Preparing for Brazil—

Meet our International Mission Volunteers!

January 10, 2011

Two NDMV's Kevin Draper and Jeremy Mitchell spent the week of January 10 at our National NDMV Office in Baltimore, MD preparing for their year of service in Anapu, Barzil. Notre Dame de Namur Sisters Bobby English, Maryann Gillespie and Maura Browne were some of those who prepared them for life and service in Brazil.

(Jeremy Mitchell, Sister Maryann Gillespie and Kevin Draper study a map of Brazil.)

Kevin Draper has a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on International Relations. In his words: “I have been in love with South America ever since I studied abroad in Argentina and Brazil in 2008. I love everything about the region; the people, the culture, the lifestyle. Since then, I knew that I had to find my way back to the area. Serving as a Notre Dame Mission International Volunteer not only gives me that opportunity, but also affords me the chance to positively contribute to a place that I love so much.” Kevin found his way to Brazil through a chance meeting with Sister Maryann Gillespie SNDdeN.

Jeremy Mitchell has a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on Latin American politics. A short volunteer experience in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina during his college days was the beginning of a change in Jeremy’s consciousness and started his service journey. Upon graduation, he served as a NDMV-AmeriCorps volunteer in CA.

The orientation came to a formal close with a Missioning Ceremony on Friday afternoon at Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Province Center in Baltimore. Once their visas arrive, they are set to go! Please hold these fine young men in your prayer.

-adapted from an article by Sister Barbara-Jean Kubik, SNDdeN