Gift to Otago/Dunedin Club

Our club's gift to the Host club - or is this Jarrasic park?

Today is the day we would celebrate our gift to the hosting club. We had  pooled money to buy a tree to plant at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. New Zealand, before the arrival of Westerners, had no mammals. The islands were dominated by birds, both flightless and flying. The newcomers brought all sorts of animals that really wiped out much of the native animal life and plants. This preserve was to isolate 1200 acres from the animals that were introduced. They has a 6 mile fence two meters high dug into the ground so they cannot burrow under. It looks like a version of Jurassic Park and serves the same purpose. These type of ecosystems are starting to pop up around the world. We are also going to one in Wellington next week called Zealandia.  It will take hundreds of years to achieve the original biodiversity that was here before man, but they plan on achieving it little by little. Our contribution was a New Zealand cedar tree sapling. The hole was already dug when we got there and I got the opportunity to plant it by bare hand in front of everyone after I read my high-brow proclamation (see below). We had a great time and Zosia and I chalked up five more life birds.

Later we went to Port Chalmers to do some thrift store shopping (our hobby). After that we had high tea at Carey's Bay Historical Hotel. careysbayhotel.co.nz. It is a very charming historic restaurant/bar hotel. We felt as if we had been thrown back a couple of centuries or at least on a PBS serial. By the way, beer is sold in individual liter jugs with tiny glasses for $10NZ.

On the way home we went to the Dunedin Botanical Gardens where the Rhodendums are in full bloom and are totally outrageous.

Nap time before our dinner where the Ambassadors take their hosts out to dinner. We had it at the Mosgiel train station - roast beef, ham, veggies, roasted potatoes, and three kinds of yummy desserts. OK, I am tired - time for bed, tomorrow's another big day. We're up the gold mining area that made Dunedin so great in the 1800s.

Proclaimation for the planting of the tree

On this wonderful day in the Commonwealth, we, from the Friendship Force of Austin, Texas, United States of America, present this tree in warmth and friendship to the Friendship Force of Dunedin/Otago. We really appreciate all of the efforts, planning, and hospitality your group has done for our visit.

With the Friendship Force goal of spreading Friendship and understanding throughout the world for all to appreciate and respect people of different cultures, we hope this small sapling will grow into a mighty tree symbolizing our appreciation of your city, culture, and country.

We Ambassadors hope that we leave a lasting positive impression of our people and culture with you all. And hope you come to the United States soon, and hopefully the great state of Texas, and our fine city of Austin. Many of hope we can return in the future to see the progress of this small tree.

Super Tuesday in Otago

Today was a fantastic day, particularly for the birders, including Zosia and me. We gathered at our hosts home for tea and then to a park overlooking the inlet and the city. Jumping into our carpools we headed up the Otago peninsula to the tip that is now the only mainland Royal Albatross sanctuary where the breeding season has begun. We had hopes that we might catch a view of the bird flying around, but no guarantee because they would be sitting on the eggs. After a super enthusiastic presentation from our Guide, Mary, a Maori princess, we walked outside where the Albatrosses were flying all over the place with their 11 foot wing span. We had to walk up the steep hill through the nesting colony of the red-billed gulls squawking, arguing, and mating (how exciting they were 2 feet away). More Albatrosses, and they just kept coming. We toured the interior of the mountain which had been used as a fortification for the inlet since the 1880's (protecting against the Russians?). It was an interesting tour of the tunnels containing cannons; Mary was very proud and just as enthusiastic of this heritage.

We did more birding and then off to one of the Host's crib (summer home) for lunch with hosts and ambassadors.

We had opted for the buggy ride to see the penguins. Zosia and I had envisioned a horse and carriage - no - it was an all eight-wheel drive, brakes, and steering all terrain $500,000 vehicle driven by Perry the owner of the mountain on the ocean who joked about everything. It was like a roller coaster ride off-roading through mud, water, and down steep slopes. We were hooting and hollering all the way entertained by Perry's enthusiasm. The fur seals were at times two feet away, and we saw the blue and yellow-faced penguins on the sheer cliffs of the oceanside. Perry was very protective of the animals, and if you didn't obey his demands to be silent when near the animals he wouldn't show you more. We ended with a 360 degree spin and a sheep sheering demonstration. Perry said that it really hurt him when he turned down the latest offer to sell his 640 acres for $50M. This was what he loved and wanted to preserve this for his sons/grandchildren. Not bad for a sixth generation sheep farmer. www.natureswondersnaturally.com

Next we dropped by a Maori church where our exchange director host's husband was buried - he was a Maori King. Then back home for a quick nap and then a really nice dinner with 12 people at Jane's home. This is such a wonderful way to see a country. It was a super day.

