Seeds of friendship sown to change lives

IT'S not unusual for these avid travellers to have friends from all corners of the globe, and make it a better place while they're at it.

HISTORY: Jadon Briggs, Andrew and Jane Parker, Michael Ward and Carol Harman at an indigenous cultural presentation at the Green House, Beulah Community in Buderim. Picture: Contributed

IT'S not unusual for these avid travellers to have friends from all corners of the globe, and make it a better place while they're at it.

Members of the Sunshine Coast Friendship Force are on a mission to create a world where the seeds of friendship can be sown across the barriers which separate people.

Organised exchange programs are the means by which Friendship Force International aims to accomplish its goal; participants choose to travel to another member's home and live with them for one week, or welcome them into their own home.

President Mike McFarlane said the cultural exchange allowed those of different backgrounds to connect as people, not just a stereotypical idea of who they are.

"By welcoming people into your home, you simply establish lifelong friendships,” he said.

When you strip away our differences, Mr McFarlane believes it's easier to understand one another.

"People who are apparently really different, actually share the same dreams, hopes, visions and life struggles,” he said. "We have so much common ground just as human beings.”

Travelling to places like Russia, Mexico and Taiwan, Mr McFarlane said he has gained more compassion for those overseas.

"We actually met people who have had a lived-experience of terrible events in the past, so you're certainly educated because you're seeing it though different eyes.”

Carol Harman has been a member of Sunshine Coast Friendship Force for a decade and said living with hosts from other countries "made (her) realise the world is a much smaller place”.

"Everyone really is the same in the world, we've all got our own struggles and hardships but truly we just want the best for all,” she said.

An aspect of the group Carol values is being able to show visitors what the Coast has to offer and to teach them about our history.

"People from England wouldn't have known anything about our First Nation's people,” she said. "They also don't have the Pacific Ocean which is nice and warm and right at their doorstep.

"It's just about those magical experiences that they have.”

Those interested in becoming a member can contact Carol on 5471 7338 for the northern end of the Coast, or Judi Gordon on 5492 8414 for the southern.

Head to www.friendshipforcesunshinecoast.org.au/ for more information on Friendship Force.