Testimony of Tammy Lavigne - Dunlop
The pilgrimage started off with many new friendships developed amongst 30 practical strangers. The group met every six weeks for spiritual preparations and to get to know one another as human beings. I learned a lot about other people’s view in life through our conversations.
In between our spiritual meetings, we gathered on several occasions for the numerous fundraising events that we organised and participated in to meet the costs of our pilgrimage.
This was a wonderful experience because we learned to work together towards a common goal. This goal was a fundraising event, but my experience will extend into my personal life. I believe that any group of complete strangers can work together towards world peace if they want to. Our departure on August 10, 2005 was emotional for me because I was leaving my loved ones behind as I was off to another country that I have never been to. I was a bit concerned about the flight due to recent past events with plane crashes and terrorism but I had faith that I was on the Journey for a reason, so off we went. The bus rise was 12 hours, the first plane was 7.5 hours and the second plane was another 2 hours and then 3 hours on the bus.
The journey was long but well worth the welcome we received in Poppenhausen. We were received as though we were family members. Each of us were divided into groups where we further to know each other in a more intimate way. We were all very close to each other in this beautiful community. The families were all very special and we started our day by going to church every day. I felt so close to GOD and this community. It was almost unbelievable how every day felt very “normal” in this community. They brought us to see their community spiritual events and we went climbing into mountains to see the beautiful geography.
I was breathtaking! I took so many pictures of the beauty of this peaceful town. I could have wanted my loves ones to be with me. We talked with our families and learned about each other, about our cultures and about world spiritual views. Leaving Poppenhausen was emotional because I felt like I was leaving my family behind to not see them for a very long time. Nonetheless, off we went to Cologne. This was another 3 hours bus ride that was also well worth it. We arrived in Cologne to find out that our passes had been given to someone else but that was not such a big deal. We all got into bumpers cars at the Carnival that was set up in the street just outside our bus stop.
We had so much fun! We played and laughed just like children do. We need to do this more often in life, that is to take time to have fun in life. One everything was settled, we went off to meet our new families who were king enough to welcome us into their homes. Once again, I felt at home. I stayed at an elderly couple’s home and I felt like they were my grandparents. We were so well cared for. They could not do enough for us. They were a close family and very spiritual.
We prayed and gave thanks every morning to GOD and the wonderful people and experiences of this journey. They taught me not be afraid to reach out and to give to people. They told me: “We don’t’ have a big home but we have big hearts” and this was very true. We played music and shared life and cultural experience with these people. We also participated in the walk of the cross with this family and community in the pouring rain, which was wonderful. These people don’t complain about the weather. They just live with it and get on with life.
Such positive and resilient personalities. When the pope arrive in Germany via the Rhine River, we were 10 feet away from him. He has very kind and compassionate eyes and y heart skipped a beat because I was so close to such an influential world figure. Our Vigil with the Pope on Would Youth Day was a memorable one. I was so touched to see that so many youth are spiritual and are looking for answers about the world that we live in today. I spoke to so many different people from around the world and we are all very much the same, on the inside although we are different on the outside. We need to not be influenced by the negative messages from the world but to listen to our hearts and what is inside of us, which is GOD, and we will find our reason for being. Leaving Marienfeld was a difficult experience for some of the group, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. We see how strong our spirit is when we stick together in support of one another during difficult times. Things don’t seem so bad when people share the burdens of the world. Once again, it was time to leave Bergish Gladbach, Cologne, which was very emotional because of the kindness and friendliness of these people.
I learned very much about being tolerant and compassionate of other people’s experiences while in Cologne. My journey home was bittersweet because of the friends that I had to leave behind. But, we will continue to communicate and we have been given an invitation to return in the future. Germany is a far away place geographically, but not in my heart. The people there are just like the rest of us except in a different part of the world.
Testimony of Megan Eva Fournier - Pointe-Verte
My time in Germany was marked expectations that were broken and events I did not expect at all. I realized that most people possess great kindness and sympathy and I, myself, possess emotional, physical and mental strength greater than I had ever imagined! I truly believe in miracles now and have been touched by something greater than us.
I can’t wait to go to Australia!
Testimony of Nicole Poirier - Bathurst
Spiritually uplifting! Exciting! Incredible! These are only a few words that express the way I feel about the events before, during and after World Youth Day 2005.
Most people are first attracted by the idea that you are traveling to a foreign country to experience another culture. You soon realize that it is not a trip; it is really a journey! My journey started unexpectedly but, thanks to my parents, husband and children, I was able to experience a spiritual event like nothing I have ever done before. This journey involved fundraising activities, monthly meetings, World Youth Day events, and the return home.
I Germany, I was not only touched by the warm welcome we received by our host families, but the bond the group shared. I witnessed examples of friendship, patience, endurance, acts of compassion, faith, and unity. I have learn something from each and every participant.
What you may ask, do participants receive from such an event? I think each participant comes back with something different. As for myself, it deepened my faith. I was able to grow spiritually and evaluate what is really important in life. It made me realize how we need to place more emphasis on our faith and, more importantly, live it.
I would like to thank everyone who supported us spiritually and/or financially. If it were not for you, this experience would have never occurred.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.