Busy Times in the YMCA of Guatemala

Two weekends ago we had a retreat for all of the program volunteers of the YMCA Guatemala, 60 in total. It was great to be with the youth for the entire weekend and this was the first time that the group has come together since Luis, Eleazar and Mario were killed. It was a very meaningful and fun weekend full of laughter, tears, hugs and prayers. The youth lead the vigil and reflection time which was a very touching and intense experience! One of the most sentimental moments in my Y experiences.


I am constantly amazed by the love and intense dedication that the youth have for the YMCA. Most of the youth have been in the Y as participants and volunteers since they were the age of 7 or 8. The youngest person that is currently volunteering for the YMCA and was with us over the weekend is 10 years old.

Here is a pic of all of the program youth volunteers from Comalapa, Tierra Nueva, San Cristobal and Amatitlan.

This last weekend a group of 50 Canadians arrived from the YMCA of Montreal. The group is absolutely wonderful, but as you can all imagine a group of 50 is a little challenging to keep track of. Luckily they are all bi or trilingual and are experienced travelers. The YMCA of Montreal has just started a formal partnership with the YMCA of Guatemala and they brought this delegation to support the YMCA as well as to attend the Americas Social Forum, which the YMCA of Guatemala helped plan http://www.forosocialamericas.org/queesfsa_en.php