunity to dance.