Day 2 - Monday in Dunedin

Woke up to another beautiful day. No clouds in the sky, very slight breeze, very warm 72 degrees. Two wonderful days in a row - let's go for a record. This is quite confusing as we all expected 45 degree mornings, overcast and breezy, probably rainy, high of 54 degrees. It was just last week they had their last snow. So we started with a lazy morning getting more oriented to New Zealand ways. And Zosia and I both slept well, no apparent jet lag. But I did leave the electric blanket on and did not turn it off when we went to bed as one should. So on in the morning it was like emerging from the womb. We have to say our host Joan's home sits on a large hill with a beautiful view of much of the city which sits in a big valley hosting the inlet. Across her street is the beginning of the farmland with horses and fields.

Today we tour the mansion, lunch at the University, go to the Otago Museum, train station, and then a big dinner at Beth's beautiful home on top of the mountain on the other side of the valley.

David Osveston a wealthy Jewish Scottish importer built his wife the manision for his wife, Marie, in 1905 as a anniversary present. The faboulous four-story structure was the most modern home of the day. Electrical, central heating, elevators, adorned with the finest construction and features from Europe and America. The interior wood was of English oak constructed in England, disassembled and reassembled here in Dunedin. Not a nail was used to put it together. They had fabulous art they collected throught the world as it was being built.  The story of the family was fasicinating, told by a docent who was also a Friendship Force member. The daughter Dorothy never married as she was very adventurous (mountain climber), and the son, Edward, went off to WW1 even though he did not have to. He died young of a dibilitaing desease leaving no heir. Dorothy also having heirs gave the mansion to the city and is beautiful crowned jewel to the city (of course at the time the city didn't want it).

Dunedin used to be the largest city in New Zealand because gold was discovered nearby. The rush lasted a long time giving the city wonderful buildings. The fist University was created in 1872 bringing in professors from Scotland. It now sports 20 thousand  students in this city of 120 thousand. Gold is still mined because of the increase in value, but was not worth mining for a long time as it costs $900 to extract an ounce.

At the dinner, everyones showed up with lots of food. A feature was the the Men in Kitchen (MIK). A social group that met each other at a cooking class, but when it came time to graduate, the school wanted more money for the diploma. They all balked and started the club. They meet each week and cook up a storm, drinking beer and cooking for various One of them was the nephew of our host. All decked out in chef uniforms and their special caps they designed, they cooked for three hours and then did all the dishes and clean up. Now this is a social club I can get behind. They all seemed to be in their 40's and come from all occupations, policeman, teacher, small business owner.

The menu was lamb chops, lamb kabob, lamb burgers, great variety of salads, yummy spring potatoes (everyone raved about them). and the fabulous dessert - Pavlovas - which is a New Zealand creation, which Australia keeps trying to claim. Zosia will get the recipe and start making in the States. As we started driving home the full moon rose and shine wonderfully over the inlet. This was a nice day.

Let's meet our Hosts


Boarding the buses and driving to town, we were amazed at the beauty of the hillsides. Everything is so lush and green. We loved the beautiful yellow vegatation covering the hillside that we found out was Gorse - a  noxious highly invasive species of plant destroying the native plants imported from England a century ago. Much of their colorful vegataion has been exported from Scotland a century ago - therefore, invasives.

Our Hosts

We drove a pensionaire's compound downtown to meet our hosts at the community center. 14 hosts greeted us with tons of homemade food, desserts, tea/coffee, and NZ wine. I am not one for drinking wine in the middle of the day as it puts me asleep, but how could I resist such good hospitality. Plus it would be great for an afternoon nap. Everyone was so nice and engaging. we made intoductions all around and ate hearty. From here everyone would go home with their hosts. Our hosts need to clean up so Zosia and I wondered the streets for a bit. We were sitting next to the parking lot when some elderly people drove by and asked if any flats were available in the community. We said that we were fresh off the plane from the states. They asked who we were voting for - Barak Obama we said and they cheered us on. They were quite opionated about our election as were most everone we encountered. Apparently Obama is quite popular here and there is a great deal of suspicion regarding his opponent.

