Discovery

Today was such a heavy day. We visited the YMCA Peru and had a tour of their facilities. I wish I could upload the photos! The YMCA had all of the things you would expect, a check-in desk, a teen center, a gym, a pool. And some things you may not expect, a cafeteria and a YMCA pro shop run by women who learned how to sew at the Y through an outreach program that teaches women how to be entrepreneurs. And now those women have their own business making YMCA apparel for staff and camp.

There are just some things that are part and parcel of a YMCA. The Pueblo Libre is the main branch of the YMCA Peru association. This branch has two main focuses; formal and non-formal programs. Formal programs are the academic side of the YMCA, with 3 schools and around 1,000 students. Non-formal programs are all of the recreational activities that we associate with healthy living and youth development.

The YMCA Peru has a strong faith based mission and vision, believing that it is our responsibility as Christians to reach out and help our community. I saw this very clearly today when we were invited to the opening ceremony for a new "branch" in the slums in Lima. The message was heavy with thanks to God first and foremost. It was overwhelming the reception of the Peruvians of our group into their ceremony. This center is for the development of early learning, like preschool, and will serve nearly 500 kids per day through learning and education as well as nutrition. The Senior leaders attended and led the opening with a blessing of flower petals that we were allowed to throw on the building as a symbolic baptism or renewal of the center. Additionally, as a part of the opening we were asked to give hugs of blessings since a hug is a blessing for yourself and someone else.

I have a different perspective of social responsibility now for sure.
Until next time-