Friends from South Africa

On August 7, 2010 - I remember going to Chase bank with Seth and meeting Songe and Ningi for the first time ever.  They were getting their U.S. bank accounts.  They were two students that came from South Africa.  Our small group got to spend time with them while they were in the United States studying for a special business certification.  When I first heard of this opportunity with ICX (International Cultural Exchange organization) to spend time with foreign students, I jumped on it because I think of how my parents came from India to a place that was so very different than home.  I thought that we would get students that came from the corner of some distant land, but Songe and Ningi were from the city and are two of the sweetest and most outgoing people you are ever going to meet.  Their social calendars were always filled and they went on more trips around the U.S. than most folks would do in a lifetime.  When I would hang out with Ningi, I would always think of her as a peer and then I would remember that I am 10 years older . . whoa!  I am thankful for the time we were able to share with them and also thankful for Facebook, so I can stalk them from here!  :)

Songe and Jeremy at Songe's going away party on 05/19/11

The gang - Amanda, Jennifer, Jonathan, Songe, Jeremy, Marianne, Chacko (my dad was in town), plus the kiddos in front -- Adalyn (see her foot), Jonathan, Jade, Abigail behind the green balloon , Jasmine and Seth

Ningi and Songe on their graduation day

Amanda, Adalyn, Abigail and Ningi at her farewell party on 07/14/11

Jonathan and Ningi

Ningi and Jade

The gals for one last time to visit - Jennifer, Amanda, Jade, Ningi, Courtney, and Marianne

Ningi looking so classy!

07/18/11 - The last goodbyes before she left on a plane back home