What can I say about the Peades? I can still remember the exact moment they came into my life. I opened a package that I received in the mail from EF, the organization I did the exchange trip with in high school, and saw a white sheet with information about my new family, a picture of Dave and Lorraine in the living room before heading out to a gala of some sort, a picture of Matt skiing, a picture of Dan in the Daintree Forest and a photo of the amazing house at 9 Armstrong Ave. I felt so lucky to be able to go live with this family. Then, with my 10th grade picture in hand, my new family picked me up from Sydney airport and I can still see Lorraine's face coming towards me and giving me a big hug...with my photo in hand. Who would have known that after 18 years I am still going to see them. They ARE my family now and I miss them when we are not there. I have been there more times than I can count - about every year or 2. Dave has been there many times, Ava twice and Arlo now. We spent 3 months living on the street below Dave and Lorraine and it was such a wonderful 3 months. Ava and Arlo both love them to death. And, could they be any sweeter? They are there to help with anything, cook up amazing meals and always, always, always make me laugh, think and enjoy. I love them so much. And not only do we have them, but we also get Warren and Deb too. Perched so perfectly on the south end of Armstrong and also the kind of people you just want to be around. So smart, so funny, so engaging.
Who would have known that the investment my parents made in high school would have paid off so well?
And Gerringong. I still consider it one of the most amazing places in the world. And, it turns out we have been to quite a few places now. The beautiful beaches, amazing people, idyllic lifestyle...you can't help but love it.
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