By Julianna Squicciarini
1. The Gordon Family [Joe & Karen, Autumn, Noah, Abigail, Anna, Timothy, Isaac, Joshua, Elizabeth]
How we met: Our Aunt Lynn brought the Gordons to our 2008 Passover Seder in April. We had said, “Bring friends!” and…she did 
Where they’re located: Rock Hill, SC.
What’s great about them: They are always willing to drive an hour to party with us!
2. The Zilber Family [Eugene & Elena, David, Daniel]
How we met: The Zilbers became Quo Vadis customers in May 2008. It didn’t take long for them to become family friends! Mr. & Mrs. Zilber emigrated from Russia several years ago, but their two sons were born right here in the US. We were honored to be invited to their home for a festive dinner later in the year.
Where they’re located: Charlotte, NC.
What’s great about them: Their way of expressing things, with accents which we adore, using phrases that charm the heart.
3. Kelly Miller
How we met: Kelly and I sat across from one another on the Eurostar, traveling from London to Paris in July 2007 – she was one of the only girls my age on the tour. After returning home, we began emailing and getting to know one another much better. In June 2008, she came and stayed with us for about three days, giving my family the chance to meet her as well.
Where she’s located: Home is Louisville, KY, but she is currently attending an art college in Baltimore, MD.
What’s great about her: She was one of the easiest guests our family has ever had, hands down. It also never ceases to amaze me that we can remain such good friends with virtually no face-time!
4. Gloria Hartis Alexander
How we met: Morgan bumped into Gloria (almost literally!) as she was leaving the Zilber’s office one day. Morgan has never met a stranger, so the following week Gloria was with us for a Sabbath dinner. Now she’s simply part of the family!
Where she’s located: Charlotte, NC.
What’s great about her: We love how relaxed she is around us!
5. The Covert Family [Tim & Lisa, David, Daniel]
How we met: Our parents met the Coverts on the Israel tour in November 2007. In August 2008, however, our families finally got together here in Charlotte for a weekend, giving the rest of us the chance to meet.
Where they’re located: Atlanta, GA.
What’s great about them: It is so rare to find a like-minded family, but the Coverts really seem to be on the same page of music as us. What a find!
6. The First Fruits of Zion Group [Boaz Michael, Daniel Lancaster, Steve & Mona Lancaster, Jeremy Schoenwald]
How we met: Ok, this one has some poetic license, because actually our family has not met them. Morgan and Christine were privileged to meet all five of the above on their Israel tour in November 2008. From the stories and occasional contact via Facebook, we all feel as though we know them.
Where they’re located: Marshfield, MO.
What’s great about them:
Boaz is always calm, cool, and collected.
Daniel is *such* an entertaining encyclopedia of information.
Steve & Mona are sweethearts. Period.
Jeremy is a godly young man, always amiable, and always aiming the video camera at Morgan and Christine (wait, that didn’t sound right…)
7. Richard Rampe
How we met: Morgan and I met Rich toward the end of the year, when he walked into the USO during one of our shifts. A couple of weeks and a few emails later, he came over for pizza, and to meet the rest of our family. He’s one of the police officers in the CLT Airport – always good to have friends in high places 
Where he’s located: Dallas, NC.
What’s great about him: His very easy-going, laid-back, friendly nature. Also, having a police officer at a party seems to lend an innocence and probity to the event, doesn’t it?
In closing, I would like you to take a quick look at the locations of these seven people or families and notice that only two of them live right here in Charlotte, NC. G-d has brought so many new faces across our path, from far and wide. Bottom line – wow!
