Morton graduate pursuing mission work in Peru

Brad Roth said that when his 6-year-old son, Mateo, thinks of Peru, he thinks of “good food and family and his little cousins he wants to play with.”

But little Mateo will soon see a different side of Peru.

Brad — a 1995 Morton High School graduate — will soon travel with his son; his wife, Lici; and his other son Elijah, 3, to Cuzco, Peru, to spend a year on a mission assignment for Eastern Mennonite Missions.

“Lici is from Lima, Peru, so we had toyed with the idea of doing some work in Peru,” he said. “We started looking around and connected with Eastern Mennonite Missions.”

The Roths — who called Warden, Wash., home for the past five years — are currently staying with Brad’s parents in Pekin. Their year-long journey will begin Sept. 10 when they will head to Harrisburg, Penn., to attend training for a week and then travel on to Cuzco.

Brad visited friends who were participating with a mission program in Peru in 2009.

“I saw what was going on and thought, ‘Maybe there would be a role we could play and support this work and be involved with this.’ As my term was coming to an end with the church, we felt that calling to explore some other options.”

While in Warden, Brad served as pastor at Warden Mennonite Church. Lici worked as a health promoter with the Hispanic population at the Moses Lake Community Health Center.

In Cuzco, the couple will find themselves in similar roles.

“They have a clinic they work with and a health promoter program that they wanted to expand, so Lici can just plug right into that,” Brad said. “I’m going to be doing pastoral and theological and biblical training with the pastors and the church leaders. I’ll also be working with the school — the mission has a school there — and I’ll be almost doing like chaplaincy work with the kids in the school.”

The couple will also be working with the indigenous Quechua-speaking population. Most of their work will be done in Spanish, but Brad will also study Quechua.

Brad’s college career at Rock Island’s Augustana College led him to meet his wife.

“I did my junior year there in Arequipa, Peru, and I met her when she and some friends came down for a conference on economics,” Brad said.

Do Drinking Abroad Programs Have A Studying Problem?

Many of today’s college students grew up listening to their parents reminisce about studying abroad. So, it's no wonder that programs abroad have seen a surge in popularity, even as they've undergone drastic changes.

Hundreds of thousands of students will leave the U.S. this school year to — at least in theory — hit the books in foreign countries. Butler University’s Institute for Study Abroad alone now sends about 3,500 abroad each year. In 1989, the program sent 57.

Here is a second statistic: A recent study at the University of Washington found that students studying abroad are likely to significantly increase, if not double, their alcohol intake while away.

Unlike their parents, who today’s students can likely thank for taking them on trips abroad — study abroad applicants are likely to have traveled. Rather than stepping out blinking into the foreign light, these 19- and 20-year-olds are going out on the town. Ironically, a generation whose passion for travel was fueled by early study abroad programs has, in taking their kids abroad, birthed a generation that sees similar programs as an excuse to party.

WikiLeaks: Fissures Over South American Left Integration

Over the past few years, the international left has derived much satisfaction from the course of South American political and economic integration. The novelty of such integration is that it has proceeded along progressive lines and has been pushed by regional leaders associated with the so-called "Pink Tide." With so many leftist leaders in power, it is plausible to surmise that a left bloc of countries might challenge Washington's long-term hemispheric agenda. Yet, behind all of the lofty rhetoric and idealism, serious fissures remain within South America's leftist movement, both within individual countries and within the larger regional milieu.

That, at least, is the impression I got from reading U.S. State Department cables recently declassified by whistle-blowing outfit WikiLeaks. Take, for example, the Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva administration in Brazil, which at times encouraged a "hostile" climate against the Free Trade Area of the Americas or FTAA, a corporately-sponsored plan backed by Washington, while on other occasions encouraging "public doubt and confusion through its own often-conflicting statements" about the accord. Behind the scenes, the Brazilian government was much more divided on the matter than commonly portrayed, torn between its South American loyalties on the one hand and the desire to gain access to the lucrative U.S. market for agricultural and industrial goods on the other.

In 2003, the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia noted that "Brazil's political goals, which include a leadership role in South America along with a strong focus on development and the social agenda, sometimes clash in its pursuit of certain national economic interests." Cautiously, Brazil conducted sensitive negotiations with Washington over the FTAA. Lula's position was somewhat delicate: while the president needed a substantial export boost to fund his social agenda, producers were fearful about facing increased competition.

Across the border in Argentina, Lula could count on political ally Néstor Kirchner, and as a result the prospects for further integration through South American trade bloc Mercosur looked bright. On the other hand, however, Mercosur remained "more important as a political project than an economic one," and virtually all Brazilians recognized that, in the long term, Mercosur would not offer a viable long-term solution to Brazil's export needs.

