As we begin our journey in Nicaragua we have been asked to write a variety of introductions about ourselves. For our blog readers, this is how we have introduced ourselves, as we enter into our volunteer roles with Volunteer Missionary Movement.
Kyle are Allison (Alli) Stiffney are from Indianapolis, Indiana. They were married on June 30th, 2012. They found out about VMM through David Wiegner and Sarah Rich as they posted on their blog about a replacement for their mission in San Nicolas, Nicaragua. They attended Goshen College with David and Sarah. They also went to college and high school with Andrea Kraybill who was a VMM missioner in Nicaragua a couple of years ago.
Alli is a licensed social worker and was most recently working at an elementary school in Indianapolis. Alli grew up in the Mennonite Church and graduated from Goshen College in 2010 with a degree in business and psychology. She then graduated from Indiana University in 2014 with a Master’s degree in social work.
Alli has traveled extensively around the world, but has a special connection with Latin America.While she was at Goshen College, she spent 3 months in Nicaragua as part of the Study-Service Term (SST). She also spent 3 months as in intern in Peru. In both locations she studied Spanish and lived with host families, building special relationships with the people she lived with. Since her time abroad, she has gone back to visit them several times.
Alli is a people person and enjoys spending time with friends and family and building relationships. Her hobbies include playing volleyball, tennis, coaching, watching sporting events, cooking and volunteering--most recently volunteering at Ronald McDonald House.
Alli believes that she is called to love her neighbor, practice tolerance, and serve and help others whenever possible. She is passionate about students and education and is excited about working closely with the school in San Nicolas.
Alli can be contacted by email ahawkinsjae@gmail.com or on her Facebook page: Alli Jae stiffney
Kyle graduated from Goshen College in the Spring of 2010 with a major in accounting and business information systems. Most recently he was a senior staff member for a public accounting firm in Indianapolis focusing on the agriculture industry. Growing up in the Mennonite church, service to others was emphasized as a very important part of faith and he has participated in numerous service opportunities.
He has traveled throughout Central America including Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua,and Costa Rica. In 2008 on a study-service term with Goshen College in Nicaragua he lived in a small remote village of 150 people living well below the poverty line. There he helped them build fence and work on reforestation. Most recently he served as a Global Gifts Board member and participated in the local chapter of Mennonite Economic Development Agency, (MEDA) and was able to visit some clients of Micredito, a microfinance organization that operates in Nicaragua. During this trip he was able to witness firsthand the impact economic development can have on a community.
Kyle’s objectives are to use his gifts and skills to bring sustainable improvement to the community, whether it be economic, educational, or any other area that the community is interested in improving. His professional skills are well suited for economic development and he enjoys working with kids. Kyle’s hobbies include disc golf, soccer, and mountain biking.
Kyle can be contacted at: kstiffney@gmail.com
We look forward to introducing ourselves to many Nicaraguans and our community of VMMers!
