Kev and went to Częstochowa in Poland for the European Youth Forum of the Emmanuel Community. We traveled there with Msgr Sarno. We were met at the Krakow airport by two of our students, Mikołaj and Anna. They drove us to Częstochowa. We popped in to Wadowice on the way, for a quick look around the town where Bl. John Paul II was born. It was such a pretty little place.
Wadowice - Kev, Mikołaj, Anna, Msgr Sarno, Hele
Then we went to Oświęcim (Auschwitz). I had been there before many years ago, but it was just as sad/disturbing the second time. Kev and I were particularly sad to see a sign marking a place where women were used for sterilisation experiments. Back then it was an horrific abuse - today women choose to do it thinking it makes them free.
Oświęcim - Concentration Camp
After this we went to Częstochowa. I had been there twice before- once by myself and another time with my mum. I just love it. This was a bit different because we were with about 700 young, enthusiastic and energetic young people. Although it was fun, Kev and I had some duties: we were 'taking care' of our students, promoting the ESMs, recruiting and interviewing for the coming year; and giving a workshop entitled, "Does God Like Sex?" Kev announced our workshop to the whole crowd by telling them that, "We will talk about sex...but there will be no practical demonstrations."
The week was wonderful. There were great talks, the weather was beaut and there were lots of opportunities to pray. I was so impressed by the reverence among the young people during Adoration which took place all day, everyday under a tent in a small field. There were also people going to Confession throughout the week.
Jesus........and Fr Brice
One night, after being told to go to bed early in preparation for a big day, the ESM Rome kids decided to have a little party. We had no plates, cutlery or cups, but we had chips, a jar of nutella and three bottles of port. So we dipped the chips in the nutella and handed around the bottles to take a swig. It was a classy event.
ESM Rome party
July 26th was my birthday...and also my name day (Feast of St Anne, which is my second name). I turned twentynineteen (39). It was a nice day, but I was apart from Kev for most of it - it was a men's/women's day. Us chicks went for a long walk in the countryside and woods. It sure was nice to get out into nature. We started the morning with Praise. It looked and sounded wonderful.
Praise on the hilltop
Four of the students from the year before last made a card for me. It is so cute! Kev and I are upside-down with a kangaroo in Australia.
Birthday card
Kev and I were interviewed on the local radio station. It was a live-to-air, and needed to be translated by one of our students - both the questions for us and our responses. We don't know anyone who could have been listening or who would have understood us if they did, so we were pretty cool about it. That is my second radio interview in as many weeks!
During the Forum, we got to spend time with lots of our ESM kids from the past three years. It was a real treat. But then came the time to say goodbye...ouch!
ESM 2010-2011 - Juan, Kristina, Lucy...sad goodbye
ESM 2011-2012 - Klara, Baptiste, Marthe
ESM 2009-2010 - Basia
Basia was at the School the year that we did handover, so we weren't technically on the Team yet. She laughed when she heard the students call us 'mum' and 'dad'. She said, "That's cute. You had a different relationship with us. Actually, you were more like students!" It's true. We had 'All care. No responsibility' back then.
ESM 2012-2013 - our last batch
ESM 2012-2013 - Asian faces
(Christian says he can do this with no-hands)
(Msgr Sarno looks disgusted!!!!)
Hele with the boys
Then came our departure. We said goodbye to each student personally. It was so sad. Let me make this clear: it was so so so sad....
Our most recent ESM kids
The students gave us a wonderful farewell! They chased the car as we departed. It was so cute.
Video - saying goodbye
Mikołaj drove us to the station. We caught the train to Krakow. I fell asleep...we were exhausted. When we got there we found a hotel and dumped our stuff. Then we went for a stroll in the Old Town. It is one of my favourite cities in the world. We wandered around, and then found a funky little place to have beer and something to eat.
Krakow - Town Square
We checked out more of the town - cathedral and castle. Then went back to the hotel for much needed sleep.
Then next day we met Msgr Sarno at the airport and returned to Rome. It was a great trip....the last international Community event for some time to come.
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