In 1991 I started to be involved with Eastern European Nations as they stepped away from Communism. In 1992 I attended a conference in Tisadob in Hungary as an International Trainer. It was the first time that the YMCA of Europe had managed to get leaders and young humans out of their countries - and what an experience that was.
A few years later, following a number of visits to Bulgaria, I was walking down a road in Greece - arm in arm with Velechko and Tony Yankabakova. I was truly linking with Bulgaria and my home YMCA became active partners with the YMCA's there.
I travelled regularly there for 13 years - sometimes several times a year.
Last night I visited Martyn Yankabakova in a little volunteer house next to the local YMCA. The son of Tony, who I last met as a child - now sixteen and six foot+, is in town as a volunteer.
Here you see a progression of their poses for my camera. Martyn on the right.
The others are from all around the world including Mexico, Spain, Bulgaria and .... wonderful experience for them and us ................... wow.
