August 19thSummerbridge Orientation
Hello, my name is Venissa Tumbay. I’m from Edmonton, Alberta. I’m 19 years old and I attend Holyrood Church. This summer I had the chance to be a part of MCC’s Summerbridge Program. Many other young adults from Canada and I met up in Kitchener-Waterloo and learned more about MCC and what they do.
I will be going through what I did each day and highlighting some of my favourite parts…
6/21/26- “ I got to meet everyone, plus the leaders that work at MCC here on this side of Canada. We were introduced to Grace, and we played a refugee board game (a mix of Monopoly and The Game of Life) . The game taught us about how the refugees were making a living for themselves and their families. She made this game based on an experience she witnessed in Rwanda. I met some great people, and I’m looking forward to the week.”
6/22/26- “We went to 50 Kent (MCC Office). We had presentations from Bonnie Klassen and learned about what MCC does and the impact they’re making across the world. We also learned from Reed Kennel about coming together in situations and taking peaceful action. We got to tour the thrift store and volunteer for a little bit, which I liked. We learned about the Raw Carrot organization, and I personally really admire what they do, and their calling. They give people who have disabilities a chance to work and make a living for themselves.”
6/23/26- “ We went to the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and got to walk around and explore, Elmeda was our tour guide and she talked about Mennonite history and traditions, as well as the Mennonite and Amish and how they lived. We went on a wagon tour, and some Mennonites still ride horses and buggies to get to work and around. We learned about Safeguarding, and how we can protect the kids we will be working with in the summer, as well as ourselves as staff. Did a mediation with Kailey. Then, finally, we did peaceful practices with Isaiah, we discussed the differences between Justice and Peace, and how we deal with conflict, and came to a conclusion. We also learned about unjust peace. We also got to join the University of Waterloo BBQ.
6/24/26- We went to MCC Hamburg and the MCC center workshop. We did a scavenger hunt and learned how MCC helps other countries around the world. I really admire what they do to help women and girls by providing menstrual pads and women's health care. We also got to volunteer at the cannery with cans and label them. We then commuted to the Crown Shield Lodge and met with Kevin and Hunter, and learned more about the culture and did a smudging ceremony.
I really enjoyed my time in Ontario and I thank MCC and the program for letting me be a part of something really special. I'm honoured to have been the first person in Alberta to have been a part of this and it’s something I’ll remember forever. I made some good friends and met people who have impacted me to be better and taught me that there are so many more ways to give to the world and to your community.
