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MEET THE TRAVELERS |
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My name is Lisa Jardine Bruce, but everyone calls me Jardine. I was born in San Francisco but currently live in Irvine and attend Northwood High School (I'm a sophomore). My brother Max goes to UCSC, my father, Steve owns his own company, and my mother is an Episcopal priest. I love to go the Orange Circle antique stores and buy old postcards, clothes, and trinkets (most everything in my closet is second hand clothes). My dad and I buy old photos and scan them into the computer so he can use them for his company and I can use them for my art. Although I'm a fun-loving person, I strongly oppose domestic and youth violence. I'm not naive to the amount of social injustice in the world. I couldn't imagine what it's like in a household where this occurs, so I hope that I can play some part in the taming of this shrew known as Domestic Violence. |
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Jason Nagata is a sophomore at Polytechnic School in Pasadena where he is on the water polo and varsity swimming teams. He enjoys playing the violin with the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra, the Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra, the Polytechnic High School Orchestra, and the Polytechnic Pit Orchestra for the musical Into the Woods. He has played the violin for eight years and recently passed level seven of the Certificate of Merit. Since the second grade, Jason has been involved with the scouting program and is currently the Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout troop and is an Eagle Scout. Jason attends St. Thomas' Church in Hacienda Heights where he is active in the youth group, serves as an acolyte, and performs on the violin for special occasions. Although he has not been exposed to severe violence, he hopes to learn from this experience. |
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Biography of Anne Warnock I was born in Vancouver, B.C. on November 5th, 1983. I lived there for about the first six months of my life and then moved to Seattle. We moved around a lot when I was young, and though I didn't think so at the time, it was probably pretty good for me because it conditioned me to change. I've met so many different people and so far I've left all of them. I didn't really mind it all that much until I was 15 and again found myself being thrust into the unknown to start over. Leaving Utah was one of the hardest experiences of my life. I left all my friends, including my best friend. I'm the type of person who can get really attached and this time I wasn't giving in so easily. I hated California and I hated high school here too. I started not going and opting instead to hang around on the streets. I eventually took the high school proficiency and went to the community college. In time I started to realize what I already knew: everything happens for a reason and there must be something here for me. I found a boyfriend. I won't say much about that except that it was a great learning experience for both of us and left me a stronger person. Right now I am trying to focus on school and work at the same time. It will be good for me to go on this trip and get some more experience. I feel that my life will be altered when I've returned and that greatly excites me. I am in a transitional period of my life and for the first time I do not fear what lies ahead. |
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Luis Garibay, Jr. is the Head Custodian at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul and is the father of three children all under the age of 8. He is married to Melania Garibay who also works at the Cathedral Center. Luis is a graduate of Central High School and has worked for the past 11 years for the Episcopal Church in Echo Park. Prior to his employment with the church, Luis struggled with gang life in his neighborhood. Throughout this time, Luis struggled with drugs, alcohol abuse, and gang violence. While on probation, he was hired by Jon Bruno, who was then the Rector of St. Athanasius in Echo Park. Luis has worked for the church ever since and credits Jon (now Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles), Melania, his wife, Wilbur Welch, long time treasurer of the congregation, and Michael Cunningham, (now Administrator of the Diocese of Los Angeles) with supporting his desire to leave his life of struggle. Luis is a powerful witness to the reconciling love of God and commitment to the church. He works with a youth-at-risk program in the Diocese known as Youth Advocates, Inc. and devotes much of his time to mentoring other young persons who find themselves in the same situations that he was in before. |
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Biography for Joel
