AN unexpected email and phone call early in 2015 was the beginning of a wonderful reunion for several local families and former Finnish exchange student Jenni Niemi.
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Jenni was a Rotary Youth Exchange student hosted by the old Portland-Wallerawang and Lithgow Rotary Clubs 22 years ago.
After returning to Finland, Jenni studied photography and now has a thriving photography business.
She recently received an award as Finland’s photographer of the year.
Jenni and her husband Jussi, their three daughters (Hilla aged seven, Sella aged two and five month old baby Veena) and Jenni’s father Esa arrived in the local area recently and stayed at the Black Gold Country Cabins and Motel in Wallerawang for the first three nights.
From there they were hosted by her second host family, the Sureshes of Portland.
A barbecue was held and attended by other host families — several members of the Gibbons family, Jenni’s Rotary councillor and host parents Alan and Sandra Mayne and their son Owen and Jan Saundercock.
“Jenni was a delight to have as an exchange student all those years ago,” Host Dad and Rotary Councillor Alan Mayne said.
Her return visit was an emotional time for all concerned as Jenni left us all with many wonderful memories of her time in Australia.”
While in the area Jenni and her family visited some of the usual tourist attractions such as the Three Sisters and Mt Panorama racing track as well as more local sights.
After seven days in the area they travelled to Queensland where they were hosted by the Gibbons family before returning to Sydney.
A busy week followed, packed with more sightseeing including a visit to Taronga Zoo to the delight of the children.
After a hectic three weeks Jenni and her family returned home to Finland with treasured memories of their Australian holiday.
