Differences

Before leaving for the Philippines, I had the opportunity to get together with the Rev. June Hardy Dorsey, who was a missionary in the Philippines before her days as a priest. One piece of advice she shared which was given to her before she started as a missionary was, "in the beginning write down all the different, weird, or strange things you see because soon enough they will become normal to you."

And so I began my list the minute I touched down in the Philippines. It's surprising, however, how many similarities there are; people still want the best for their children, hope to accomplish their dreams, work hard to put food on the table. While the Filipino culture is different, I hate to use that word because it divides us as people or makes one inferior to the other. I should call it unique, one of kind, or distinct.

Continuing YASCers and YAHSCers

In addition to the YASCers for this year, there are four Young Adult Service Corps members from the 2012-2013 continuing for another year.

Ashley Bingaman is from the Diocese of Virginia and has been serving in the Diocese of Haiti. This past year she has worked as a music instructor at the Holy Trinity Cathedral music program in Port-au-Prince. For her second year, she is going to work with Bishop Ogé in Cap-Hatïen in Northern Haiti.

Nina Boe is from the Diocese of Olympia and is serving in the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil. She is working in the Provincial Secretary's Office in São Paulo. Due to visa complications, Nina didn't start her service until January 2013, therefore will finish her year in January 2014. 

Andrew Joyce is from the Diocese of Kentucky and is serving in the Diocese of the Northern Philippines. He works at the Tadian Learning Center and Demonstration Farm. He will continue serving there for another year. 

Jared Grant is from the Diocese of Western North Carolina and has been serving in the Diocese of Lesotho in the Anglican Province of Southern Africa. This past year he has worked at St. James Mission Hospital and in the Office of the Bishop of Lesotho. For his second year, he will be serving in Rome, Italy with St. Paul's within the Walls American Episcopal Church.

Team Latin America & Caribbean

Zachary Baker is from the Diocese of Michigan and will be serving in the Diocese of Haiti. He'll be teaching and providing administrative support at the Bishop Tharp Institute in Les Cayes. 

Julie Burd is from the Diocese of Pennsylvania and will be serving in the Diocese of Haiti. She'll be teaching at the Faculte des Sciences Infirmieres de Leogane (School of Nursing Science) and providing support at Hopital Sainte Croix in Leogane. 

Rachel Carter is from the Diocese of East Carolina and will be serving in the Diocese of Panama. She'll be a teaching assistant (history) and the Social Outreach Assistant at St. Christopher's Episcopal School in Panama City. 

Becky Gleason is from the Diocese of San Diego and will be serving in the Diocese of Honduras. She'll be a teacher and counselor at El Espíritu Santo Bilingual School in Tela. 

"Experience Your Neighbor's Faith, Deepen Your Own"

People of faith more than not grow up with one religion or within one sector of a religion. They don't explore outside their own faiths or learn about other world religions. I know I am guilty of this. I have a basic understanding of the guiding principles and foundation of other religions but that's the extent of it.

On Monday, June 24th, we went into the city for a day with Faith House. Their slogan is "Experience Your Neighbor's Faith, Deepen Your Own." Throughout the day, they did just that. They opened my eyes to new spiritual practices and I got to experience firsthand other faiths.

Before we got started one of the leaders explained it this way, "think of the picture you are building up in your head of the different faith houses and religions we are about to experience. Now as the day goes on, consider what is missing in that initial image."

It was a jam-packed day and the HOTTEST in the city, in the mid-90s. Since, we were visiting houses of faith, everyone dressed respectively and conservatively in long sleeves and pants. Needless to say, we were all DYING! However, overall it was an impactful day.

Our first stop was Kossar's Biali's, the oldest Jewish kosher bakery (and bakery, period!) in the U.S. where we all got bagels. The BEST bagel I've ever eaten. I almost took it for granted because the feeling of starvation was setting in when we finally made it after a horrendous 2+ hour bus ride.

Stop #1:
From there we walked over to Eldridge Street Synagogue. Now picture in your head this enormous, spectacular synagogue in the middle of Chinatown. Everyone was speaking chinese and fish markets were right around the corner making it appear completely out of place. The neighborhood over the years has completely transformed.

Outside of the Synagogue

The entry hallway.

The synagogue was originally erected in 1887 and a thriving place of worship for hundreds of Jews until the Great Depression. After World War II in the 1940s, attendance began to dwindle and the synagogue closed its doors. Somebody rediscovered this beauty in the 1980s and in 1996 it was marked a National Historic Landmark. $18.5 million later and the building stands in its original grandeur. The synagogue is now home to a small congregation and a museum for tours, school programs, and cultural events.

