Thirteen Years Later

In 1995, when we were members of Friendship Force International, Shirley and I joined the local group and went on a trip to Australia and New Zealand. It was our first experience with Friendship Force. The first couple we stayed with in Echunga, South Australia, was Brian and Ros Braendler. What wonderful people.

Over the years we hosted Friendship Force people from many countries, like Germany, Japan, Brazil, Estonia, England and Uzbekistan. We had many wonderful experiences and treasure the memories. But none of the experiences can compare to the instant bond that we had with Brian and Ros.

At Christmas time Brian and Ros told us that they would again be coming to America to do some visiting and touring. They had been here in the states a number of times since our 1995 visit but we had never been able to connect.

A couple of weeks ago they called us on the phone (rang us up) and told us that they were in Yuma Arizona and had begun their 9 month trek in the RV that they had swapped with an American couple. The Americans had been to Australia and used their RV and it was now time for the second half of the swap to happen.

Brian said that they were headed for Orlando but they did not want to interfere with our plans for our upcoming cruise. I said " No worries mate, just drop in.

Saturday they arrived and we had our reunion. Thirteen years disappeared into the ether and it was like we had just seen each other last week. We have experienced many reunions over the years, but this one was special. Once in a lifetime you meet folks who are just the best. That is the case with us. It is truly amazing.

We spend Saturday afternoon and evening playing catch up and just generally enjoying each others company. On Sunday we went on a preview run of the State campground where they will be staying and a tour of the Disney and Orlando areas.
It was another fun day. The time just flew by and this morning they left to continue their adventure. We miss them already.