Day: March 23, 2026

Glacial Community YMCA Spiritual Development had a strong start to 2026, commissioning and sending two of its largest mission teams to serve alongside international partners. These teams were formed following early 2025 promotion and registration for mission experiences with the YMCA of Valparaiso, Chile, and Esperanza Viva in Puebla, Mexico, where interest quickly grew.

The fall brought team training sessions, which included cross-cultural preparation, activity planning, and learning the importance of flexibility on the mission field. Nothing ever seems to go exactly as planned when serving internationally. Learning to “go with the flow” is a vital part of any successful mission experience, and both teams were ready to accept the challenge.

Excitement for travel built through the end of 2025, and by January it was go-time. Fifteen team members embarked on the first mission trip to Valparaiso, Chile, ready for a cultural exchange. The journey from Oconomowoc was no small feat: an early morning van ride to Milwaukee, a three-hour flight to Houston, an overnight flight to Santiago, and a final 90-minute van ride to the Y in Valparaiso—nearly 24 hours of travel from start to finish.

The week in Chile combined cultural experiences with service opportunities through the YMCA program. The Y in Valparaiso operates Jorge Williams School, a K-8 school in Placeres, the city’s residential area. Our team refreshed the school with new paint, a mural, playground activity lines, and general clean-up. In addition to that, the team provided meals to homeless in the city, helped with activities for the schools-out program, cooked and cleaned at the Y, and created some lasting bonds with members and staff at the Y. The Chile mission trip is always a fun experience of culture and service.

In February, the Y sent its seventh team to serve the children and staff at Esperanza Viva (EV) in Mexico. EV is an orphanage/youth home that currently serves around ninety children, ranging in age from 6 months to 18+ years old. Our team spent a week providing activities for the children and staff, along with a service project to help upgrade a room where the youngest girls and supervisors can have their own place to play and grow.

Reflecting on the experience, team member Wendy shared: “God calls all who know Him to be on mission with Him, yet we often hesitate when called outside of our comfort zone. This trip to Esperanza Viva reminded me how one person’s yes to God 30 years ago has changed the lives of hundreds of children. I came back challenged for a deeper faith and wider vision to be used by Him, wherever He calls me.”

In our time at EV, we live among the children, sharing meals, laughter, sometimes tears, and offering hope and encouragement into their stories. A week at EV is life-changing for our teams. Many team members return for two or more trips, just because it’s such a meaningful week in their life.

YMCA missions is a great way our people grow in their faith. Whether it’s through serving others, building lasting relationships, experiencing God in a whole new way, or learning and living for a week in a new culture, our mission experiences provide a unique way to stretch and grow your faith. If you would like more information on how you can be involved in a future trip with the Y, click here. 

We hope to see you on a trip soon.