july2005

JOIN our INTERFAITH, INTERETHNIC FRIENDSHIP GROUP of young people and adults, ages 18-73, as we accept our fourth annual invitation from the Home for Children Without Parental Care in Tuzla.

WHAT WE WILL DO: As “extended family” we will give children individual attention: we play, listen, and learn. We will take the children for walks and undertake other care projects our hosts and hostesses suggest. As group members live and interact with each other and with Bosnians, we will develop our multicultural interpersonal leadership skills.

WHO SHOULD GO? Youth and adults of all ethnic and religious backgrounds who have love to spare, are healthy, emotionally stable, flexible, good listeners, and respectful of others.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT? Experienced leadership; a group of 8-15 people including two skilled Bosnian translators; comfortable housing; good food (not spicy, excellent fruits, vegetables, desserts); safe water; easy walk to nearby stores, e-mail cafes, coffee shops.

WHO WILL LEAD THE GROUP? Dolores Gunter, staff at the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) National Office for 11 years, has led and worked with 11 groups of adults and youths in Bosnia since the war in Bosnia ended in 1995.

HOUSING, WORK AND SAFETY We are invited guests who behave as appreciative guests. We work with local families, friends, authorities, and institutions. Our Bosnian translators help us understand Bosnian customs and guide us as needed. They determine our housing.

BACKGROUND From 1993-96, the FOR brought 160 Bosnians, a few Serb and a few Kosovar students to the US to complete their education. When the war ended in 1995, many parents of these students invited Doug Hostetter, director of FOR’s Bosnian Student Project, “to come to Bosnia, bring others, and accept our hospitality.” We have continued to accept these invitations.

SPONSORS: The Fellowship of Reconciliation and FOR’s associate organization, the Muslim Peace Fellowship. FOR is a 90-year-old nonprofit, interfaith organization that recognizes the unity of all creation, is vigorous in its opposition to war, and insists equally that this effort be based on a commitment to achieving a just and peaceful world community with full dignity and freedom for every human being. The Muslim Peace Fellowship is a gathering of peace and justice-oriented Muslims of all backgrounds dedicated to human solidarity, planetary responsibility, and the rediscovery of the beauty of God. (Box 271, 521 N. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960 (845) 358-4601. www.forusa.org or www.MPFweb.org).

SUPPORTERS: Grace Episcopal Church, 130 First Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960 (845) 358-1297

TOTAL COST for those flying with us between the US (JFK) and Zagreb is $1,500. This includes airfare, transportation, housing, and meals. If you want special food on your flights, please note this on your APPLICATION.

FIRST PAYMENT of $1,000 is DUE MAY 9 to reserve and pay for round trip airfare. Second payment of $500 is DUE JUNE 7. Checks must payable to the Fellowship of Reconciliation; write “BOSNIA 2005” on the memo line.

INFORMATION and APPLICATIONS: Contact Dolores Gunter, 71 North Midland Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960. Phone: 845-353-5094. Cell: 845-893-1480. doloresgunter@hotmail.com. Send completed application by e-mail to Dolores BEFORE MAY 1: You will be notified of acceptance by e-mail by May 3.