Our tour guide was wonderful and painted us a complete picture of what it would've been like to experience a service in the early 1900s.

Stop #2:
St. Peter's Catholic Church is the oldest Catholic Church in New York City. It sits in the heart of downtown surrounded by Wall Street and other big businesses of the U.S. For this stop, we actually experienced a noon day mass which was not too different from a short Episcopal service. However, it was different enough to put me out my comfort zone.

Stop #3:
St. Paul's Chapel is an Episcopal chapel part of Trinity Wall Street Episcopal Church. The chapel has major historical significance from George Washington worshiping there during the 1700s to being a place of support for 9/11recovery workers. It sits across the street from the World Trade Center. Now a museum to the public, pictures and testimonies from 9/11 cover the walls. The most miraculous story was how the chapel had no structural damage from the towers collapsing. It stood high and strong amongst the rubble.

As an Episcopalian, I had no idea that this chapel served as a sign of hope and became a place of reconciliation for those affected by the tragedy. I am continually reminded of why I am part of this faith.

Stop #4:
Around the corner we walked into what looked like a run down building on a somewhat empty street. Surprisingly, it was Park51, the muslim community and worship center, which caused much controversy throughout the nation and in New York City because of its proximity to the World Trade Center. I remember reading bits and pieces of articles and hearing about it on the news. The way the story was told you would think Park51 is across the street from the World Trade Center with a huge banner on it saying "we are muslims here." However, it is nothing like the image I had in my head. It is a simple warehouse building that sits a couple streets away and around the corner. If I hadn't been told to walk into a certain door, I would have walked right past it.

The outside of Park51

Two muslim community leaders with completely different backgrounds shared information about their stories, the story of Park51, and the Islamic faith. One leader, Hanandi, who is 28 and grew up as a muslim, was attending an Islamic school in Brooklyn when 9/11 happened. Hearing her testimony as a muslim teenager living in New York City post-9/11 almost brought us all to tears. She experienced and witnessed such violence and hate for something she and her faith had nothing to do with. But as much as it could have torn her apart, it strengthened her. Now she is working to help other muslim teenagers and educate others about Islam. She's an inspiration.

Hanandi sharing her story.

Stop #5:
The last stop of the day was to the Soka Gakkai NYC Buddhist Center. In this space we were able to experience another form of worship. We went up to a large space with chairs set up in rows and a couple of people sitting up front with microphones and a gong. The leaders with the mic began a certain chant then everyone followed rapidly chanting one saying repeatedly until the gong sounded and the leader started a different chant. As a guest who did not understand the language and was clueless to what was occurring, I still felt a sense of welcoming. The chanting enveloped me and brought a sense of calm to the point that I almost fell asleep (whoops!). It was interesting witnessing this other form of worship but it left with me with more questions about this Buddhist faith than answers.

We couldn't take pictures inside so here is the outside of the building.

Overall, the day was full of surprises and much learning. However, we only got a taste of different faiths and there is still much to know about each one of them. One commonality is everyone we met were all welcoming and eager to explain the importance and impact that certain faith has had on them. While it may be in a different language, different form of worship, and with different teachings, God is touching each one of us to spread good works, peace and happiness.

Reflection Up on the Hill

One of the nice things Mission Personal added to training were field trips away from Stony Point. On Friday, June 21 we went up to Holy Cross Monastery, an Anglican Benedictine of Men, to spend a day with the Brothers.  It was the most relaxing and reflective day.

Group shot at the Monastery.
Photo Courtesy of Charlotte File

In the morning, we arrived in time for Holy Eucharist at 9am. Then Brother Rob took us on a tour around the monastery, sharing the importance of certain rooms and about the lifestyle of a brother. Their dedication to their relationship with God is inspiring. They make no money and have no possessions. Yet they are fulfilled by serving Christ to the fullest. It is truly remarkable.

At noon, we participated in Diurnum which is a half hour of chanting a psalm and praying. The chants of the Brothers in a beautiful space move through you. They fill the air, centering you in that space, leaving the outside world and all your worries beyond the grounds.

Brother Rob starting off the tour of the Monastery.

Afterwards, we ate a delicious lunch, split into groups to meet with Brother Rob who talked to us about the importance of finding a quiet, peaceful time each day to reflect and pray. And to discipline ourselves to journal so we don't simply rely on memories during this life-changing experience. He spoke on the key to self-knowledge is loving oneself. We are the vehicle to experiencing God and we cannot accept love from anyone else or even God unless we love ourselves.

