20 Years of Gabrovo YMCA in Bulgaria
I was present at the first meeting of YMCA partners between eastern European counties after the Berlin Wall fell and Europe started opening up as the Communist regime disintegrated.
1991 I think!
The YMCA is active all over Europe.
As it opened up, post communism, the YMCA connected with counties such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania etc..
A group gathered in Budapest.
Reps from partner countries like YMCA England and a collection of eastern European beautiful humans.
One man was 80.
(I can't remember his name - it will return to me)
The only last remaining Board member from the Bulgarian YMCA.
It had been shut down by the communists and all buildings confiscated.
No YMCA for 50 years under communism - some staff imprisoned for
their faith and passion for young Bulgarians.
Now was a time when we were saying 'Lets help you to kick-start the Y there again'.
I chose Bulgaria because it seemed the least glamorous.
We in the west knew next to nothing about it.
Other countries had a profile - maybe all negative press
but Bulgaria had zilch.
So we set up a partnership group.
Several reps from the western Y's joined the Bulgarian Support Group.
Then they started to re-surge into life.
Local YMCA's. Later the National body.
We visited many times over the years.
Crowded small rooms in tower blocks.
Endless talk with translation.
How can communism prepare humans for decision making - we found very little ability.
But we did find passion commitment energy and a desire to contribute to the lives of young people.
One we took a team there in tour.
A Counsellor, Manager, Youth Worker, Fitness Coach, Juggler and a Bishop.
We connected with different towns and cities. Also connecting with the Orthodox Church Patriarch.
We were early years supporters.
Now they are standing on two feet.
Now this video brings tears to my eyes.
HOW far have they come - beautifully a long way
t c pracrasin chovek
