International Youth Worker Exchange

IYWE 2009: Calnali, Mexico Here We Come!!!

Hola! Como esta?
 
We are excited to announce that the 2009 International Youth Worker Exchange will be with Calnali, Mexico. Juana Watson, Senior Advisor for Latino Affairs to the Governor's Office, will be guiding and leading our group efforts in Mexico. For more information visit the 2009 IYWE Hompage

Congratulations, Esther on your Graduation!

Please join us in celebrating Esther Kihara on her recent graduation. Esther has been an invaluable connection for The Journey as we seek to continue serving youth in the Masai Kenyan village.

     

   

IYWE 2009

It seems like we just returned from Kenya and now it's time to start all over. Yes, we are beginning to think about travel in 2009. As a part of this travel, we need to put together a planning committee that will have input in all aspects of the trip: where, when and how. If you have an interested in the next International Youth Worker Exchange, email Janet. We'd love to have you all involved!

Staying Connected

Emails, phone calls & conference calls have all been taking place since we returned from Kenya. We've put together all the contacts we have in this spreadsheet. It is in no way complete, so if you have anything to add, just email Anne and we'll update it. Thanks for your continued work to keep this connection alive!

A Reunion is Set!

We are reuniting Saturday, March 15 from 6-9 pm at Usual Suspects in Broad Ripple. This link will take you to their address and other helpful information: http://www.indy.com/venues/show/7845.

While we're together, expect:

• Lots of stories!
• Viewing of pictures & videos!
• Ideas for continued connection with our friends in Kenya!
• Appetizers & Drinks

You are welcome to bring a friend or significant other.

We look forward to seeing you then! :)

Rejoicing all over Kenya is the rule of the day.

Thursday, February 28, 2008 11:57 AM

Rejoicing all over Kenya is the rule of the day.

 

About an hour ago, an historic agreement was signed by Raila Odinga and President Kibaki. In fact, Kenya TV showed Raila Odinga referring to Mr. Kibaki as “President Kibaki”, the first time he has uttered that salutation since late December.

 

I received word from Bob to “Let the floodgates open!  We are looking forward to any faculty member, resident, and other staff member wishing to visit here.”

 

Joe Mamlin stated “Prayers are answered, civil war is averted and Kenya is preparing to rise to heights never dreamed of in Africa. The IU-Kenya Program celebrates this victory and resolves anew to give all that we have to the new energy committed to nation building. We will reach for the sick, the poor and the marginalized as partners with our Kenyan colleagues to do our part to make sure the Kenyan dream is shared by all. We are simply overjoyed today and ready to work…. All of us together waited so earnestly for this moment. After two months, Tonight, Sarah Ellen and I will unpack the two small bags beside our bed. We no longer need an emergency bag as we run for our lives. Our lives are beginning afresh today just as Kenya enters the first day of true independence.”

 

We can finally begin the process of providing all necessary materials to IU OSAC appealing for a quick continuation of student travel approval.  However, as stated earlier, student travel for March remains cancelled.  We will alert all to new developments concerning student travel when that option becomes available.

 

We look forward to participating with Kenya as it reaches for new heights never before imagined or achieved for Kenya.

 

It’s a great day for Kenya, AMPATH, and all peace loving peoples of the world.

 

Ron

 

 

 

Ron Pettigrew, Manager

IU-Kenya Partnership

Wishard Hospital, OPW M200

1001 W. 10th Street

Indianapolis, IN  46202

317-630-8695

317-630-7066 (Fax)

rpettigr@iupui.edu

www.iukenya.org

 

Richa Tells Her Story

On the front page of IU's Home Page online you'll find Richa pictured with her sponsor student Brian. To see the full story, click this link: http://www.homepages.indiana.edu/2008/02-15/.

Words of Wisdom

Here are some writings from Kenyans that you might want to read.

Hillary's essay expresses his views of the violence and tribal history, which really helps "outsiders" understand what is going on in Kenya, both politically and culturally.
Esther's story comes from her heart. Esther shares the trials she has faced, but offers hope and reconciliation to a new life in Kenya.

The Trip of a Lifetime!

To see more pictures from our trip, or to upload yours, go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/courageindiana.

Here are some thoughts you shared about your experience:

• The beauty of the children, of the landscape, the animals—all this was in such stark contrast to the tumult that we were aware of, yet insulated from experiencing. Hope was the message that overlaid all the conflict. Two year-olds reverting to negative from their HIV+ births, 16 year-old street youth looking forward to sitting in their 4^th grade class to learn to read, women retired from social work and nursing coming back to run orphanages and educate girls and boys about FGM (female genital mutilation), trees planted along the roadways against deforestation…these are some lasting impressions that should long outlive the current violence.

• I will never forget how welcomed I felt in the Massai Mara and how strongly I bonded with the youth and the community.

• This group of folks, who created many amazingly powerful and poignant memories, will forever be linked by these treasured memories: the beautiful smiles and bright eyes of the children, the dedicated and inspiring work of the folks who spend every day at the Cottolengo and Arap Moi Children’s Homes, and the passion with which each of us volunteered our time and hearts. This profound experience has changed me for life. I now look differently at the so called “problems” of day-to day life here in the states. What used to be big challenges now appear so small.

• One thing I will always remember is the Masai said they are “peaceful” and “trustworthy” and we experienced that.

 

Last Minute Details

To read last minute reminders and suggestions, please check this out.

A Few Reminders...

Here are some important reminders:

1. While we are traveling, Tom is willing to send out an email to update our families of our safe arrival in Kenya. If you’d like, please send me one email address of a family member or friend that you’d like to receive these updates. They won’t be too frequent since we aren’t sure of email access. But, there will be at least one email after our arrival in Kenya and one as we're departing.

2. Don’t forget to sign up for Northwest Airline Frequent Flyer Miles! http://www.nwa.com/freqfly/

3. Please make two copies of your passport. Leave one at home with a family member or friend. Bring one with you that we will hold on to. Should you lose your passport, we’ll have the documentation needed to get you home. :)

4. Did you receive the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card)? You should have received this from your doctor after getting your vaccinations. Be sure to keep this with your passport at all times. 

5. Do you have enough donations to fill one suitcase to the 50 pound limit? If not, please let us know and we’ll help you find more donations.

6. Please note that the flight departure time from Indianapolis  did change. See the updated schedule here . Everyone needs to be a the airport two hours prior to departure.

For the full email, read this.