Vanderveen My parents, Ted Vanderveen and Joan Dirkse met at Calvin College, a nice, Midwestern school in Grand Rapids, Michigan with the tendency to propagate the Dutch Reformed tradition. My mother came from a small Dutch community in Wisconsin and my father was a native from Grand Rapids. I was the fifth of six children: three boys and three girls, much like the Brady Bunch. Having a large family was great. I was quiet and received a lot of attention from my siblings. My two brothers were eight and ten years older, and I admired them greatly. They taught me many sports, offered wisdom beyond my years, and played too many practical jokes at my expense. My sisters were my closest influences, simply because my brothers were off to college while I was still playing with Legos. A year after my oldest brother, Tim graduated from college, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Just three years later he passed on. Tim was just 26 years old, but he had played a significant role in the lives of many, including myself. After Graduating from my Parents' Alma Mater with a Communications degree with a specialty in film studies, I moved to Los Angeles to be involved in the film industry. I believe that films play a large role in shaping today's world, and Christians in the industry should attempt to create great films in order to enhance our culture. Quotable quote: "In a sound bite culture, do not expect to get the full story." |
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Biography of Heather Roberts I was born in Salt Lake City and lived there the first three years of my life, just long enough for my brother to be born. Our family then moved to LA, specifically Torrance. My father is an architect and self-employed, my mother works at jobs within the diocese that grant her the freedom to determine her own schedule. My younger brother is now a baseball player on the varsity baseball team in his sophomore year and makes good grades. I, myself, have been on the Academic Decathlon team (our team placed 5th in the county). I've just "lettered" in academics in our school, and though I'm interested in history and business economics, I haven't yet decided on a major or where I'll go to collage. I've been active in my church too. I've been Social Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and President of my youth group, (though not necessarily in that order,) I've always participated in our Vacation Bible School, and have been attending and participating in diocesan events for the past few years. I've always been a self-admitted bookworm and enjoy numerous fiction and non-fiction writers. Personally I love most anything that has history attached to it, especially art and antique children's books, which I collect. I've been experimenting with various forms of art over the past few years but can't quite find a niche for myself that feels comfortable yet. Old movies are another enjoyment of mine, though seldom indulged. Quotes (that I enjoy): I've learned that being kind is more important than being right. One should keep their words both soft and tender, because tomorrow they may have to eat them. |
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Biography of Lester V. Mackenzie I was born in Johannesburg South Africa on October 09 1974. I then moved with my grandparents to Cape Town (about 800 miles) away from Johannesburg. We stayed in Athlone and it was really the time between 1981-1988 that I REMEMBER the most of my experience of Apartheid. I completed my primary schooling at a government school and later went on to attend Diocesan College, an Anglican College founded by Bishop Gray from England. I then went on to work for Levi-Strauss South Africa for about 6 years. During this time I traveled to the USA and England and Europe. I was blessed to attend the Lambeth Conference as a Student Advisor. I met Bishop Bruno, then Provost in 1998 in Los Angeles. Later the Bishops invited my aunt to L.A. and I came with her. I am now completing a degree in Computer Science and religious studies, and then I go to seminary. My hobbies include computers, Capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian Martial) playing guitar and going to the beach. |
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Frances Moodie has
been a member of St. John's, Los Angeles for over twenty years, a volunteer
for Sunday School services, and was an active member of the Youth Choir
growing up. She regularly volunteered at Adam's Harbor (a program now
running every Saturday at St. John's to give a hot meal to those in need),
was one of the founding members of E.S.P.N. (Episcopal Students Preaching
Good News), a member of St. John's Youth Group, the youngest member to be
elected and serve a full term on the Vestry, Senior Staff at the Episcopal
Camp at Wrightwood, adult chaperone to Diocesan Convention in Riverside
supervising the youth, and at Bishop's Ball each Winter, a member of the
Bishop's Commission on Advocacy for Children and Youth, recent chaperone to
youths attending this year's Episcopal Urban Caucus in Los Angeles, and a
student in Southern California College. Quotable Quotes: True friends are gifts from above Unconditional love and time heal all wounds Change is hard, but absolutely necessary |