The World's Longest Raft Race on the Amazon in Iquitos, Peru - October Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/08/10/prweb87

Join LivinginPeru.com for the 13th consecutive running of the World's longest raft race that takes place on the Amazon River near Iquitos, Peru. The race, the longest of its kind in the world, covers 180 kilometers over three days on balsa-log rafts. Amateur adventure seekers, professionals, media and supporters from all over the world come to compete for bragging rights, and the honor of living up to the race's motto: "The Faint of Heart Need Not Apply!"

Last year, fifty teams from Peru as well as England, America, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, Iran and Israel turned out to participate in this unique sporting event. "Last year's Amazon Raft Race was a major success and this year's Raft Race will be bigger and better as we are aiming for 75 teams", added Carsten Korch President and CEO of LivinginPeru.com.

Whether you are a serious competitive rafter, or merely an intrepid amateur of any age, three days and nights along this spectacular, unspoiled stretch of the upper Amazon is an unforgettable and often, life-changing experience within the confines of unparalleled natural beauty. It is a great combination of Nature, Adventure, and Fun. See what others had to say about last year's event.

This year's event takes place from October 4th-9th. Teams must be in Iquitos by the evening of October 4th and the race starts on the morning of October 6. For additional information or to sign up visit our partner organization, Peru Experience.

About the Raft Race
In June 1998 Mike Collis moved to Iquitos from England, for what he thought would be a quiet life. In 1999 Mike was asked if he had any ideas to promote tourism in the Amazon region. Mike told him that for more than 25 years he had organized raft races in England.

The first Amazon Raft Race took place in 1999 with 43 crews competing in a one day race with a winning time of 2.50 hours. The second race, one year later, was on the same course with over 60 teams from 14 different countries competing, and in 2003 the course was extended to 42 kilometers over 2 days.

American David Kelly and his illustrious "Easy Living" was the first foreign team to win the race in 2008, and their record time of only 12 hours and 19 minutes still stands.

About the organizers
LivinginPeru.com is the most authoritative and reliable English-language resource for those interested in living, working, traveling, and investing in Peru.

Peru Experience is an innovative travel agency continuously striving to be at the vanguard of Peruvian tourism, combining local knowledge with an interest for creating unique lifetime experiences for everybody coming to Peru.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/08/10/prweb8703154.DTL#ixzz1Uif4i7Nu

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu among top 10 hiking destinations

Lima, Aug. 07 (ANDINA). The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru, has been named in a list of top ten hiking trails worldwide by a travel website.

Online travel adviser Cheapflights on Sunday released its top 10 list, including hiking destinations in the United States, Spain, Wales, Tanzania, New Zealand, Chile, Canada, China and Peru.

"As one of South America's most celebrated ancient sites, Machu Picchu attracts travelers from all over the world trying to catch a glimpse of Inca life thousands of years ago.

"Most visitors opt for train service to Machu Picchu, but the adventure traveler will appreciate a guided four-day hike along the Inca Trail. Much of it passes through cloud forests that are so surreal, it's easy to forget where you are, not to mention traveling past ruins like the vast agricultural terraces and climbing the infamous Dead Woman's Pass.

"For those who aren't quite up for the full 50-mile trek, two-day options are available, and like many guided tours, porters can be paid to carry any belongings," the travel website noted.

Besides Machu Picchu, the list features the Appalachian Trail, Camino Frances, Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zion Narrows, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Paine Circuit Trek, West Coast Trail and Tiger Leaping Gorg

Retorno del Shuttle Atlantis marca el fin de 30 años de Transbordadores Espaciales de la NASA

El aterrizaje del transbordador espacial (en Inglés Space Shuttle) ATLANTIS de la NASA, llamado oficialmente Space Transportation System (STS), en castellano "Sistema de Transporte Espacial", completa la último misión de este transbordador y de la familia de transbordadores STS, y marca el fin de la era del Programa del Space Shuttle, con mas de 30 años de servicios para la NASA realizado desde 1981. Los transbordadores durante ese tiempo pudieron aterrizar en 3 distintos lugares: Kennedy Space Center en Florida, Edwards Air Force Base en California y White Sands Space Harbor en New Mexico.

[Atlantis luego de abandonar la Estación Espacial Internacional en su orbita de retorno.]

Desde el despegue de la primera misión del transbordador espacial realizado por el COLUMBIA (misión STS-1) el 12 de Abril de 1981, los transbordadores se han utilizado para el transporte de grandes cargas hacia varias órbitas, para el abastecimiento y construcción de la Estación Espacial Internacional (ISS) con sus módulos orbítales y para realizar misiones del mantenimiento como por ejemplo en el Telescopio espacial Hubble. El primer orbitador completamente funcional, el Columbia, fue construido en Palmdale, California, y enviado al Centro Espacial Kennedy el 25 de Marzo de 1979. En Julio de 1982 se unio a la flota el CHALLENGER, destruido en un accidente el 28 de Enero de 1986. En Noviembre de 1983 llegó el DISCOVERY, y en abril de 1985 el ATLANTIS. El último transbordador construido fue el ENDEAVOUR, en reemplazo del Challenger, sumandose a la flota en Mayo de 1991.