Our Group of Ambassadors

We dropped across the street to the local mom and pop store for ice cream. And engagend in discussion with the Chinese owner and her son. We had heard that New Zealand had very restricted immigration. One must have a specialized trade to be able to come. Apparently NZ has the same limitations as US - one must be Asian in order to run a momandpop store effectively. They too were so chatty and friendly. They, too, are for Obama. I think we are seeing a trend.

Our hosts Ian and Joan are really nice and make us feel right at home. We came back to the house, and it being Sunday, Joan's son, Doug and his wife Tong, dropped by and we chatted all afternoon sipping tea and snacks. Next, Joan's grandson who lives downstairs while he is looking for work, came home with his dog and girlfriend. We all got involved in Tong buying a used car. I feel like family already.

OK, nap time, and then for a walk.

Sunday October 28, wait a minutes - what happened to Saturday?

Yes, it was a long trip. We opted to take the early flight to LAX, partly because we wanted to ensure we made the plan in case something happened, but also driven by the free flights through Southwest miles. After the three hour flight we sat around the unimpressive international terminal for seven hours waiting for the other 12 ambassadors to arrive, I am always amazed how responsible Zosia is when given a task. She worried all the time that somemight not make the connection.

Our plane was a new New Zealand Boing 777. Wow, what a nice plan with really well designed seats and good legroom. Each seat equipt with a high level screen, 50 movies, TV programs and music and games. Plenty of blankets and pillows, good food, free drinks. It was really nice flight that made the 12 hours pleasurable. Nice breakfast before we got off. Zosia and I really enjoyed the New Zealand movies - "Rest for the Wicked" was about a retired homicide detective going into a independent living facility to secretly bust his old arch enemy hit man. We both laughed out loud throughout the movie. I will have to catch the other one, "Scarfies", about college students in Dunedin (the first desitnation in NZ). Zosia said it was great and really gave a flavor of the city.

After landed in Aukland we opted to walk the 3/4 km to terminal two as the weather was great. It was longer than it seems for some, particlarly because we had to backtrack after missing our gate, but it was good break from sitting on out butts for so long. Back on a plane (1-1/2 hour) to Christchurch (NZ was clouded over), and then 1 hour in a prop plane to Dunedin. The flight were all good. But note this. They load plans like - "would all people in the back of the plane with window seats please board", then middle and isle seats. What an intelligent way to do it. Avoiding people blocking the asile. Too bad people ignore it.  And they weigh your carry on if they suspect it weighs more than 7 kgs into the checked luggage if it does. The planes all have the logo - "Crazy about All Blacks" (their Rugby team) - yes, they are all crazy about the All Blacks - everyone. And their safety instructions are all joking about the concepts with cartoon figures illustrating the points like a Rastafarian even understands that there is no smoking on the plane.

So we land in Dunedin thinking we have to now catch a bus to the city 40 km away. No, Rona and Ian here there with very comfortable mini buses for a lovely drive to the welcoming party where we were met with our hosts. Wow, what a great travel experience even though it took about 32 hours to get here - start to finish.

What happened to Saturday? We crossed the international date line so we flipped the calendar a day. We flip back and get two Tuesdays on the return. And, Jet Lag - we are really only six or seven hours difference from Austin so I don't think that should be such and issue. We'll see.

And we are off - the Friendship Force of Austin is winging our way to stay with the Friendship forces in Dunedin (South Island) and Hamilton (North Island) New Zealand - with a busy three nights in Wellington. We are taking 15 "Ambassadors" for 20 days to promote friendship and international goodwill. It is far more that an interesting and exciting way to travel; it is where you really immerse into the culture and the people.  Check it out - it may just be for you. Of course, you are not going to always get it your way like at BurgerKing. It is definitely for open-minded people.

So what is Friendship Force?
The Friendship Force is a global community comprising 371 clubs (chapters) in 54 countries. Its members are ordinary people of all ages who share a desire to spread goodwill, to better understand people of other cultures, and to value one another as friends.


Cultural exchanges and home stays are the signature program of Friendship Force. A club prepares an itinerary of cultural activities, inviting members from other clubs in other countries to come for four to seven days and stay with them in their homes.

When local hosts open their homes to visitors from other countries and cultures, true understanding can develop though the sharing of meals, conversation and the routines of daily life. Strangers become friends. These friends change the way we see the world.


With the Friendship Force, not only do we discover other cultures, but we become citizen ambassadors for our own culture. We become part of changing the way others see the world as well.


Every friendship formed across the barriers of nationality, language, religion or politics makes the world a better place. This year 18,000 Friendship Force members are eager to welcome you.

Experience the world with the Friendship Force. You can change the world, one friendship at a time.

A Brief History of the Friendship Force

     

The Friendship Force was founded by Wayne Smith and introduced on March 1, 1977, by President Jimmy Carter at a White House gathering of state governors. At that time, President Carter asked the governors to return to their states and identify a volunteer leader who would serve as State Director for the Friendship Force in their state. Rosalyn Carter served as Honorary Chairperson until 2002.
FF originally involved groups ranging from 150 to 400 private citizens, known as friendship ambassadors, traveling via chartered aircraft to the partner city where a group of the same size boarded to return to the original city, hence the terminology “Exchange,” the word we use still to refer to our travel programs. The visiting ambassadors were hosted in the homes of volunteer host families for a week, sharing everyday experiences and getting to know each other on a personal basis. The first FF experience involved 762 Ambassadors in a simultaneous exchange between Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England and Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
During its first five years, a few large two-way exchanges were conducted each year. In 1982, Friendship Force travel arrangements changed from charters to one-way “exchanges” on regularly scheduled airlines, allowing greater flexibility and a reduction of group size—first to 40-80 and later to 20-25. The change in format permitted a great expansion of the program worldwide. Instead of a few large exchanges each year, there are now 250-300 smaller exchanges.
While the size and number of exchanges has changed dramatically since 1977, the basic Friendship Force formula is the same, with visiting ambassadors spending a week in the home of a host family. While each exchange is now in just one direction, the participating ambassadors and hosts develop a shared understanding of each other’s culture so that a true cultural exchange takes place. In many cases, the friendships established during an exchange continue for many years, with follow-up visits through later Friendship Force exchanges or through private visits.
Mr. Ryoichi Sasakawa, President of The Japan Shipbuilding Industry Foundation, played an important role in the organization’s history. After being introduced to the Friendship Force, Mr. Sasakawa became convinced of the worthy goals of the program. Thanks to Mr. Sasakawa’s financial gifts in the mid 1980s, The Friendship Force was able to grow into a global network of independent chapters, which are called Friendship Force clubs. The clubs are organized and led by volunteers in more than 350 communities on six continents.
In 1985, the A.R.M.S. (American Russian Mutual Survival) program was implemented under the auspices of The Friendship Force. The endeavor encouraged the use of arms that embrace rather than arms that destroy. In May of that year a group of 10 Soviet citizens traveled to the U.S. to extend arms of friendship in Atlanta, Georgia; Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia and Washington D.C. This was followed by a series of exchanges between the USA and the USSR, with thousands of Americans and Soviets participating. The success of the ARMS program demonstrated that the Friendship Force can be a powerful force for good in the world.
As a result of its initiatives between the United States and the Soviet Union, the Friendship Force was nominated in 1992 for The Nobel Peace Prize.
In addition to its annual series of exchanges between established Friendship Force clubs, Friendship Force International (FFI) conducts a variety of specialized programs. These include the “discover” series designed to introduce Friendship Force members to new countries and cultures, humanitarian and educational exchanges, and Friendship Festivals that include participants from many countries.
Since its founding in 1977, The Friendship Force has brought together millions of people. Today we are active in more than 50 countries, promoting friendship and goodwill through an extensive program of home hosting, or exchanges. In 2007 alone, 5763 friendship ambassadors traveled between 58 countries, with thousands more serving as hosts.
Friendship Force International is supported by membership, exchange fees, donations, and foundation grants.

