The latest Newsletter is available for download
See details by clicking the Home link.
|
Laurie-Ann Scott - Exchange Director
 arm
weather and and even warmer welcome greeted the eight South African ambassadors
who arrived road weary after a long busride from New York City. As
the group was small, it was so wonderful to see such support from the Friendship
Force of Lincoln who showed up in force at all of the activities.
The welcoming dinner was made even more special when Cece Hunt managed
to arrange for the Shimshams, senior dancers in 4th of July glitter,
delighting all. Dinner music was offered by Boyd Bacon
and Erin-Ann Scott sang old favorites and later treated the South
Africans to a song about their country she had composed just
for them.
The day in Omaha was made more special by a wonderful tour of Boys Town arranged
by Kay Schafer, who also did double duty as a day host. A pleasant picnic
by a lake on the Boys Town campus was a highlight of the day followed by
a few hours at the Henry Doorly Zoo complete with an IMAX movie, the first time
our new friends had seen one. That day continued with a dinner at the Old
Market and then the Lowes and Morelands took all who wished to go to the casino
for a rollicking time into the wee hours!
Fourth of July found over 50 people enjoying the hospitality of Barb and George
Gammel, a lavish potluck and steaks and chicken from the grill. Bob and
Neola Ashton, from Des Moines, drove over to reconnect with their host as they
had traveled with the Lincoln group to Cape Town last October. Most
of the group found their way to Holmes Lake or elsewhere to enjoy the
fireworks.
An excellent tour of the capitol guided by Bob and Hedy Wright¹s son-in-law was
followed by a lavish lunch at the Governor¹s Mansion. Governor Johanns presented
honorary citizenships to each of the ambassadors and they were overwhelmed.
The host families independently added the Sunken Gardens, Pioneer¹s Park,
the Seward 4th of July parade, Arbor Lodge and John Brown¹s Cave
in Nebraska City, and even the Harry Truman Library in Independence,
Morman Jail in Liberty, and sights in Kansas City to the experiences
of their guests. All were so appreciative and by the time the
farewell day came, it was a big family as Jeannie Zweibel opened
her home for brunch with the help of Leona Braziel, Mary Bryant, Lois
Parrott, Myra Meints, Marcia Moreland, and Chuck Godwin. The
South Africans entertained us with song and we ended with a circle
of friendship singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth".
Special thanks to committee members Cece Hunt, Julie Splichal, Susan
Madsen, June Simpson, Muffy Vrana, Jane Kinsey, Cecil and
Marcia Moreland, Jan and Mike Lowe, George and Barb Gammel. Also,
thanks to small group dinner hosts Mary and Art Bryant, Leona
and Bryce Braziel, and Ardiss and Dariel Cederholm.
Last but not least, thanks are in order to Lisa Maniscalco with the Friendship
Force in Atlanta, and Brenda Hull exchange director in Cape Town, who
worked tirelessly to see that this first outbound exchange for the Friendship
Force of Mispah became a reality.
|
