Groetjes!!!!
I don't know how many miles this has traveled to find you, but can you believe it's been 20 years since we were all exchange students with Y.F.U. to Belgium! My name is Susan Johnson a.k.a. Sue Colen and I have been recruited to try and get re-in-touch with all of you. YFU has the beginnings of an alumni group and I would love to invite each and every one of you to join in.

As I was faced with all of the names on the group, I realized that my memory has faded. I have my old pictures though I never had the foresight to write the names next to the people. I will be more than glad to post them on the YFU web site that will soon be developed.

First Brugge Orientation, Mandy holding the ball

Erika and Susan now

To remind you of who I am. I was from California and had the fortune to share my exchange experience with my best friend Erika. I was the smaller and the immature one of the two. I came there just under 5' and under 95 pounds and with a little help with the delicious Belgische chocolat and fritten, ok OK and a Trapist or twee, not only gained 20 pounds but grew 6 inches in my year abroad. I was 14 at the time and as I am sure it is with you, had a life altering experience for what I will always be grateful.

Since, I have followed many dreams and roads and have had an extremely adventurous time. Though for the past 8 years I have been settled with a terrific family (step children included) in North Texas, focusing on raising kids, horses, cattle and construction in a small town.

Part of the reality of this small town is that I felt they were somewhat tunneled visioned on the world and I decided to commit to trying to bring in some outside influence. Combined with my loyalty to want to return something back to YFU I decided to become an area rep. Our first exchange student was soon to follow. I tell you, I feel like I am honored with extra rewards in sharing this experience from a different angle.

Anyhow, with that I was contacted by YFU to initiate Belgium 1980-81 alumni group. Through out the years I have had curiosities on how you all faired and would love to hear from each and everyone of you. In addition, I will post all writings, contact numbers and pictures (new and old) onto a web page with YFU.

I am committed to get this going though if any of you would like to help or take over that would suit me! Please e-mail me at either Swardjohn@aol.com, phone me at (903) 564-3839 or write me at PO Box 201 Collinsville, Texas, 76233.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Updates From Found Alumni...

Erika Peyralans (Krysanthi@ccountry.net; formerly Erika Sexson, "stationed" in Antwerp with Michele Agenlian during our Belgium year).

I am now living in Southern Oregon. I have my sons, 9 and 11. I went back to school two years ago and got my master's degree/license to teach, and am now teaching 1st grade (definitely a trippy job!). Before that I had worked in accounting and in medical transcription. Haven't done any traveling. That just about sums it all up. I have not returned to Belgium, although I do keep in touch with one of my friends there. I am excited about getting in touch with the YFU 80-81 gang and hope to hear from y'all! Big thanks to SUE for taking this on!

Final Orientation at Brugge

Brad Rand (brad_rand@email.msn.com): Wow!! Your letter brought back some memories. I think it is great you are putting together an alumni list. I often have wondered what everybody is doing.