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Dear Bob and Colleen,
I can’t believe how time flies. I still remember the first time I met you at the orientation for international students organized by the International Students and Scholars Services of USF. Back then, I was new… new to the country, new to Tampa, new to USF, new to everyone. Being so ‘new’ there were many things that I didn’t know about Tampa, such as where to shop for my necessities and what to do if I get into trouble. Hence you can imagine how relieved I was to find out there’s a couple from Friends of Internationals who offer such practical help to international students. You took me, my roommate then (Julia) and many other international students to Walmart. To some, it may just be a simple act of kindness, but to us newly arrived students, you saved our day. With so many things to purchase (from pails to brooms to eggs and milk), it would have taken us many trips to the supermarket just to get them all. Words can’t express how much I and the other students appreciated those weekly free trips to Walmart that you offered us. As time goes by, we came to appreciate both of you for more than just the shopping trips. Your words of encouragement, wisdom and humor lift up our spirits when we’re bogged down by studies and assignments. Not forgetting too, those times when you prayed for us whenever you found out we were in need. I still remember how I was anxiously searching around for summer jobs… and you prayed for me. As a result, I’m now working at my summer job. I give thanks to God for people like you who remind me about the power of prayers.
And then there was also the time when my Ugandan friend Sarah and I planned to go on an Amtrak tour during the winter of 08 We wanted to be adventurous but not knowing much about travels in the US, you came into the picture and offered us valuable information. You also took the trouble to arrange for host families to house us in some cities that we were visiting. We understand that at that time, both of you were going through some health issues, but nothing, nothing at all, deter you from sending those emails out to so many people in so many places, in an attempt to connect us with locals. As a result of your efforts, Sarah and I had the most wonderful time of our life traveling and seeing the country and knowing at the same time, we’ll be safe in the hands of locals we can trust.
Perhaps you may not know this yet … the names Bob and Colleen Ludeking are very well-known among the international students in USF. Oftentimes, when I mention your names, I need not describe further who you are. Many students already know the two of you as the helpful and friendly couple from Friends of Internationals. From English classes to furniture help, both of you have touched more lives than you could ever count or even imagine. Remember Christina of Bandung, Indonesia and Waree of Thailand? Both of them remember you fondly and often ask about you. The fact that so many students who are no longer in Tampa still remember you goes to prove that you’re well-loved because you first loved and accepted us international students as friends in your country.
I’ll soon be leaving Tampa and return to my country, Malaysia … it’s not easy to bid farewell to so many people, more so with the couple from Buffalo who have helped me so much to adjust to life in the US when I first arrived. I know we’ll one day be reunited again in heaven with our Lord … but I do hope, I do not have to wait until then to see you again. If ever, you visit Asia, please… please…come to Malaysia. It’ll be an honor if I could host you in my beautiful country Malaysia. Bob…Colleen …I love you both…please keep in touch with me, will you? cheery cheery luv luv, Anita
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