The Missionary Encounter for the American Continent (EMLA), organized by the Vincentian Marian Youth (VMY), took place in Honduras from January 13 to 28, 2023.

Karla Escobar: My Experience at EMLA 2023

At the start of the meeting, we all had different expectations and needs. However, in the end, I feel like our expectations were exceeded, since this gathering provided us with an excellent opportunity to receive what we usually only give during our services within the National Councils. It was also an opportunity to share our experiences with others.

I would like to share my experience during the Formation Week and the Mission Week.

During the Formation Week, everything was well organized, and the themes were enriching. The presenters were excellent. The recreational activities were enjoyable, and the Eucharistic celebrations and adoration with the Blessed Sacrament were some of the highlights of this gathering.

During the Mission Week, everything was interesting. At the beginning, we thought we would only visit one community, and our activities would focus around that one place. However, when we were informed that we would go to two communities, our outlook had to change, and we had to adjust how and work together with a mission partner. We received a warm welcome from both communities, and it was a precious experience to share and learn from them. I hope the seeds we planted during our visit will bear fruit.

Finally, I would like to add a thought that I shared after the EMLA meeting ended. I was pleasantly surprised to see how happy everyone was, sharing as a family. In reality, that should not be surprising since that is what we are looking for within the Association. Despite our differences in nationality, culture, social status, thoughts, age, lifestyle, and ways of speaking, our hearts beat at the same rhythm, and our souls connect in a way that makes communication easy. No matter how many kilometers separate us, the friendship we forged will remain for years to come.

Undoubtedly, God is working in us and with us, and it is an enormous blessing to be part of this great mission.

To Jesus with Mary!

Karla Escobar
VMY El Salvador
Source: https://jmvinter.org/