Jamaica: Beyond the Beaches Original Airdate: July 26, 2007
In this first episode, Jamaica Beyond the Beaches, Judy O'Bannon joins a group of travelers who venture beyond the famous seaside resorts and immerse themselves in Jamaica’s vibrant native culture. They develop long-lasting, meaningful relationships with the men, women and children to whom Jamaica is not a place to go for vacation, but is, instead, a place that is simply "home."
India: In Search of Enlightenment Original Airdate: October 25, 2007
In this second episode, Judy O'Bannon travels to the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, India, to explore the idea of unity and the interrelatedness of all things. Along the way she encounters the music, the color, the culture and philosophy of a people who base their entire existence on this message of one-ness and global connectivity.
And we entertain the question: Might it be possible that a growing awareness of our own connectivity, and who's sitting beside us in our global living room, could assist us in our quest to treat one another with more respect and dignity? Further illumination is provided by Judy O'Bannon's daughter, Jennifer, and by Ananth Kini, raised in India, but now residing in Central Indiana.
Serbia: Nation of New Beginnings Original Airdate: March 27, 2008
Serbia's story is one of turmoil and uncertainty that seems, at first, far removed from the lives we live here in Indiana. But as Judy O'Bannon discovered when she went to Serbia, the basic needs and desires that shape us, be we Serb or Hoosier, are universal, and we can see ourselves in their experiences. Judy led a delegation from Ambassadors for Children to Serbia, at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Princess of Yugoslavia, who have recently repatriated to their homeland. The hope of the royalty is shared by Serbians: to make a transition from their war-torn past to become a peaceful, prosperous part of mainstream Europe.
This program is made possible with the support of: Michael and Barbara Blickman, John Herbst, Cathy Fanslow, John and Jane O’Connor and Children (Sean, Craig, Rachel, Brendan, Nicholas and Nathan), Dr. George and Peggy Rapp, Dr. Lois Sabo-Skelton, Maria McClain and The Members of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church
Turkey: Bridge Under Construction Original Airdate: November 27, 2008
Turkey is a country that straddles two continents. Its culture reflects that duality. Judy O'Bannon traveled with a group of Hoosiers at the invitation of the Indianapolis-based Holy Dove Foundation this summer, as a way of building bridges of understanding between our country and the Islamic world of Turkey.
Despite the differences of faith, O'Bannon noted the warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people, and the ease of interaction. "We laughed at the same things and pondered mutual concerns and issues: child rearing, educational requirements, getting sick, making a living, surrounding ourselves with interesting people and experiences, and always, an uncertainty about the future and the unknown," O'Bannon said.
Regarding the program's unusual title, Judy noted that bridges emerged as a memorable image from her journey. A bridge in Bosphorous connects the continents of Asia and Europe – and bridges connect the two sides of Istanbul. A bridge of sorts has been created between Indiana and Turkey as a result of this journey – made possible in very real terms through the Internet. "The world is really shrinking, and we are truly becoming more and more connected," said O'Bannon.
Generous support for this program provided by: Marcia V. Mayo and the Mayo Charitable Foundation, Washington, D.C., The Owsley Brown Charitable Foundation and The O'Bannon Foundation, a fund of the Indianapolis Foundation
Moldova: Mirror on an Uncertain World Original Airdate: March 26, 2009
Tucked away in Eastern Europe between bigger, much more powerful neighbors, Moldova is considered Europe's poorest country.
Judy O'Bannon has traveled to this former Soviet Republic eight times over the last nine years, accompanied by businessmen, medical doctors, and curious, caring friends. She has come to love the land...and its people. Her personal involvement has led to the support of 10 foster families. While visiting in their homes, her eyes have been opened to events and issues that have shaped both their world and our own.
Theirs, like ours, is an uncertain world, but by paying attention to Moldova’s response (or lack of response) to its own uncertainty, there exists the possibility that we may develop new insights and perspectives on the ways we respond: as individuals, as a state, as a nation, and as a world.
Support for this program provided by: Jerry Henry/Midwest Pipe and Steel (Ft. Wayne, IN), Marcia V. Mayo and the Mayo Charitable Foundation (Washington D.C.), Midwest Alliance for Health Education and The Denver Foundation-Bible Family Fund.
Moldova: Looking Back While Walking Forward Original Airdate: March 25, 2010
It has been nearly 10 years since Judy O'Bannon first ventured to Moldova. At that time, she knew nothing of the place or its people, but after many trips, she now has thousands of photographs, hours and hours of video footage, stories and observations to share.
The story of this former Soviet Republic resonates with increased significance as the world commemorates the recent 20th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s collapse. How are the people of Moldova coping with the seismic changes (both the problems and the promises) that accompany a nation’s newfound freedom? Are they coping? On first glance this is a land that seems far removed from the United States, but Judy O’Bannon travels back over the years to see, with new eyes, the fascinating differences and similarities between the two cultures. There is much for our country to learn and a whole lot to love.
Support for this program provided by: Jerry Henry/Midwest Pipe and Steel (Ft. Wayne, IN), Marcia V. Mayo and the Mayo Charitable Foundation (Washington D.C.), Midwest Alliance for Health Education and The Denver Foundation-Bible Family Fund.
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