French

German

Japanese

Portuguese

Spanish

Russian

FFI Mission

Mission
To promote global understanding across the barriers that separate people
Values
Mutual Respect • Cultural Diversity • Cultural Exploration • Service
Vision
Each individual will make a contribution to global goodwill.
The Friendship Force worldwide network of clubs and individuals will overcome differences among people and nations.
By connecting the world, one friend at a time, we will create a world of friends that becomes a world of peace.
Slogan
Changing the Way You See the World
Tagline
Explore • Understand • Serve
Explore: We explore new countries and regions. We explore new cultures and new ways to connect across the barriers that separate us.
Understand: By sharing a home, meals, conversation and everyday experiences, people become friends, seeing beyond governments and borders into the heart of a country and its people. By combining home hospitality with cultural exploration, we reach a new level of understanding.
Serve: Exploration leads to understanding. Understanding leads to an acceptance of our common humanity and the desire to serve our global village—with words and actions.
Quick Facts
244 exchanges were conducted in 2009 with 3,877 ambassadors traveling. More than 2,500 families across the globe served as hosts.
346 chartered clubs and programs in 59 countries on 6 continents with more than 18,000 members worldwide.
Friendship Force is a volunteer-driven organization. More
than 1,500 volunteer leaders work more than 30,000 hours
each year to promote the Friendship Force mission.
Almost 225,000 ambassadors and 750,000 hosts have participated in Friendship Force programs since 1977.

The headquarters office of FFI (Friendship Force International) is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The work of the central office staff is supplemented by additional part time staff in Atlanta and in other locations. The staff members are listed in alphabetical order with brief biographies as well as their main job responsibility and how to contact them.

Ana Smulski

Program Services Coordinator for Latin America / Network Administrator Department of Program Services
Languages Spoken: Portuguese, Spanish & English
asmulski@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4348
>>more

Barbara Stonebrink-Martin

Program Services Coordinator for Austria, Germany and Switzerland Languages: German, English
bstonebrink@thefriendshipforce.org
+1-404-963-9078
>>more

Debbie Powell

Conference Director and Special Projects dpowell@thefriendshipforce.org
>>more

George Brown

FFI President gbrown@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4335
>>more

Kathy Thomas

Chief Operating Officer Department of Operations
Languages spoken: French, English
kthomas@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4332
>>more

Maryam Jordan

Program Services Coordinator for Asia Department of Program Services
mjordan@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4337
>>more

Mary Mwambay

Program Services Coordinator for Canada, Africa and Western Europe Department of Program Services
Languages: French, English
mmwambay@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4349
>>more

Elena McCarty

Program Services Coordinator for Russia and Eastern Europe Languages: Russian, English
emccarty@thefriendshipforce.org
+1-404.965.4354
>>more

Tan McKenzie

Senior Accountant tmckenzie@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4327
>>more

Allison Lindsey

Educational Project Coordinator Languages: English, German
alindsey@thefriendshipforce.org
+1-770-982-4530
>>more

Laurie Ann Scott

U.S. Club and Field Rep Coordinator lscott@thefriendshipforce.org
>>more

Pallie Savoie

Program Services Coordinator for the UK / Planning Coordinator Department of Program Services
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
psavoie@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4360
>>more

Matthew Nidek

Program Services Coordinator for Australia and New Zealand Department of Program Services
mnidek@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4343
>>more

Jillian Walters

Communications Coordinator jwalters@thefriendshipforce.org
+1.404.965.4359
>>more

Laura Romero

Program Services Coordinator for Latin America Department of Program Services
Languages spoken: Spanish, English
lromero@thefriendshipforce.org
+1-404-965-4353
>>more

The governing Board of Directors of Friendship Force International (FFI) consists of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to overseeing the global operations of the organization. Board members serve four year terms. The current members are from nine countries. Most are experienced Friendship Force leaders, but several come from outside of FFI, adding a valuable external perspective.

Alan Milne

Chair - Friendship Force of Kapiti Coast, New Zealand Alan tells us that being a Kiwi is the best preparation for participation in Friendship Force International! Because New Zealand is a multicultural country, Kiwis have life-long opportunities to live the FF mission to “promote global understanding across the barriers that separate people.” Kiwis celebrate the cultural diversity of their beautiful country every single day.
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Beatriz E. Gamboa de Ardila (Cuqui)

Friendship Force of Bogotá, Colombia Cuqui is well known by the Friendship Force family, having been active in the Bogotá club since its founding in 1982.  Cuqui began her international experience as an AFS exchange student. The Bogotá club is well known for an excellent hosting program and is unique in that its outbound exchanges always include families with children.
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Cecile Bouchet

Friendship Force of Limburg, Belgium Cecile Bouchet brings more than two decades of leadership to and involvement with Friendship Force.
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George Brown