There are three keys to spiritual journey of seeking God: (1) humility, being one's true self; (2) stability, not running away but staying put and facing the most difficult in order to grow roots; (3) celebacy, but not in the sense of denying sexuality, it is putting your relationship with God first and allowing all other relationships to stem from that one with God.

Taking notes while talking with Brother Rob.
Photo Courtesy of Charlotte File.

Talking with Brother Rob was insightful. He has a deep peace with himself, the good and the bad. I learned you cannot deny who you are to yourself or to God. You can grow by reflecting and accepting your whole self especially by opening yourself up to a deep connection with Christ.

The afternoon, was open to exploring the 26 stunning acres of property. Alan and I hiked down to the Hudson River to skip some rocks. I chatted and reflected with others in the group and sat quietly in the rocking chairs taking in the spectacular view. At 5pm we had Vespers, another short service of chanting, then dinner and we headed back to Stony Point. It was wonderful to get away from the retreat center, learn something new, continue to hang out with one another, and reflect.

Entrance to the Monastery.

Stunning building.

The Chapel.

Gorgeous stain glass that represented the creation of the sun.

Hannah, Me, and Katie in front of the Monastery.

Alan skipping rocks.

View of the back of the Monastery.

Thanks for Reading!

Having Faith

This past Sunday was Youth Sunday at St. James' Episcopal Church in Leesburg. I was invited to preach about YASC and present at the adult forum to fundraise. As my home parish which I grew up in, I was extremely excited and nervous about preaching. Fortunately, it was my third time up at the pulpit and it is such a wonderful, supportive community. And I felt so appreciative that the loose plate offering is being donated for my YASC journey!

I wanted to share my sermon, so here it is.

"Good Morning, I am happy and grateful for another opportunity to be preaching in front of you all today at St. James’ which I consider a second home. For those of you who don’t know me, I am Ashley Cameron and I’m a longtime member of St. James’. Four years ago, I stood up here celebrating youth Sunday and my completion of high school. Last year, I had the pleasure of preaching again, this time to celebrate my receipt of a college degree, a Bachelors of Science in Economics and Spanish.

And so you are probably wondering why I am up here again for a third time, a second year in a row.

Because I don’t think I qualify as a “youth” anymore to preach on “youth” Sunday, but to most of you probably still think I am a youngin’,

Sunday's Bulletin with an awesome graphic drawn by one of the youth.

The main reason I am here this morning is to speak about the Young Adult Service Corps or for short we call it “YASC.”

Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) is a ministry for young adults who are interested in exploring their faith in new ways by living and serving in communities around the Anglican Communion. It is specifically designed for Episcopalians ages 21-30. Service begins in late summer/early fall of each year. Missionaries have been sent to over 33 countries over the past 13 years. They have managed websites, provided administrative support, participated in medical programs and contributed to the mission and ministry of our Anglican Partners around the world.

Bulletin insert with an introduction of the guest speaker, me!

I am happy to say, I have been accepted as a Young Adult Service Corps member and been placed in the Northern Philippines. There I will be working with St. Mark’s church’s Episcopal Development Foundation in Santiago City. That work includes helping manage funds of a program that gives loans for poverty alleviation projects of local communities. Which I am very excited about because it fits directly with my passion of mission and development.

When I first tell people about my upcoming journey, they ask,

“when do you leave?”

“what type of place will you be living in?”

“what language will you have to learn?”

And these are all valid and reasonable questions, I simply do not have the answers, right now. I have faith that all my questions will be answered in due time. I have faith that it will all work out beautifully.

What do I mean by faith?

In the gospel today, John talks about the slave who has great faith. Jesus says, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” The centurion always knows that if he asks the slave to do something he will get it done. The centurion does not have to always be present or watch over the slave’s shoulder. He has faith that the slave will always be loyal to get the work done. And Jesus rewards that great faith with good health to the slave to continue to live a full life.

Faith is knowing that if you truly live out the one true gospel of Christ, there will be a great, fulfilling end result.

This past year, I have had the pleasure of working as an intern in the Office of Mission and Outreach at the Diocese of Virginia. The experience has been truly wonderful and it has greatly prepared me for my upcoming work as a missionary.

