"There is no way to peace...peace is the way" I did not truly understand Ghandi's words, but I always liked them. After this three month long journey with 17 amazing people I now understand that peace is a process...it will never be perfect, but as long as we walk the road together it will always remain in our hearts. My journey does not end here...
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Here's to you...
The amazing words our wonderful director Karena left us with before we leave...
Toni from Lebanon: The Gentle Giant in the group who literally has the strength of many men but also has the heart of many men.
Ting (Ting Ting) from China: Ting is the sunshine of the group. She has the ability to change the group’s mood with her positive outlook and happy go lucky attitude.
Lindo from South Africa: Most people notice his great smile and contagious laugh but Lindo also embodies maturity and wisdom and has the capacity to reflect.
Andre from Senegal: Andre is the most kind-hearted person I have ever met. With his kindness, love and strong commitment to his community, Andre will create change in his country.
Elizabeth from Ecuador: Elizabeth has great openness to new experiences and has the amazing ability to break tension in a room with her big smile.
Maru from Argentina: Maru is a peaceful leader who can create calmness just by entering a room.
Erin from USA: Erin is a natural leader whose dynamic energy and strong commitment enables her to lead without effort.
Viki from Nigeria: With her appreciation for knowledge, Viki has a great ability to create new ideas.
Evita from Hong Kong: Evita uses her good humour and positive energy to create unity in a group.
Juleine from Haiti: Juleine is a grounded and self aware person who brings practicality to the group.
Kim from England: Kim is a leader whose creativity creates a natural connection with people.
Nick from Zambia: Nick is a silent leader who leads by example.
Montse from Mexico: Montse, with her contagious smile is someone who would rather take on the burden than to create a conflict.
Marco from Czech Republic: Marco is the philosopher of the group. He is always sensibly calm, especially under trying circumstances.
Chari from Sri Lanka: Chari is one who sees the needs of people who are not normally seen by others.
Iuliia from Ukraine: Iuliia uses her lawyer skills, her heart and youthful energy to educate and advocate for children’s rights. She will make a global impact in this field.
Juliana from Colombia: Underneath her sweet and kind persona is a strong leader who seizes every moment and opportunity to create a positive impact.
If it Weren't for You...
There are some people that are not here who have had a profound impact on my experience that need to be mentioned....
Amanda Moore-My amazing boss and mentor. You put a lot on the line letting me come here. As usual you put others before yourself, and gave me the amazing chance to grow. I know that my absence has not been easy for you this summer, but I plan on making it up to you when I return!
Antonio Merino-We have not met in person yet, but that will change very soon I hope. I do not know how many people applied to be a part of this experience, but the fact that you chose me to represent the YMCA of the USA this summer still humbles me. I promise that I am determined to make sure that this opportunity wasn't wasted and I plan on repaying you and the YMCA of the USA for your faith in me.
Jorge Perez-I met you 6 years ago when I was a student at Butler University. You believed in me then, and you believe in me now, even though we haven't seen each other in over a year. You recommended me for this, and I will never forge that.
All of the staff and members of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis: It is an honor to represent you, and I hope that I can give you back half of what you have invested in me!
Audrey, Leslie, Melanie, Matt, Kristen, Brittany and many other friends....you talked me through the tough times, and you believed in me even when I couldn't believe in myself.
This summer wasn't about my experience...It's was about all of you. The amazing people who couldn't share it with me. I will never forget what you all have done for me, and as I prepare to come home there are so many things I am excited to share with you all. Thank you for believing in me and I look forward to everything we are going to accomplish together!
Amanda Moore-My amazing boss and mentor. You put a lot on the line letting me come here. As usual you put others before yourself, and gave me the amazing chance to grow. I know that my absence has not been easy for you this summer, but I plan on making it up to you when I return!
Antonio Merino-We have not met in person yet, but that will change very soon I hope. I do not know how many people applied to be a part of this experience, but the fact that you chose me to represent the YMCA of the USA this summer still humbles me. I promise that I am determined to make sure that this opportunity wasn't wasted and I plan on repaying you and the YMCA of the USA for your faith in me.
Jorge Perez-I met you 6 years ago when I was a student at Butler University. You believed in me then, and you believe in me now, even though we haven't seen each other in over a year. You recommended me for this, and I will never forge that.
All of the staff and members of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis: It is an honor to represent you, and I hope that I can give you back half of what you have invested in me!
Audrey, Leslie, Melanie, Matt, Kristen, Brittany and many other friends....you talked me through the tough times, and you believed in me even when I couldn't believe in myself.
This summer wasn't about my experience...It's was about all of you. The amazing people who couldn't share it with me. I will never forget what you all have done for me, and as I prepare to come home there are so many things I am excited to share with you all. Thank you for believing in me and I look forward to everything we are going to accomplish together!
Taking a Leap of Faith
It's almost over. It's been 3 months. I can not believe it...3 months ago I seriously contemplated not coming because things were so complicated back home. Now I can't imagine my life without this experience...
On our final canoe voyage across to Gambier, Viki came with us. Viki was one of the YPNers who was deathly afraid of the water at the start of the summer. Everyone else was so excited to jump off of the pier, Viki was content just to watch. However when we arrived we forgot about the time of the tides...The water was a good 10 meters below the pier...Many people were hesitant to jump when they caught sight of it. Somehow I was able to make the jump and made quite a SPLASH! But everyone else was still nervous to follow me in. Then from the water I saw Viki climb to edge of the pier....
Of all the YPNers, Viki was the one to take a leap of faith!!!! After that everyone was inspired to join us in the freezing water!
It has been such a long summer, and we spent so much time apart during camp, that I forgot how much these 17 individuals inspire and motivate me. Juliene doing a canoe flip, Maru introducing new games, Marco and Chari motivating their campers, Juliana and Iuliia winning the Trifecta award, Elizabeth improving her English... I remember now why I signed up for this, and I why took a leap of faith in coming here this summer. I left my job (and my poor boss all alone!), my apratment, my family friends and even a boy to be with these amazing people from all over the world. And I would do it all again...Because it's not about what I gave up anymore, but what I can give back when I go back!
On our final canoe voyage across to Gambier, Viki came with us. Viki was one of the YPNers who was deathly afraid of the water at the start of the summer. Everyone else was so excited to jump off of the pier, Viki was content just to watch. However when we arrived we forgot about the time of the tides...The water was a good 10 meters below the pier...Many people were hesitant to jump when they caught sight of it. Somehow I was able to make the jump and made quite a SPLASH! But everyone else was still nervous to follow me in. Then from the water I saw Viki climb to edge of the pier....
Of all the YPNers, Viki was the one to take a leap of faith!!!! After that everyone was inspired to join us in the freezing water!It has been such a long summer, and we spent so much time apart during camp, that I forgot how much these 17 individuals inspire and motivate me. Juliene doing a canoe flip, Maru introducing new games, Marco and Chari motivating their campers, Juliana and Iuliia winning the Trifecta award, Elizabeth improving her English... I remember now why I signed up for this, and I why took a leap of faith in coming here this summer. I left my job (and my poor boss all alone!), my apratment, my family friends and even a boy to be with these amazing people from all over the world. And I would do it all again...Because it's not about what I gave up anymore, but what I can give back when I go back!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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