November 2013: Remembrances
Monday, November 4, 2013 at 10:35PM I just returned from India and Nepal organized through Michigan State University (MSU) by Mary and Harry Andrews, former India III Volunteers. There were 24 of us including 3 other India III RPCVs and one RPCV from Nepal. The remaining were part of MSU faculty interested in keeping ties with India.
For several of us this was a trip bringing back memories while visiting Agra, Jaipur and Delhi. It was here Peace Corps staff called Volunteers together to check up on how we were adjusting to very different cultures and climes and to learn about possible future Peace Corps programs that would work in India. Of course we had no objections. We stayed in fine hotels such as the Rambagh Palace Hotel and Udaipur Lake Palace Hotel. We were addressed by the sister of Prime Minister Nehru, Shri Vijaya Lakshmi Nehru Pandit, an active political force at that time, and her niece Indira Gandhi a future Prime Minister.
REMINICING and STORIES: Fifty years later, this visit was an opportunity to remember what, why and with whom we worked. We reminisced, sharing what we did in our lives. We shared stories of those who were with us in training and in India and those who are no longer with us. We are rich with stories about what we did in India and throughout our lives. We need only look at the stories imbedded in FOI obituaries that are posted on the FOI website. Please keep sending them. And keep your own PC India stories going within your families and beyond. FOI is another circle to share your stories. We have a place on the website or within your group sites.
On a lighter side, send your own stories and pictures. and suggestions to improve the website, Maureen, our webmaster, and I will be happy to work with you on any of these.
GIFT GIVING
2013 has been a wonderful year for contributions to FOI charities. Please contribute what you can AND know that you gifts reach those in need very quickly. Please see George Nepert’s upcoming charity update.
Also, need your thoughts about a possible FOI endowment mechanism to fund charities into the future after the FOI RPCVs are no longer around. Would children be willing to take it on? Any thoughts? PLEASE send.
We are always open to suggestions and comments on website and FOI activities.
Namaste and Yours Truly in India and the USA,
Jack Slattery
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