4th Iberian CARP Workshop Forges Portugal-Spain Friendships
The Iberian project is a Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) initiative in Portugal and Spain aimed at creating a system of cooperation and networking for Unificationist brothers and sisters from different communities in the region so that they can connect with each other on a regular basis. The motto “Many Minds, One Heart: Together for a Higher Purpose” shaped their recent workshop in from September 5-7, 2015 in Lisbon, Portugal, where a group of young adult Unificationists got together for a weekend and forged new friendships while discussing faith and exploring their passions.
“We decided that it would be good to understand what kind of things inspire us to live our daily lives as second generation Unificationists, our culture and faith and what keeps us moving forward,” said workshop staff. “We realized that we need to work hard in order to keep our motivation up.”
On the first day of the workshop after a morning reading session, the group focused on getting to know each other, beginning with an introduction and orientation session, which was followed by outdoor activities including paddle surfing. They also had a discussion session on faith, the Holy Marriage Blessing and other important topics that turned out to be a very precious time of sharing, reflection and connection. The guest speaker and one of the workshop supporters shared a testimony as well, and the night closed with a teamwork activity led by staff member Elena Loha.
On the second day of the workshop, the program started with an interesting testimony and lecture given by André Pereira and Beatriz Lozano about their daily life experiences, relationships with other people and about the future of the community.
In the afternoon, they adventured through the King D. Carlos Sea Museum in Cascais with a guided tour question-answer activity that taught them about maritime history and the ocean. They spent the evening walking along the beach and then ended the day with a team challenge by the sea.
Their last day was mainly a time of reflection and departures, and the participants all expressed excitement for future workshops where they could get to know each other better and continue their discussions.
By Margarida Frazão and Vera Nunes