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Biography of Jorge Moodie My closest family lives in Los Angeles, and a few go to my church. This consists of my mother, sister, aunt, and a few cousins. My closest and best friends attend church with me. We have all grown up together, and have been involved in the same church activities for as long as we can remember. They are the people who influence me the most and the ones who know me the best. I also learn from the church's Men's Club, which some church members have been attending since before my birth. They help teach the male youth about decisions to make in life, and also inform us about health problems we may face at our age, and give us someone to look up to. I was born into St. John's Episcopal Church and I do many things in the parish. I have been in the Youth Choir and served as an acolyte for many years. A few years ago I and another youth were registered as LEMs, whose assignment is to serve wine at communion during church services. I am also part of the youth group named E.S.P.N. The name stands for Episcopal Students Preaching Good News. I serve as Vice President of the five-year-old group. My main hobbies are listening to music, driving, and learning about cars, especially General Motors. I am now restoring my first car, a 1982 Buick Century coupe and I am sure GM will make my next car. My favorite is the V12 Cadillac Cien concept. I have spent my free time keeping up with new car announcements, performance data, and model changes for the car company. When I finish college, I plan to become a police officer and if that does not work I would consider being a priest. With all said this should give a fairly good idea of who I am, and my interests. I seem to have a fairly good plan on what to do in life, but it is always subject to change. |
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My name is Shawn Evelyn. I am a 20-year-old student who takes on more than I can at times. I work in Foshay Learning Center as a flexible teacher's assistant and also I work in Jamba Juice, making quality and healthy products. The daily tasks I perform help demonstrate my ability to serve and help others. The numerous activities I participate in with the church and diocese also help to illustrate my ability to work hard and have fun in the process. I'm a warm person that tries to involve others to share the wealth of what's available in the world. My open mind enables me to have an appreciation of the world and its people. I will not stop going for opportunities that are before me. Also I plan to continue living by one of the lessons that was taught to me earlier in life, optimism, good friends, and family are some of the secrets of life. |
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My name is Lynn Mackenzie and I am 21 years of age. I arrived in the United States ten months ago from Cape Town, South Africa. I am a political science major at Glendale Community College, and am hoping to transfer to the University of Southern California. I would like to attend law school and then work for the United Nations in international relations. Eventually I am hoping to become an ambassador for my country. |
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Mark Wills was
born and raised in Orange County, California. In 1993, at the age of 15,
Mark was baptized at St. Andrew's Church, Fullerton. In May, 1994, Mark was
confirmed by then-bishop Fred Borsch. Mark has served the church as a
Deanery IX Youth Delegate to Convention, a wine-bearer in the Diocesan
Centennial Eucharist with the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Cary, and
currently, as an active Lay Eucharistic Minister in his home parish of St.
Andrew's. For five years, Mark worked at the Disneyland Resort in various roles, including a year as a University Leader in the Disney University, where he presented first day orientation to over 10,000 new hourly and management employees of the Disneyland Resort. In 2001, Mark graduated cum laude from California State University, Fullerton with a B.A. in Communications/Public Relations. He currently holds the position of Communications Assistant at AIDS Services Foundation Orange County, the largest AIDS service organization in Orange County. "I want this trip to bring all people to the understanding that violence is unacceptable to God and that we will work, with Her help, to create a world that is safe for all of God's children." |
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Michael Cooper was born on June 4, 1964, in Burbank, California, to Keith and Phyllis Cooper. He attended Burbank schools and, after two years of college, joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, where he worked custody division and patrol division at Carson's Sheriff's station. Michael retired from the Sheriff's Department in 1991, and attended Loyola Marymount University, earning a bachelor's degree in theology and history, and a master's degree in theology with a concentration in liturgy and liturgical history. Upon completion of his degree, he taught theology and was a member of the campus ministry department of Providence High School in Burbank. In 1999, Michael left Providence High School, and he became the first pastoral associate at St. Francis Xavier Church in Burbank, assisting in the pastoral needs of the parish. Since then, he has worked at St. Denis Catholic Community in Diamond Bar, lectured on various topics throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and been a member of the Committee for Continuing Education and Formation of Priests, Deacons, and Pastoral Associates in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. In March 2002, Bishop Jon Bruno appointed Michael as a regional youth representative for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Michael lives with his wife, Leslie, and daughter, Corey Anne, in Pasadena, and they are expecting a baby at the end of April 2002. |
