From
the world to America, RU Volunteers have come to
learn and to serve. 17 Countries have shared some
of their finest citizens to share in the RU Park
Mission. They bring their expertise in sports,
culture, music, faith, nature, hiking, bicycling,
language, experiences, homeland pride, and respect
for the United States— its people and its
guests.
The good-will results both to the vactioners
in the USA and for the International RU Intern
last a life-time. Whether from Ecuador or France,
South Africa or Korea, Japan or Micronesia—the
reports are consistent: “The RU summer
was the best summer of my life.” —Reicardo
Pelacios, Ecuador.
Basic requirements for an International RU Internship
is their love of nature; love for people; practical
faith; respect for the United States; and, a
basic command of English.
Note some of the following
reports from recent RU Interns:
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“During training time, I had to introduce myself. I did not like saying
my name because it was different. I assumed people would not get it the first
time. I also did not like telling people where I was from — country of
Japan. RU taught me not hide the fact, but to use it to make friends or start
conversation. It worked. I got used to it. I had many conversations with campers
because of the fact that I was from Japan. This is one change in me that I did
not expect out of this summer. It’s a great gain. . . . I also learned
to value children more. I started to look at them as people, and not bunch of
little ones playing or running around which I could just go by paying as little
attention as possible. I now look at children as people just like older people.
. . . I became comfortable upfront; sang often; and recommend the summer experience
to others. I am now eager to make a difference in the world by the life I live
everyday.” |
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His wife,
Audrey, spent a summer with RU several years ago,
and now that
her biology graduate husband decided to attend Seminaire
Universite at Collonges, she wanted him to
experience an RU Summer.
Here are some of Pierre’s summer summary
comments:
“The friends and the memories of the summer will last me all of my life.
The people here are
so wonderful. . . . The wildlife is everywhere. . . . People would invite us
after the programs to
go kayaking, or hiking, or canoeing with them. They drove out from the little
town to meet us.
It is very special.
“We led nature walks; helped with Junior Rangers; played games; had campfire
programs; and
held chapel by the lake. Four times I had men who told me that they don’t
usually go every week to a church, and they appreciated with different service.
After the chapel, some families
invited me to dinner or to their boat for the afternoon. Very nice!
“ I thank all my sponsors, who have made this dream possible for me. This
is the greatest sum mer of my life! I thank God because I’ve learned here
so many things that will help me in all my
life and in my future ministry.”
Pierreis a biologist from the University of Nice and Audrey is a Physical Education
instructor. |
