Water and Young Adults

Water and Young Adults

Craig and my assignment here in Palermo is to work directly with the GANS – Giovani Adulti Non Sposati or otherwise known as the Young Adults. We will spend a lot of time with them, involved with weekly Institute classes, Family Home Evening, monthly activities within the Palermo Units, a quarterly Stake Activity – our first one is this coming Friday to the beach – and getting to know each of them.

Sometimes we will meet and share spiritual thoughts, sometimes we will just be together in fun. We are not to take over and even to do all the work, we are there to be mentors. I am not sure they even need us but we are glad to be here. Our first planning meeting was last week and the GANS leaders were well prepared both in organization, ideas, and socially.

This last Saturday, the bishop of Palermo 1 wanted an activity specifically for his GANS. I suppose to get the ball rolling. He planned a water activity that we consulted minimum about but supported fully in person and spirit. There were about 8 to 10 GANS that came, members and non members alike - but they jumped right in along with the missionari cleaning the balcony and filling water balloons. 

The gang

Hard working and smiles always

Sorella Bellomo

Sorella Anderson

The missionari couldn't participate in the activity because of the nature of it but they supported. The GANS were so funny and were not a bit afraid of the water or the silliness of the games. They had fun! We had fun. It was good to be there and see their friendship and support with each other. 

4 water balloons around the neck

Of course, there was your typical water balloon toss, a water balloon relay, water balloon throwing, but the funniest was the sponge relay. There was a full bucket of water on one end, sponges, an empty bucket of water on the other end, and tables. The goal was to get as much water using the sponge to transport it from the full bucket to the empty bucket. But the kicker was the wringing out of the water, it was not with hands but with the head and face by some against the table. They seemed to love it. They were having a great time. 

Powerful women

Water is refreshing

Since they were already wet

No slowing them down

Lots and lots of water balloons

Another fill the bucket race, maybe a skinned knee or two

No fear here

 And there was a few buckets of water thrown on each other occasionally. I found myself hiding behind the tables. My shoes were soaked, Anziano Garrett's shoes were soaked, and he may have thrown a water balloon or two. 

Laughter

I think John was the instigator

After everyone doing their part to clean up, clothes were changing to dry things, and pasta was served. My favorite part, the friendship, welcome, and love extended to all.

Bishop was right there among them

Happy to have fun and to clean

Smiles all around