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We gave a hearty welcome to Barb Jacobsen and Deb Steele this week.  They are enthusiastic members of Friendship Force.  This is an organization focused on building peace by promoting understanding, cultural education, and citizen diplomacy through home-stay journeys and personal friendships.  It is very much like the Rotary cultural exchanges.  They share experiences and gain insight into each others' lifestyles.  Strangers become friends. They bring people together into each other's cultures and homes to share one of a kind experiences not available to regular tourists.  

The organization was founded in 1977 by Wayne Smith, and supported by President Carter, in Atlanta Georgia. The first journey (as they call it) involved 762 ambassadors between Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England and Atlanta Georgia.  The local club (1 of 4 in Iowa) was established in 1981 following a journey exchange with South Korea. There were 82 ambassadors from the Quad Cities and South Korea involved.  The organization was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1992.

A typical journey includes a homestay of usually one week, but sometimes two or more weeks.  Frequently, journeys have an option for additional travel in the host country.  Visitors get to know the host and their families and community.  They can wander neighborhoods, visit historic sites, and share in everyday activities.These stays can develop into lifelong friendships.

Membership can be any age, and includes single people and families. The are all people interested in building peace, one friendship at a time.  While members are not on a journey they have local activities.  Coffee chats, LEO (Let's Eat Out), Day Trips (exchanges within the United States), and workshops to prepare for upcoming journeys.  Local dues are $15 per year per person and Friendship Force International $100 per year per person.

Randy was happy to spend time with the grands.  They even mowed the lawn.

Barb (guest) is happy to be meeting her children in Chicago on Wednesday.

Deb (guest) was happy to experience the Friendship Force trip recently to Madison Wisconsin.  They toured Epic, the software company that manages MyChart, used by UnityPoint Hospitals.

Sue was happy about getting a deep clean of the house and yard done over the weekend.  The weekend camping trips put that on the back-burner in the summer.

Terry was happy to spend time with his daughter and grandson, who ran the Bix in 52 minutes!

Wayne is happy about his found personal persistence. He had limbs hanging and a compromising angle pulled the chain off the chainsaw. Then he had to replace his tractor battery.  All work was completed and Diana helped pick up limbs.

Paul is happy his crops are coming in.

Marcy is happy about her cucumbers and tomatoes.  Rylie ran the Bix in 54 minutes!  

Kathy went to the Wisconsin Dells with her daughter and grands, sister-in-law and her daughter and boys.  They were mesmerized by the Rick Wilcox Magic Show.

Christie is happy for the a/c.

Nathan is happy to see the end of summer busy season.  We've missed you!

Bill is happy about the great wine tasting planning committee.

Andy is happy because it doesn't feel as hot out as he thought it would feel.

 $ 15 was raised.