President & CEO - Atlanta, Georgia, USA Dr. George T. Brown, Jr., returns to Friendship Force International, after serving as Executive Director of the Georgia Council for International Visitors (GCIV). George Brown has 25 years experience working with international programs in Atlanta.
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Cinda Clark

Friendship Force of Northern Colorado, USA Cinda Clark is a member of the Friendship Force of Northern Colorado, USA. She took early retirement from a 20 year career in banking, followed by 12 years as a part time bookkeeper, giving her the flexibility for international travel. Cinda is a charter member of her club, with extensive leadership experience at the local and regional level.
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Yury Kazantsev

Friendship Force of Rostov on Don, Russia Yury Kazantsev has been a member of the Rostov on Don Friendship Force club since 2007. He has traveled on several outbound exchanges, serving as Exchange Director on a recent exchange to FF Richmond, USA. Yury, former military officer, is a customs broker. He has traveled internationally with his family and also with his work.
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Sandra Larson

Vice Chair - Friendship Force of Kern County, California, USA Sandy and her husband George joined the Friendship Force of Kern County in 1992 in order to host ambassadors from Germany.  They have hosted numerous times, and served on many inbound and outbound exchange committees.
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Cecile Latour

Friendship Force of Canadian Capital Region Cecile Latour is a member of the Friendship Force of the Canadian Capital Region where she has been an active host, as well as inbound Exchange Director. Cecile has extensive international experience, having been in the Canadian Foreign Service for 30 years, including service as the Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam.
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Boya Marshall

Secretary - Friendship Force of Bavaria Nuernberg, Germany Boya Marshall has lived the Friendship Force experience in real life! She, and her English husband, Gerry Marshall, lived more than 20 years in Kuwait, Iran, and Indonesia developing a deep knowledge and respect for Muslim countries. She was president for her home Club, has been ED on many exchanges.
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David Meyer

Friendship Force of Northern Illinois, USA David has been a member of The Friendship Force of Northern Illinois for ten years, during which time he participated both as ambassador and hosts several times and as Exchange Director twice
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Jack Mullen

Friendship Force of Western North Carolina, USA Jack is a retired accountant (CPA).  During his career he lived and worked in various countries, including Venezuela, Spain and Chile.  He and his wife have been active members of the Friendship force of Western NC since 2001, holding several leadership positions. He has led various exchanges including the 2010 global exchange to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico.
>>more

Mark Rebstock

Washington, D.C., USA Mark is vice president of the National Council for International Visitors in Washington, D.C. In this position he helps coordinate a national program that provides professional experiences for emerging leaders from around the world who come to the USA at the invitation of the US State Department.
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Çiçek Şensan

Friendship Force of Karsiyaka Bay, Turkey Çiçek was one of the first members of the Friendship Force of Izmir in 1994 and later worked to establish her current club in Karsiyaka.  She has served as outbound and inbound ED on numerous occasions as well as holding the position of club president.
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Karen Overly Smith

Friendship Force of Greater Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA Karen Overly Smith is a long time member of the Friendship Force in Pennsylvania, USA with connection over the years to both the Harrisburg and Lancaster clubs. Karen has served as club president and as Exchange Director to Ghana and China.Most recently she was FFI field representative for the mid-Atlantic and northeastern USA. 
>>more

Toko Yomura

Friendship Force of Tokyo, Japan Drawn to Friendship Force 30 years ago by an advertisement in a Tokyo newspaper, Toko Yomura began work immediately to help organize a simultaneous exchange between Montana and Japan involving 240 people and a chartered airplane.
>>more

Mission

Mission

Promouvoir une vision planétaire du monde au-delà des barrières qui séparent
les personnes
Valeurs
Le respect mutuel • La diversité culturelle • L’exploration culturelle • Le service
Vision
Chaque personne aura contribué à la bienveillance mondiale.
Le réseau international des clubs et personnes de Friendship Force International
contribuera à surmonter les préjugés dus aux différences entre peuples et nations
En rapprochant les habitants du l’univers, un ami à la fois, nous créerons un monde
d’amis qui formera un monde de paix.
Devise
Changer Votre Façon de Percevoir le Monde
Slogan
Explorer – Comprendre - Servir
Explorer: Nous découvrons de nouveaux pays et de nouvelles régions. Nous
explorons de nouvelles cultures et de nouvelles façons de nous rejoindre au-delà des
barrières qui nous séparent.
Comprendre: Par l’accueil à domicile, en partageant des repas, des conversations et
la routine quotidienne, les gens deviennent amis, voyant au-delà des gouvernements
et frontières, jusqu’au coeur d’un pays et de son peuple. En combinant l’hospitalité
chez soi et l’exploration d’une culture, nous atteignons un nouveau niveau de
compréhension mutuelle.
Servir: l’exploration mène à la compréhension. La compréhension mène à
l’acceptation de notre humanité commune, ainsi qu’à la soif de servir notre village
global – par des mots et des actions.

