Lucy Carver: "We will jump!"

One of my first impressions and realisations about YIP has been that all 41 of us have truly found our home for the next 10 months. While I watched the opening ceremony I was overcome by the sense that, in this moment, there is no place place I would rather be in the world.

We Yippies have been welcomed into Järna's warm community and beautiful environment with open arms and full hearts. I can already feel the strong presence of community spirit which excites me to become involved in.

The colourful and productive gardens that surround us reflect the energy that has found its way into the common room conversations and laughter. This excitement really reveals the potential energy that many of us must be sensing right now. This potential energy has been building as we realise what the next year in Järna has in store for us; connecting with people and nature, and understanding the depths of ourselves. I think YIP will provide the most wonderful opportunity for us all to grow, both together and individually.

So I make this promise to the YIP organising team: while you may catch us if we fall, we will be absolutely certain to jump!