Mercis moves is back with some updates on some amazing travels, and for this month’s Keeping Pace, here we have a quick poem, highlighting moments from every visit:

In Denmark, Shabbat was warm, traditions held us tight,
Reunions filled with meaning, leadership shining bright.

In Sweden, new beginnings rose in every honest talk,
Teens ready to join in, excited to walk the walk.
A community growing gently, step by step each day
Showing how real change can start in a simple, steady way.

Finland showed true unity, a bond you can’t deny,
Leaders strong and thoughtful, a community reaching high.
Salmon soup that warmed us, programs full of cheer,
And dinner in the Sukkah—connection felt so near.

In Lithuania, Star Wars fun lit up the night,
Laser tag and laughter paired with history’s light.

Estonia brought a Sukkah and waffles salty-sweet,
A talk on antisemitism, new words learned to greet.

Bulgaria offered moments carefully planned and shared,
An October 7th program showing how deeply they cared.

Austria’s Shabbat dinner brought warmth from every side,
Streets of Vienna, rooftop views, a theme park full of pride.
Teen leaders building strongly, determined every day
A community growing in its own devoted way.

In Germany, Jewish life felt vibrant, full, and clear,
Back at the camp of my first ELTI, memories reappeared.
Meaningful separates, friendships very tight,
Games and bonding moments carried into night.

New York was full of firsts—Halloween, the city’s glow,
Carving pumpkins, meeting Logan, energy on the go.
At the Board of Directors, I shared the teen voice strong,
And with Manhattan’s Board, planned the path we’ll walk along.

Omaha, BBYO’s birthplace, filled with pride and story,
A reminder of our roots, of resilience and glory.

In Kansas City,  trivia night brought a spark in every face
A growing community finding its place.

North Florida meant knircling, Disney Village lights,
Chapter leaders everywhere, Publix tours and heights.
A region full of spirit, of leaders kind and true
Showing how passion can push a movement through.

At North Star, we honored 100 years of BBYO’s song,
With programs, films, and training that carried us along.
Tradition and history guiding what we do
A century behind us, and a future shining too.

Gold Coast offered dinners, plans for Global Shabbat made right,
My first American Thanksgiving, hosting warm and bright.
Leaders full of purpose, a region proud and strong
Proving that shared moments help a community belong.

And Brazil was where the trip found its final, glowing beat,
A conference full of leaders, ideas bold and sweet.
A gorgeous beach at sunset, conversations deep and clever
And açaí so good I’ll remember it forever.

Across every border, in each moment and place,
I’ve seen teens shape the future with courage and grace.
Wherever we gather, we strengthen our line
A global BBYO, connected by design.