It’s a steamy Thursday morning in Lexington. Four Japanese women, each holding an infant or toddler are chatting under the trees, near the playground at Harrods Hill Park.
Mika Schleif is holding the hand of her two-year-old Elayna and carrying 5-month-old Kian in a front pack. She explains that she and one of the other women are talking about their infant.
The women are enjoying a picnic hosted by Friendship International Lexington, a non-profit led by a group of Christian women where everyone is welcome. For nearly 50 years the group has been offering women from other countries support and friendship as well as help adjusting to the American way of life.
Thirty-year-old Schleif said when she moved to Lexington four years ago someone from her church introduced her to Friendship International.
“I thought it was a great place for me to meet ladies and make friends. At that time, I just moved to Lexington and I didn’t have any friends,” said Schleif.
Over the last 5 decades, women from more than 39 countries have been welcomed to Lexington by volunteers from Friendship. Preeti Gupta is from India. She came to Lexington more than 30 years ago. Now she’s a volunteer. Gupta recalls the first time she met with the group.
“I just loved it. I thought it was so special because no one is looking at your immigration status or your education or what caste, what religion you are from, I mean, nothing. There was just pure love,” said Gupta.
About 30 women from countries like India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, and the U.S. are here at the park, enjoying each other’s company.
Typically, the women meet for classes and programs one day a week during the school year at a Baptist church. But COVID has prevented in person meetings until recently. In the last year, classes were offered via ZOOM.
Hanna Yoshida was born in Indonesia. The 38-year-old is one of 200 women involved with Friendship. The stay-at-home mom and her four-year-old son joined one of the ZOOM meetings just to do crafts. Even though Yoshida has been in the U.S. since she was fifteen, she appreciates the international group.
“I remember when I came here and all the struggles that you go through being in a new culture and having to use a different language than what you’re used to. So, it’s really a blessing to have a group like this,” said Yoshida.
This year, the women are expected to meet on Friday mornings during the school year at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church in Lexington. Former director Judy Metcalf is now the coordinator of internationals. She says many of the volunteers come from about 20 Christian churches in the area but most of the internationals are not Christian. Christians and non-Christians alike are welcome.
At the weekly gatherings, there’s usually a speaker and then the women break into smaller groups for classes which include everything from English as a second language to line dancing. Metcalf says volunteers meet individually with internationals as well.
“There are people who come here, for instance, who don’t know how to get a driver’s license, who are puzzled by the grocery stores here and sales and coupons and ‘buy one get one free’ and all those kinds of things that would be difficult when you come to a foreign country,” said Metcalf.
Sitting at a picnic table with her 14-month-old daughter, Yuko Wilhite is teaching Carol Sue Ray,a Friendship International volunteer how to greet Wilhite’s baby in Japanese. Wilhite says the group has been a big help to her.
“They teach me English and they give me opportunity to meet other friends,” said Wilhite.
Carol Sue Ray lives in Wilmore and has been volunteering for 10 years. She works with the weekly programs and coordinates all of the classes. She said it’s a great place for international women to network.
“We take a lot of interest and pride in creating an opportunity for women who are isolated to come together, make solid friendships that last the rest of their lives,” said Ray.
Most people learn about Friendship International by word of mouth. Judy Metcalf calls it a group filled with peace and harmony. She said, since it’s an all-volunteer organization expenses are minimal. Consequently, she adds, the organization’s biggest need has never been for money but for American volunteers, especially ones to help in the nursery.
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