Las 5 naves han logrado participar en 135 misiones, viajando traveled 872'906,380 kilometros orbitando la tierra 21,152 veces, llevando al espacio 355 humanos y mas de 1,590 toneladas de carga y experimentos.

Faltando un poco mas de 5 horas, para concluir su última misión al espacio, exactamente a las 06:32 GMT, el Shuttle ATLANTIS sobrevoló territorio peruano regresando a la tierra de su misión ULF-7 a la Estacion Espacial Internacional o también denominada misión STS-135 como se le denomina al último vuelo de este transbordador.

Atravesando la Linea Ecuatorial en su "Last Orbit o Última Orbita" numerada como la "Orbita 200", los astronautas norteamericanos commandante de vuelo Christopher Ferguson, piloto Douglas Hurley, e ingenieros de vuelo Sandra Magnus y Rex Walheim prepararon los sistemas mecánicos y eléctronicos del Shuttle para su aterrizaje programado para
las 11:56 GMT (5:56 hora local) en Cabo Cañaveral, Florida.

La deorbita del Shuttle se realizó a las 10:49 GMT a una altura de 386 km (240 millas) y se llevo a cabo durante 3 minutos y 16 segundos reduciendo la velocidad del mismo a 27,359 km/h (17,000 mph) para facilitar su reentrada a la atmósfera terrestre.

Con el aterrizaje del Atlantis en el Runway 15 del Kennedy Space Center y el regreso de los 4 astronautas americanos los vuelos tripulados del Space Transportation System de los Estados Unidos pasa a la historia y se pone punto final al programa de los Space Shuttle.

MSU students arrive in Peru for medical mission

EAST LANSING, Mich. — More than 3,500 miles from home, a group of osteopathic medical students, faculty members and volunteers from Michigan State University have arrived in Peru for a 10-day adventure that will give them hands-on experience in international health.

The 28 students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine arrived today in Trujillo, Peru, where they will spend the first few days of their trip visiting a medical school and hospital. Then it is on to Huamachuco, a village nestled in the Andes Mountains, where the group will operate a clinic and also make visits throughout the village to provide medical care and treatment.

Members of MSU's Big Ten Network are traveling to Peru along with the group, documenting the trip and providing updates. Students also will provide photos and blogs; all content will be updated in real-time at http://special.news.msu.edu/peru/index.html.

The group is traveling with more than $100,000 worth of medical supplies that will help them provide much-needed medical care to villagers. The July 31 to Aug. 11 trip is being led by Gary Willyerd, associate dean for the college's Detroit campus.

Medical student Hailey Wouters, one of the student advisers for the trip, is making her first international medical trip.

"I'm excited because I know the Peru trip will provide us with a great opportunity to use our medical skills to serve people in need," Wouters said before departing for Peru. "My hope is that this trip inspires us all to help those who are less fortunate as we progress in our professional careers."

Medical student Veronica Esmero added: "This trip is a unique opportunity to experience a new culture and provide medical care to those without access."

MSU has a continuing presence in Huamachuco, from the medical trips to other research endeavors, including efforts by College of Engineering students to build a solar water heater for the hospital in Huamachuco to studying water quality issues.

###

Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleg

MSU students arrive in Peru for medical mission

EAST LANSING, Mich. — More than 3,500 miles from home, a group of osteopathic medical students, faculty members and volunteers from Michigan State University have arrived in Peru for a 10-day adventure that will give them hands-on experience in international health.

The 28 students from the College of Osteopathic Medicine arrived today in Trujillo, Peru, where they will spend the first few days of their trip visiting a medical school and hospital. Then it is on to Huamachuco, a village nestled in the Andes Mountains, where the group will operate a clinic and also make visits throughout the village to provide medical care and treatment.

Members of MSU's Big Ten Network are traveling to Peru along with the group, documenting the trip and providing updates. Students also will provide photos and blogs; all content will be updated in real-time at http://special.news.msu.edu/peru/index.html.

The group is traveling with more than $100,000 worth of medical supplies that will help them provide much-needed medical care to villagers. The July 31 to Aug. 11 trip is being led by Gary Willyerd, associate dean for the college's Detroit campus.

Medical student Hailey Wouters, one of the student advisers for the trip, is making her first international medical trip.

"I'm excited because I know the Peru trip will provide us with a great opportunity to use our medical skills to serve people in need," Wouters said before departing for Peru. "My hope is that this trip inspires us all to help those who are less fortunate as we progress in our professional careers."

Medical student Veronica Esmero added: "This trip is a unique opportunity to experience a new culture and provide medical care to those without access."

MSU has a continuing presence in Huamachuco, from the medical trips to other research endeavors, including efforts by College of Engineering students to build a solar water heater for the hospital in Huamachuco to studying water quality issues.

###

Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleg