Page 8 - 11th World-IFYE-Conference-2018

Celebrate with ‘68

Saturday, 08 September 2018

Barbara Maidment, 1968 Oregon to Uganda and past World President, welcomed 45 former exchangees, spous-
es, and guests to the 50 anniversary of their exchange on the Saturday morning before the cruise. Barbara
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welcomed all by recounting some of the more memorable world events from 1968.
A delicious brunch was readily consumed and Barbara then invited the exchangees to stand, introduce them-
selves, and tell one memorable thing that occurred during their exchange. Much laughter ensued and heads
nodded in agreement as those present recalled moments of deep embarrassment, deep challenges, awkward
moments, and life-changing learnings. Still plenty of stories left to tell.

Almost everyone has returned, some more than once, to their host countries. Some have named their children
after favored host family members. A show of hands revealed that almost everyone is still in touch with one or
more host families. Considering that 50 years have now passed, we all agreed that this is more than your aver-
age interaction. As young adults we went, we saw, we blended in … and we remembered.

These nine IFYEs to India
met a day earlier to share
memories from their par-
ticular ‘68 country group.
(See pages 2-3.)

11 World IFYE Conference Report ~ 4 ~ 08-16 September 2018
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