The volunteers who will be participating this summer in the various projects of Vedruna International Volunteering have come together to prepare themselves on every level: practical, academic, emotional, and spiritual.
All of them will participate in projects through the Vic Foundation, located in:
- Campinas, Brazil
- Nuevo San Juan, Peru
- The Espoir and Arc-en-ciel Centers in Libreville, Gabon
- Kekeli Center in Lomé, Togo
The theme of this preparatory meeting was “Let’s leave beautiful footprints.”
The meeting took place in the city of Vic, where our charism was born; this year, 2026, holds special significance as it marks our bicentennial.
Those were days filled with many emotions, as María’s account shows:
This weekend wasn’t just a training session—it was an incredible experience. Not only did I meet some wonderful people, but the volunteer committee team was not only professional but also approachable, warm, friendly, and, above all, genuine.
It feels real because it has shown us, unfiltered and with complete transparency, the reality we are about to experience—without raising any expectations. It feels real because we have been reminded at every turn that we are not here to help, but to accompany, contribute, and be helped.
And finally, it was real because it reminded us that we are human, brave, and above all, a team. Thank you for giving us this opportunity and for helping us grow personally and professionally. For teaching us to appreciate life in its simplicity and to disconnect from the rush and stress, bringing us closer to peace, love, and reality. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
I take away from these days a feeling that is hard to put into words, but very easy to feel in my heart. It has been an experience that invites us to look inward, to question many things, and to reconnect with what truly matters. It has also been a space for human learning, for listening, for sensitivity, and for awareness. I leave this experience feeling hopeful, with respect for what lies ahead, and with the certainty that this journey will leave a deep mark on us.
María Bermúdez
