That happened to us this summer. We usually organize an international work camp at our Missionary Center in Spain, which brings together about thirty teenagers. The young people love Spain, meeting new people, and doing simple hands-on work. But this year, for the group from Belgium, Germany, and France, the dates didn't line up, and in the end we couldn't make it happen.
What do you do when plans suddenly change? Should we have canceled the activity?
They were looking forward to this work camp with great joy. We understood, from Jesus, that we couldn't let them down. So should we bring them together at our house in Marly instead (which isn't that big!)? Spain isn't the same as northern France, and a group of 8 isn't the same as a group of 30…
It was a real challenge, but we were so excited to try that we felt it could only be the work of the Spirit. Luckily, at our parish we found jobs to do: painting a room, the cross in the garden, and tidying up an attic.
We wondered how that little group of Germans, Belgians, and French would ever come together, knowing that the French speakers didn't speak German and the Germans didn't speak French. But through creativity (games, mime, shared activities, making space to listen to each person), along with a lot of translating and patience, and with the grace of God!, the barriers gradually disappeared. The young people also did their part, opened their hearts, and in the end the result was beautiful.
Camille, a 15-year-old from France, tells us how she experienced it:
"For me, the challenge of that camp was spending a week with people I didn't know, and on top of that, not everyone spoke French—some spoke German. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to fit in with the group, and I thought working with them would be difficult or even awkward. But once I got there, friendships formed naturally."
I'd even say that, in the end, the language barrier wasn't a problem at all. Despite everything, we managed to understand one another. It was actually wonderful getting to know each other through games, work, and meals all together.
I was so impressed by how well we all got along, even though we'd only known each other for a few days. I never imagined I'd form such beautiful friendships that still last today".
Camille (France)
