To the editor:

Recently, I was part of a wonderful experience where I traveled to our sister city, Eutin, Germany, and forged friendships that have the potential to last a lifetime. Twelve students from Lawrence High and Free State High schools participated in an exchange program, with Friedemann and Winnie Eisert acting as chaperones. We immersed ourselves in German culture for five weeks, attending school, dining at local cafes, going on day trips to nearby cities, and countless other activities. Our partners, with whom we stayed this summer, have just left, concluding this year’s program.

Without Mr. Eisert’s continued activity in this program, a major part of Lawrence’s relationship with Eutin would be nonexistent. He and Mrs. Eisert have spent hours organizing transportation, lodging and everything else involved with day excursions, all with minimal gratitude and no pay. They herded us to Berlin, Kiel and other cities without batting an eye.

I hope that they will continue their work with the Eutin exchange program. While they are not the only activists for this program, they were the most involved this year. My experiences would not have been possible were it not for them. I, as well as the other participants, both German and American, owe a world of thanks to Herr and Frau Eisert. On behalf of all of us, we greatly appreciate all the work you have done for us. Wir danken sie mit unsere ganze Herzen.

Elizabeth Bodle,

for the participants in the 2005

Eutin exchange,

Lawrence