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Sara Clinehens I was born in Berkeley, CA but spent most of my childhood in Lubbock, TX. After high school, I moved to L.A. to attend Occidental College. I thoroughly immersed myself in my major——cultural anthropology——and had so many opportunities for growth during that time. The most formative aspect of my college years were my experiences abroad. I spent a summer conducting an ethnographic project while walking along the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain, and I lived and studied in Managua, Nicaragua for a semester. I was also very uninterested in Christianity during this time. I had previously been involved in organizing efforts (campus and otherwise) around issues of global justice, but after returning from Nicaragua, I realized that journalism was the perfect synergism between my political beliefs and my interest in culture. I was determined to elevate the public debate about the structural inequalities in our society and world. When I graduated, I started an internship with the L.A. Weekly and thought I was going to go to journalism school the next year. Then God entered the picture, or rather, I noticed that God had always been there. Essentially, several factors converged and I began seeing all this ""God stuff"" with completely new eyes. I realized that although I grew up in the church, I sadly never got the Good News!! So I decided not to apply to grad school and have since submitted myself to answering God's call. I have no idea where this path is going to lead, but have realized that the most radical notion in our world is to try to be a disciple of Christ. I am convinced that lasting social change has to be deeply rooted in God's radical love. We cannot simply focus on changing unjust institutions, but must be primarily concerned with changing people's hearts. Similarly, we cannot just focus on rooting out the numerous manifestations of violence in our world, but must seek to understand and redirect the violence in all of our own hearts. This is the main idea that I hope to explore on this trip. |
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Wow! A bio! Haven't written one of these since high school. Well first my full name is Luke Jan Perido. I'm 19 years old and I was born in the Philippines. Came to the States when I was about 5. I've lived in L.A., Pomona, and now currently residing in Chino Hills. I've got one older sister and one younger brother. I'm also a certified 1st Dan Black Belt in Korean Tae Kwon Do. My sport that I'm into is baseball. Um...as far as my education is ... I never really graduated High School 'cause I was, how do you say, a very bad boy. I guess that's where I really messed up. There's so much to my past that I'm not very proud, so I guess this is where I'm going to clean. I mean I used to sell drugs, and through that I established high relations with various gang members and gangs. I myself never really joined one, though offered, never saw the purpose of being a "gangsta". Uh...I am though with a crew that we call "Outlaws". As of now I'm not really an active member. Um...I messed up so bad one time that it resulted in my incarceration. I've served about 5 months at West Valley Detention Center and was later transferred to Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center. I was released from custody March 6 and since then I've had a very different view on life. Just trying to be good now I guess. |
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My name is Caitlin Ferguson. I am 17 years old and live in Manhattan Beach, California. I grew up with my parents Dave and Dina who after 29 years are happily married. I'm very fortunate in that way, I have a wonderful home life and my family is very important to me. I'm Scottish and proud of it. My heritage plays a main role in the dynamics of my relationship with my father and I'm glad that I'm fortunate enough to have a wonderful relationship with both my parents but especially my father. I try to visit my Grandmother Leta once a week. I have a very close relationship with my Grandma. She is now blind and so she needs me more and our friendship has grown stronger as I grow older. Church has also played and still plays a major role in my life. I have been the Spiritual Leader for my youth group for the past two years and the chair of the Program Group on Youth Ministries for the last three years with my last term coming next year. I love being part of the Episcopal Church and spending time with the wonderful friends I have made within the church. Music and Dance are two of my hobbies for the free time that I rarely have. Luckily I can incorporate both into my schoolwork. I'm in the concert band where I play bass clarinet, and on the dance guard / color guard team. I have few dislikes but many loves. I love Shakespeare and singing and practicing my sign language. |
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Hands In Healing Home Page Itinerary/Map Travelogue Page One |
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