This morning we had the chance to experience true Warsaw, and its natural beauty produced by its local people (and now People to People). The group was given the opportunity to put its own stamp on Warsaw today. We made our indelible mark by refurbishing and painting a fence outside a school here in Warsaw. This newly painted fence will now be enjoyed by current and future students attending the school.
First, we needed to remove several years of rust that had built up on this fence that surrounded the school. Once removed, a fresh coat of bright green paint was applied to the fence. As American students on their summer holiday, we hope our resilient effort will be recognized and appreciated. While painting the fence, one would have witnessed team work at its best. Our group dynamics allowed us to synchronize our efforts to resurrecting the old fence. We all felt good as we saw the progress of our work and the difference we were making.
Later this evening, we were accompanied by Ms. Mary Jean Eisenhower for a delectable feast of traditional Polish foods at a local restaurant. It was an intriguing 3 course meal accompanied by incredible conversation supplied by the students and leaders. It’s been interesting to experience the intellect and insights each delegate brings to the conversation. Our group is quite diverse – ranging from a free-market radical to strong-willed environmentalists, with everything else in-between. Our diversely opinionated group allows for some of the deepest conversations and makes you never want to make a trip to the bathroom, in fear that you will miss something.
The most important conversation of the day came at the close of the day with Ms. Eisenhower. She addressed all of the delegates, giving us some history behind the founding of People to People by her grandfather, President Eisenhower. She explained that his experience during World War II and his experience in the concentration camps led him to think of creating People to People. Ms. Eisenhower exuded her passion for her grandfather’s work and the subsequent mission that People to People stands for. While tour the death camps after the war, President Eisenhower made to sure to invite the press and take numerous pictures to ensure that the tragedy that took place at the hands of the Nazi’s would never be forgotten. His main fear was that some day, people would not believe the event of the Holocaust did not happen or could be repeated. Ms. Eisenhower concluded her remarks by sharing her favorite quote from her grandfather, “Humankind will always want peace and eventually world leaders will just have to give it to them.” Today was a great day from start to finish, as our delegation lived PTPI’s mission – “Peace through Understanding.”
First, we needed to remove several years of rust that had built up on this fence that surrounded the school. Once removed, a fresh coat of bright green paint was applied to the fence. As American students on their summer holiday, we hope our resilient effort will be recognized and appreciated. While painting the fence, one would have witnessed team work at its best. Our group dynamics allowed us to synchronize our efforts to resurrecting the old fence. We all felt good as we saw the progress of our work and the difference we were making.
Later this evening, we were accompanied by Ms. Mary Jean Eisenhower for a delectable feast of traditional Polish foods at a local restaurant. It was an intriguing 3 course meal accompanied by incredible conversation supplied by the students and leaders. It’s been interesting to experience the intellect and insights each delegate brings to the conversation. Our group is quite diverse – ranging from a free-market radical to strong-willed environmentalists, with everything else in-between. Our diversely opinionated group allows for some of the deepest conversations and makes you never want to make a trip to the bathroom, in fear that you will miss something.
The most important conversation of the day came at the close of the day with Ms. Eisenhower. She addressed all of the delegates, giving us some history behind the founding of People to People by her grandfather, President Eisenhower. She explained that his experience during World War II and his experience in the concentration camps led him to think of creating People to People. Ms. Eisenhower exuded her passion for her grandfather’s work and the subsequent mission that People to People stands for. While tour the death camps after the war, President Eisenhower made to sure to invite the press and take numerous pictures to ensure that the tragedy that took place at the hands of the Nazi’s would never be forgotten. His main fear was that some day, people would not believe the event of the Holocaust did not happen or could be repeated. Ms. Eisenhower concluded her remarks by sharing her favorite quote from her grandfather, “Humankind will always want peace and eventually world leaders will just have to give it to them.” Today was a great day from start to finish, as our delegation lived PTPI’s mission – “Peace through Understanding.”
By: AJ Rodrigues and Carolina Cadavid
3 comments:
We are so proud of you back home in the US. The world is TRULY a better place now that PTPI has painted the fence in Poland and removed all rust. I feel the impact at home already.
-Matt's mom. Hartford, CT
It's great to hear that you all are making a difference through your humanitarian efforts. You all are an amazing group of young leaders! You represent our country well.
Suzy Kelly
aka Mary's mom
That is a wonderfull experience.....One or few people can make a difference for the human race, so history could not be repeated....What a great mark you left with humanitarian work of painting school' fence, as gift from the American brothers and sisters to the world. Keep making a difference as a leaders of the world..
John & Carmen Cadavid
Carolina's Dad & Mom
Post a Comment