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Officers
Links Section
President:
Juanita Weigel
Vice-President:
Marilyn Bervin
Secretary:
Carol George
Treasurer:
Van Nichols
Past-President:
Kathy Butler
Dorothy Garrett
FRIENDSHIP FORCE INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY CONVERTER ADOBE READER WORLD CLOCK
Experiences and Memories
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Don Rea, I have many lasting impressions of my time with students and their families while in Russia. Some include: Students who are anxious to learn all they can about the USA, concerned by what they see on TV and in movies are not real. Worried, too, that our impression of them is formed by the media. All those generous, kind, friendly people who are living in 5-story gray Soviet-era apartments, giving loving hospitality to their guests. Students welcoming us to their school and singing three verses of “America, the Beautiful,” from memory, in near perfect English. A Russian Orthodox Church filled with worshippers, many of whom are of younger generation. They listen to beautiful choir music sung on opposite sides of the sanctuary, which is well lit by many, many candles. I recall a watchmaker who replaced my watchband, and would not take a single ruble. And the treat of finding spotless, clean Moscow subway station, walls lined with works of art as packed trains running on time hustle in and out.
Rita Powell and a new friend in Cuba
Rita Kirk Powell was Exchange Director for a humanitarian trip to Cuba when ambassadors helped with painting and maintenance at a nursing home. Rita found the quality of warmth and openness of the nursing home a pleasure to behold. Each day everyone was greeted with hugs and kisses, the staff interacted with the clients with a soft and loving touch. Neighborhood children came and visited with the residents, sitting with them, holding their hands, helping them eat...And, no one wondered why they were there. We all learned very important life lessons.
Administrator Mauricio says, “I hope this is not your last visit. Convey our caring to the entire Friendship Force group.”
Kathy Butler took this photo of her new friends in China
Kathy Butler talks of being with members of Beijing, China came home an enduring memory of being with three hosts, as they sing “America the Beautiful” after serving a meal at their apartment. My hosts, three women who are engineers (two now retired) were so anxious to meet Americans that they practically reached out and grabbed us. They very graciously prepared and served a meal of Chinese and American food and then sang for us.
Marilyn Peterson found a beautiful country rich with tradition, history, wonderful food, art, and culture. However, memories of the people are the “best part” of my time in Japan. Our two host families, while being very different, were so warm and welcoming. We were treated as if we were family. Meeting and getting to know the people is what makes Friendship Force home hosting truly special.
Clintena Olsen's host family in India
Clintena Olson reflects with “Namaste,” "I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells”. India!! The word itself conjures up myriad images of mystery and intrigue; ancient civilization and history; splendor and squalor; cosmopolitan and rural; Moguls and Maharajas; Hindus and Muslims; karma and dharma; eloquence and ceremony. Another ambassador and I lived with a four-generation, traditional Hindu family in Nashik, Maharashtra, India, a city northeast of Mumbai (Bombay). What an honor it was to be accepted into this warm, loving, gracious, close-knit group! The week ended all too quickly. We arose in the wee hours of the morning to prepare to leave for Mumbai. The family and we gathered in the living room together where there was gift-giving and pictures taken of gift-giving, the placing of the bindi (dot) on the forehead with the blessing by Momee, and the touching of our feet in the gesture of respect by each family member. Amid hugs and tears, we all folded our hands in front of our heads, bowed, and said, “Namaste.” It means, “ I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells”.
