FAMILY REUNION

I had written this almost 4 days ago now and unfortunately couldnnot get a good wifi connection to post this before we left for the community service, So another update will be followed shortly.


I had been quite nervous for the second global gathering, anxious about seeing everyone after such a long time. Some I had seen in the last 12 months, others I had spoken to over social media and some I hadn't spoken to since the previous global gathering on the peace boat.
YMCA Chiang Mai welcomed us kindly and so generously,  as did my fellow change agents greeting us on arrival, after such a long flight It was really great to see everyone and any apprehensions were quickly disappearing.
On our first day we got to hear the great feed back by Andrew from YMCA Australia about the OMV research and how we can use the findings for great ideas to empower the young people in our local communities. Also that the very near future looks promising for "Two million voice's" to extend/build on the existing research.
Day two was all about civic engagement and the first set of workshops delivered by change agents - so expiring to feel their passion for the need of change in their local realities.
Day 3 was environment day- an excursion of the YMCA centre in Chiang Mai.  Which focuses on educating its young people about the environment, climate change and how they can make a difference to reduce the carbon footprint. Following this we were lucky enough to experience a trip to a local elephant camp and see a very talented show by the elephants. Later that evening we were taken to a local restaurant with great food and a Thai cultural show - again well looked after by YMCA Chiang Mai.

Today has been day 4 - Health and employment day, made up of workshops/interactive discussions/sessions led by change agents. It has been interesting to learn about various projects and differing realities from the different countries and how they respond to their young people's needs.

This evening we are preparing for our cumminity service groups and home stay with a local Thai family for saturday and Sunday.