Our guests from Kosovo arrived on Friday, Jan. 10. The group consisted of five young ladies - four delegates, all working with non-governmental agencies in Pristina, and their facilitator, an employee of US AID.
The educational component of the program began that afternoon at Wake Forest University where the ladies met with Suzanne Reynolds, a law professor, who shared her experience running for the NC Supreme Court.
Saturday was a day of leisure, shopping and a Welcome Dinner at Salem College. Ralph Cauthen, co-exchange director, gave a few opening remarks.
Ray Kiszely, also co-exchange director, began his remarks with a display of the US and Kosovar flags.
All of the guests were introduced and they told us a bit about themselves, their families, and their work in Kosovo. Luljeta Gjonbalaj, the group's facilitator, spoke first.
Karla S. introduced Lendita Kastrati whose host, Marilyn B. could not attend the festivities.
Marta R. introduced Fjolla Raifi.
Fred and Pam K. introduced Rajmonda Sylbije.
And last, but not least, Albulena Sadiku was introduced by her host, Martha B. Albulena followed her comments with a presentation on elections in Kosovo.
Sunday provided more time for sightseeing and shopping. Two small dinner parties were hosted in Winston-Salem for all of the guests. Fjolla is enjoying the conversation with her glass of wine before dinner.
Dinner at Judy G.'s home included a beautifully set table filled with many typical Southern dishes for the ladies to try.
Marta R. served chicken pie to Judy G. while Fjolla looked on.
The educational sessions continued throughout the week. Tuesday morning found the ladies at the home of Donna L. for coffee and Moravian sugar cake. All the ladies, including Lendita who is pictured here......
.....enjoyed hearing Linda Garrou's experience running for and serving in the NC Senate.
Our Kosovar guests and FFCNC members posed for a photo with Linda before departing for lunch.
Tuesday was the day for activities and home hosting to move to Greensboro. Albulena posed for a photo with her Greensboro host, Margot R.
Lendita posed with her Greensboro host, Catherine M.
Educational sessions in Greensboro included a visit to the Triad Health Project, a local non-profit addressing HIV/AIDS. FFCNC member Charlotte H. posed with Vada Boyd Ford, a nurse/diversity trainer at the Triad Health Project.
Wednesday included a tour to the International Civil Rights Museum followed by a discussion with Bamidele Demerson, the Executive Director of the museum. Our guests were surprised to find among the museum's many exhibits, an exhibit about the war in Kosovo, an event these ladies personally experienced.
As the week progressed small dinner parties were also held in Greensboro. Clearly the energy and joy of these ladies had not diminished. After a good meal and good conversation, Rajmonda and Fjolla couldn't stop laughing with Rajmonda's host
Albulena was bright and cheerful this morning, ready to get started!
Thursday found the group at the Greensboro Police Department where Fjolla gave a presentation on women in the security sector in Kosovo.
Finally after a full week of learning and fun, it was time for the Farewell Dinner. Lendita posed with her Greensboro host, Catherine M (on the l) and her Winston-Salem host, Marilyn B. (on the r.)
Saturday morning our guests flew home, still in great spirits and ready to apply all that they learned back at home in Kosovo.