The young single adult conference we have been planning for eight months was a huge success. Over 150 participants from 16 countries met at the beautiful Alpin Hotel above Brasov to enjoy an incredible week. The setting was the perfect fit for the conference theme “Mountains to Climb”, which was selected by the peer committee last November.
The theme was chosen to reflect the obstacles that must be faced and conquered in the lives of these young people including securing a proper education, beginning a career and finding a spouse. Excellent teachers from all over Europe addressed these topics in morning classes. The participants spent their afternoons in workshops of their choice. They selected among origami, conference choir practice, basic photography, family history and a service project. They also enjoyed a visit to Bran Castle, a short distance from the hotel, and a hike in the local mountains.
The theme was chosen to reflect the obstacles that must be faced and conquered in the lives of these young people including securing a proper education, beginning a career and finding a spouse. Excellent teachers from all over Europe addressed these topics in morning classes. The participants spent their afternoons in workshops of their choice. They selected among origami, conference choir practice, basic photography, family history and a service project. They also enjoyed a visit to Bran Castle, a short distance from the hotel, and a hike in the local mountains.
Each evening, powerful speakers from the Church leadership inspired the participants to decide now who they want to become and make positive changes in their lives. Following the training, there were activities intended to allow the young people to interact and create friendships that can potentially last a lifetime. They shared talents, played games, danced and competed in the annual Mr. and Miss Mormon contest.
On Friday, 24 July, the group participated in traditional “pioneer” activities to commemorate the entry of the original “Mormon pioneers” into the Salt Lake Valley on that date in 1847. Pioneer Day is celebrated throughout the Church, and is particularly meaningful for these young people as many of them are first generation members. They are true pioneers, responsible for creating the traditions that will be celebrated in their families for generations to come.
On Friday, 24 July, the group participated in traditional “pioneer” activities to commemorate the entry of the original “Mormon pioneers” into the Salt Lake Valley on that date in 1847. Pioneer Day is celebrated throughout the Church, and is particularly meaningful for these young people as many of them are first generation members. They are true pioneers, responsible for creating the traditions that will be celebrated in their families for generations to come.
There was an amazing spirit of cooperation and excitement throughout the conference. One participant expressed that he was trying to “take advantage of every activity every day before returning to his real life.” They entered on Tuesday afternoon with lots of anticipation. Many had made huge sacrifices of time and money to be there. They left reluctantly on Saturday morning, as friends, having shared an experience together that will better enable them to conquer the mountains they each face.
We heard a great deal about mountains last week. One was that you can’t stay forever on the top – you must eventually come down. That’s exactly what we are now experiencing. We are exhausted and looking forward to a little breather, but very happy that all of the hard work was totally worth it.