Mission

Mission
Förderung der Völkerverständigung jenseits aller trennenden Hindernisse Werte Gegenseitiger Respekt • Kulturelle Verschiedenheit • Kulturelles Entdecken
Vision
Jedes Mitglied trägt dazu bei, die Welt zum Positiven zu verändern
Überwindung der Konflikte zwischen Menschen und Nationen durch das weltweite
Netzwerk von Friendship Force Erschaffung einer Welt des Friedens durch weltumspannende Freundschaften
Slogan
Die Welt mit anderen Augen sehen
Tagline
Enddecken • Verstehen • Mitwirken
Entdecken: Wir entdecken neue Länder und Regionen. Wir entdecken neue Kulturen
und neue Gemeinsamkeiten jenseits aller trennenden Grenzen.
Verstehen: Fremde werden zu Freunden, indem wir ein Zuhause, eine Mahlzeit,
eine Unterhaltung und alltägliche Erlebnisse teilen. Jenseits der Grenzen von
Regierungen und Staaten gewinnen wir einen neuen Einblick in das Herz eines
Landes und seiner Menschen
Mitwirken: Aus dem „Entdecken“ entsteht Verständnis. Aus dem „Verstehen“ der
Gemeinsamkeiten entwickelt sich das Bedürfnis, in der globalen Gemeinschaft
mitzuwirken und mitzuhelfen - durch Worte und Taten.

Mission (Japanese)

使 命
人々を隔てる障壁を越えて地球規模的相互理解を推し進める
価 値
相互理解 • 文化の多様性 • 文化の探検 • 相互援助
ビジョン
• 誰もが世界的に善意の貢献をします
• フレンドシップフォースのクラブや個人の世界規模ネットワークは、人々や
国の間に横たわる相違点を乗り越えます
• 世界と繋がることで、一度に一人の友人を創造していくことは、世界の平和
に繋がります
スローガン
あなたの明日を見る目が変わります
タグライン
発見 • 文化理解 • 相互援助
発 見：私たちは新しい国々や地域を発見していきます。私たちは新しい文化と、
そして私たちを隔てている障壁を乗り越えて新しい道を発見します。
相互理解：一緒に一つ屋根で過ごし、共に食事、会話、日々の経験を共有するこ
とで人々は友人となり、政府の政策や国の境界線をはるかに超えて、国や人々の
心を理解します。家庭でのもてなしと文化発見を組み合わせることで、私たちは
相互理解の新しいレベルに達することができます。
相互援助：発見は理解を生みます。理解は我々に馴染み深い人間性を受け入れる
ことを導き、われらが地球村の相互援助をしたいという気持ちを呼び覚まします
－言葉や行動で。

Mission (Portuguese)

Missão

Promover o entendimento universal, rompendo as barreiras que separam as pessoas
Valores
Respeito Mútuo • Diversidade Cultural • Exploração Cultural • Solidariedade
Visão
Cada indivíduo dará sua contribuição à boa vontade universal.
A rede global de clubes e indivíduos da Friendship Force ultrapassará as diferenças
entre pessoas e nações.
Por conectar-se ao mundo, um amigo de cada vez, cria-se um mundo de amigos,
conduzindo a um mundo de paz.
Slogan
Mudando a Maneira de Você Ver o Mundo
Lema
Conheça • Entenda • Participe
Conheça: Conhecemos novos países e regiões, novas culturas e novas maneiras de
nos conectar, ultrapassando as barreiras que nos separam.
Entenda:Ao compartilhar sua casa, refeições, conversas e experiências do dia-adia,
as pessoas se tornam amigas, vendo, além de governo e fronteiras, o coração de
um país e de seu povo. Ao combinar a hospitalidade de uma casa com a exploração
cultural, alcançamos um novo nível de entendimento.
Participe: Conhecimento conduz a entendimento. Entendimento conduz a uma
aceitação de nossa humanidade comum e ao desejo de participar do mundo global,
com palavras e ações

