For the last twelve years, my wife Mary and I have attended and thoroughly enjoyed the European conferences. We have met and partied with hundreds of warm, intelligent and lively Europeans during these conferences and have stayed in touch with many of them through personal visits, email, social media, and subsequent conferences.
We have enjoyed the beauty of their countries; learned to appreciate their culture through tours of their cities and historical venues; experienced their dancing, singing, and music; and gained great insight into their individual perspectives and chapter challenges through discussions and work sessions at the World Cafes, council meetings, informal gatherings, and group dinners. Without a doubt, we have broadened our minds by sharing experiences and working to advance the PTPI mission of Peace through Understanding. We have also enjoyed interacting with students from many countries, including Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, Armenia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Switzerland, Albania, and Estonia.
We are impressed by their insights, energy, and friendliness. The dedication of many PTPI European students to their humanitarian efforts, despite the challenges many face doing things that we as Americans take for granted, is inspirational. We are proud to consider ourselves friends of such wonderful people.
Mary and Mike Hermida
North Carolina, USA
