2005, byDominik Di Leo
I wish to take this opportunity and introduce myself. My name is Dominik Di Leo. I was born to a catholic, south-Italian, four members’ family in
Unfortunately, it came totally different because instead of moving to our new house, my father asked my mother for a divorce. I remember exactly, like a film memorised in my mind, that moment. After a day in school, I walked to the living room and saw my mother. A woman who was always strong and full of life, was now sitting destroyed. Her face was full of desperation and tears were falling down on her weakly hands. Perplexed, I asked her what happened but she could not speak; she had no strength to speak.
The following years were very hard for each of us. It was like the world under us felt apart. My mother, my sister and I felt lost, angry, and desperate. We could not understand my father’s decision. After this experience of sufferance and helplessness, belief in people and family vanished in me.
The life went on and pain was lessening. My life was pretty good despite the difficulties caused by the divorce. I started my vocational school, had relationships, travelled around the world, enjoyed life, but always with this lack of trust in people. At one point, I realised that I stopped caring for all other people except my immediate family. Whatever was happening in the world did not really matter for me. However, deep inside, I felt I was searching for something different and valuable. For that reason, I decided to take a longer break, change my surrounding, and have enough time to re-evaluate my life.
In 2004, my internal search took me to the splendid city of
Through Reiyukai
Until today, I have volunteered many times in this project. I have also participated in other Reiyukai Canada’s projects where I have met many wonderful members and spent time exchanging experiences and working together. I have participated in the project organised this past September where we collected donations (through silent auction and raffle prizes) that helped us raise money that is put to the Soup Kitchen’s account and will be used to improve menus by adding fruit, vegetables and protein to dinners we prepare for homeless and mentally challenged individuals. I have also had an opportunity to travel to
And now... I am here in
Thank you Reiyukai
Dominik, - devoted and honoured member of Reiyukai
2005, by Ivana Vuckovic
Mr. Miyamoto, Dominik Di Leo and myself, Ivana Vuckovic were guests of the Reiyukai Paraguay’s Youth Group who celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
My trip started with a mischief at the Paraguayan border, where I was ‘quarantined’ as a Canadian without a visa for
After having to go back to
Our Saturday (Dec 03) started with the tour around the city centre after which we returned to a hotel and worked on preparations for the Reiyukai International Festival that was held in the evening. Paraguayan youth club has done an amazing job organising a very fun, entertaining as well as educational evening. We heard several speeches, participated in our own presentations, and watched excellent performances. My favourite one was a Japanese drums show. I was truly impressed by it and thought it to be the best one I have seen so far (and I have seen quite a few).
The next day we hopped in a bus and left for
We have spent part of our final day at the Paraguayan capitol city of
On December 07, international participants were leaving. It was very emotional time for everyone as many, many of members from
Even though we left
Indeed, this trip will stay in my heart and mind for eternity as I have learned much about myself, world, and our possibilities.
Lastly, I wish to thank Mr. Miyamoto for giving me this opportunity and for supporting members of Reiyukai
Paraguay 2005
Paraguay 2005
Paraguay 2005