Mission (Spanish)

Misión

Promover el entendimiento global rompiendo las barreras que separan a la gente
Valores
Respeto mutuo • Diversidad cultural • Exploración cultural • Solidaridad
Visión
• Cada individuo contribuye con la buena voluntad global.
• La red mundial de clubes e individuos de la Fuerza de la Amistad sobrepasa las diferencias entre las personas y las naciones.
• Por conectarse al mundo, un amigo a la vez, creamos un mundo de amigos y logramos un mundo de paz.
Slogan
Cambiando la Manera de Ver el Mundo
Lema
Conozca • Entienda • Únase
Conozca: Conocemos nuevos países y regiones, nuevas culturas y maneras de
conectarse rompiendo las barreras que nos separan.
Entienda: Al compartir la casa, comidas, conversaciones y experiencias de la vida
diaria, la gente se hace amiga, yendo más allá de gobiernos y fronteras, y viendo
adentro del corazón de un país y de su gente. Al combinar la hospitalidad en una casa
con la exploración cultural, se logra un nuevo nivel de entendimiento.
Únase: El conocimiento lleva al entendimiento, y éste conduce a la aceptación de la
humanidad y al deseo de unirse a la aldea global con palabras y acciones

Mission (Russian)

Наша миссия

Содействовать всеобщему пониманию невзирая на барьеры, разделяющие
людей
Наши ценности
Взаимоуважение • Культурное многообразие • Исследование
других культур • Помощь
Наше видение
• Каждый человек внесёт вклад во всемирную добрую волю.
• Распространение по всему миру сети клубов Силы дружбы и дружба между отдельными людьми преодолеют различия между народами и нациями.
• Приобретая всё новых друзей, сближая людей из разных уголков света, мы создадим мир друзей, который станет миром без насилия.
Слоган
Изменение твоего видения мира
Девиз
Познаём • Понимаем • Помогаем
Познаём: Мы познаём новые страны и регионы. Мы познаём новые
культуры и новые пути преодоления барьеров, которые нас разделяют.
Понимаем: Разделяя дом и еду, беседуя и делясь житейским опытом, люди
становятся друзьями и начинают видеть сердце страны и населяющих
её людей – вне границ и правительств. Совмещая гостеприимство и
культурное исследование, мы достигаем нового уровня понимания.

Помогаем: Исследование ведёт к пониманию. Понимание ведёт к
принятию нашей общей человечности

10 Day Forecast for Dunedin

Below is a 10 day forecast for Dunedin - so if they have good predictors, we should be looking at

52^{°  -} 44^°  Partly Cloudy / Wind Chance of rain 10%. It sounds like the dead of winter in Austin, but it will only get better as Spring is coming on strong. But be sure to bring warm clothing, and rain protection as this is near the coast.

Tonight Oct 18

39^°F  Rain / Wind 

Chance of rain:  70%

Wind:  WSW at 28 mph

Fri Oct 19

50^°- 40^°

PM Showers / Wind

Chance of rain: 40%

Sat Oct 20

57^{° -} 41^°  Mostly Cloudy

Chance of rain: 20%

Sun Oct 21

52^{° -} 46^° Partly Cloudy / Wind

Chance of rain: 20%

Wind: WSW at 22 mph

Mon Oct 22

48^{° -} 43^°  Scattered Showers / Wind

Chance of rain:60%

Wind:  SW at 20 mph

Tue Oct 23

50^{° -}43^°  Scattered Showers / Wind

Chance of rain:  30%

Wind:  SW at 22 mph

Wed Oct 24

53^{° -} 44^°  Cloudy

Chance of rain: 0%

Wind: N at 12 mph

Thu Oct 25

53^{° -} 48^°  AM Clouds / PM Sun

Chance of rain: 10%

Wind: SSW at 11 mph

Fri Oct 26

53^{° -} 47^°  Mostly Cloudy

Chance of rain:  0%

Wind: WNW at 16 mph

Sat Oct 27 

52^{°  -} 44^°  Partly Cloudy / Wind

Chance of rain: 10%