Aussie Sponsors

Part of the exchange program included having two sponsors. One, from the community, to help us around the town, and one at Mike's school. We also asked Shani, our Australian exchangee, to find sponsors for our children. She found some and sent us their contact information. The children made e-mail contact prior to coming. When we moved here, they had an instant friend. This was the first time our children have been the 'new kids on the block'. Having sponsors made the transition easier. The families of these kids instantly welcomed us, as well.

Jakob's sponsor is Aidan Drenkhahn. Like Jakob, he is also keen on sports. They played on the same soccer and touch footy team and ran competitively against each other in cross country and athletics (track). Aiden has an older brother named Riley (year 7). His mom and dad, Linda and John, are both teachers, although John used to make a living shearing sheep out west.














Mariah's sponsor is Jessie Collins. They played on the same soccer team and touch footy team, too. Jessie is going to be the first woman prime minister of Australia. We plan to get her autograph before we leave. The Collins family (Dave, Tina, Jessie and Jai, who is Jakob's age) and the Drenkhahns family did not realize when they signed up to sponsor a child that they would be sponsoring an entire family. Both families have done so much for us all year and driven places so many places.






























Kyle's sponsor is Brett Tyrpenou. Brett is very active in the surf life saving club. He likes to paddle board while Kyle surfs. I always feel better when Kyle is out in the water with Brett. We don't know his parents very well, but they sure raised a fine son. Here is a picture of Brett in his surf rescue shirt standing in front of the surf club.
























Our community sponsors are Peter and Jeanette Christie. They live next door to us. They have constantly been very generous and helpful. The first night here, they put food in the refrigerator so we could wake up to brekky. They have put our clothes in their dryer, driven our children to school twice a week, (when they mind their grandsons), have happy hour with us on most Thursdays (see the picture of Jeannette with her nibble platter), and bring in our mail while we are on holiday, to name a few things. They enjoy the retired life, golfing and taking care of two of their grand kids.
















Mike's work sponsor is David Long. He is one of Mike's golfing partners. He teaches math(s) at Chatham and is looking forward to his retirement at the end of next year. He and his wife live on 25 acres where they run some cattle, they love golfing and one of their daughters just had twins to make them grandparents. One boy and one girl. David took Mike on his pig shooting adventure and has been a big help to Mike at work.







We have seen some beautiful places this year, but we will miss our sponsors, who have become new friends from the Land of Oz, the most! We hope someday that these families can come visit us and we can repay their hospitality and generosity.