We just saw a quote worth sharing with you.  It’s from the novelist Robert Louis Stephenson:
“There is no foreign land; it is the traveler only that is foreign.” Somehow, this rings true.  When we travel, we are the “outsiders.”  We are the ones with the obligation to learn about how others live – what they eat, how they speak, what they believe, how they build, what their traditions are, and so forth.  And, when we invite others into our environment, we share our way of living with them.  Friendship Force can be a major helper in expanding our insights into people around the world … and Changing the Way You See the World.

Here are some things you ought to know about our club’s activities:

Southeast Region Presidents’ Meeting.  In March, we drove to Florence, South Carolina, to meet and share ideas with the presidents of a dozen other Friendship Force clubs in our region.  We brought back to our board a number of interesting ideas.  Jeannie has written a summary for this newsletter. 

Dayton Exchange – Farewell Dinner Thursday, May 14, 6 PM.  Chris and Cheryl Kinberger are doing a fine job organizing this inbound exchange.  Please remember, BRING EXTRA FOOD (about twice as much) to our general meeting.  Chris will purchase KFC chicken for everyone, so please focus on another main dish, veggies, casseroles, salads, and desserts.  We will have about 25 extra people to feed: the Dayton Ambassadors and the musicians of the Louisville Dulcimer Society.

Special Events. On April 19, Katie Foley provided a wonderful experience of Dim Sum, a traditional Chinese cuisine, at the Jade Palace restaurant.  Sixteen people attended.  We sampled 10 varieties of specially prepared dumplings, spring rolls, and wok-style food. Mark your calendars for another Special Event on June 18: International Wine, Cheese, and Appetizer Tastings.  We’ll send you more detailed information about this adventure.

New Looks for FFLK.  See the separate article in this newsletter.  The main purpose of the new logo is to encourage each member to help spread the image and message of Friendship Force.  We’ll have new badges for you.  And we encourage you to purchase the beautiful polo shirts and tote bags.  The tote bags, especially, are useful every day for you.  They can also be inexpensive, elegant gifts for your family and friends.  So bring your checkbooks to the General Meeting.

International Conference in Japan.  November 20-22 in Okinawa, Japan.  Please let us know if you would be interested in attending and representing FFLK.  Our club will pay the conference fee for one individual.  Optional tours and a post-conference home stay are available for an additional fee.  Go to the FFI website, (www.thefriendshipforce.org), for more background.  The Big Canoe club in North Georgia has designed its exchange to Japan to dovetail with the conference.  This exchange will be November 4 to 11 in Shizuoka, and November 11 to 18 in Mie.  Big Canoe may have openings for Ambassadors from other clubs.  If you are interested, don’t delay.  Contact the Exchange Directors, Ray and Margie Bowyer, raybowyer@earthlink.net, or 706-268-3913.

We’ll be seeing you at the General Meeting (May 14, 6 PM), Breakfast (June 6), and the International Wine, Cheese, and Appetizer Tastings (June 18). Mark your calendars!