One major lesson I have learned by assisting churches and parishioners to prepare to go on mission trips is you have to help them realize that not having all the answers is ok. The job of our office is to mainly assure people that a mission trip will shape their life. It will be an incredible, fulfilling experience. It is not necessary to have all the answers right away. Simply, know that it is rewarding to go and be surprised at the experience God shapes you with. See what challenges he throws your way and learn what you can overcome.

That is Faith.

As long as you know and have faith that the end result will be good, you may not know what that end result will actually look like but you know it will be grand.

St. James’ as a community has had the greatest faith in me throughout almost my whole life. You all planted the original seed. You all said that sixteen year olds could be a part of that mission trip to New Orleans back in 2006. And so you gave me an opportunity and an experience that shaped my viewpoints on the importance of serving others.

Then St. James’ said we want youth to be able to travel to Liberia, Africa to serve those at Bromley Episcopal School. And your faith that sending six youth to Africa would turn out all right, helped me bring light to those suffering in the dark.

The most talented group of youth leading the service and singing "Lean on Me."

You all. All of You in this congregation have had no greater faith in me. You all, as a community, planted the original seed for my passion in mission and outreach. You have helped water and nurture and grow this seed. None of you knew what the end result was going to be. You had faith.

And now I am here asking you to help continue to water this seed, by supporting me in my missionary work to the Northern Philippines. I cannot do it alone.

The most important part of being a missionary is developing relationships. I am representing not only THE Episcopal Church but the Diocese of Virginia and all of the parishes that it consists of. That includes all of you. I will be working to connect this diocese, its regions, its parishes and all of its members with the diocese in the Northern Philippines.

I am here to invite you all to be a partner with me on my mission and this journey.

As part of YASC I must raise $10,000 which boils down to $30 a day. I have been blessed to already have raised over $7,000! And it has all been accomplished by parishes and parishioners who see themselves as partners with me in my mission as I go and spread the one true gospel as a representative of this Diocese and this parish.

While I may be the one on the ground, serving those face to face, it will be knowing that the support of this St. James’ community is behind me that will help me in my work. It is not a solo effort, but a communal one. This is the community that has loved me, reared me and inspired me to serve the least of these and share in God’s work.

As a community, You planted the original seed. You had faith. You helped guide me to this experience that will allow me to work with our brothers and sisters in Christ on the other side of the Anglican Communion.

And as I work to build relationships with the people of the Northern Philippines and integrate into the community, I will remember that the heart of St. James’ is behind me. Therefore,

Never stop having faith.

Never stop planting the seeds of passion for mission in young people.

Never stop watering, growing and nurturing them as a community.

You never know what the end result will be.

AMEN."

Support, Gifts, & Kindness

Sorry that I have been a little MIA on the blog. Once things start happening and I am on the ground, I will be more consistent with posting. I have felt that I have had nothing to write or update you about. And still don't have any more information or an update on my placement, but I do have an update on fundraising.

THANK YOU! 

Overwhelmed, excited, appreciative, humbled, and simply thankful is how I feel by the notes and donations I have received! I sent out letters to churches and priests around the diocese simply hoping for an invitation to come talk more face to face, maybe have the opportunity to present at a few adult forums or in front of mission committees. I did not expect to be receiving generous checks in the mail by writing an email! 

As you can see on the Fundraising Thermometer to the right, I already have raised over $7,000!

I am excited and happy to call the following supporters, partners in my mission and YASC journey! I greatly appreciate your support, gifts, generosity and kindness.

• Bishop Goff
• Bishop Shannon
• Bishop Ted
• Region I
• Region VII
• Office of Mission & Outreach
• Beckford Parish
• Christ Episcopal Church, Millwood
• Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Greenwood
• Grace Episcopal Church, Alexandria
• Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Richmond
• St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Richmond
• St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Arlington
• St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Alexandria
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Heathsville
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Richmond
• Trinity Episcopal Church, Manassas
• Mary Anne Bryant
• Dr. Clary
• Mrs. Gilpin
• Eric, Cathy, & Samantha Wendler

On top of that I have greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to share about my journey with YASC in person at region meetings and at parishes! This past Sunday, I had the privilege to be invited to preach at Christ Church, Millwood or Cunningham Parish. It was a beautiful morning and lovely, welcoming people attend the church! I felt fortunate that they offered all loose plate offerings to me and their support through prayer!

The Bulletin from this past Sunday with my name as the guest preacher!

Thanks again to the Rev. Karin and Christ Church! And I look forward to preaching at my home church, St. James', Leesburg, next Sunday. 

And thank you, again, to all those who are already supporting me! For those who would like to support me financially and haven't, yet, you can send check or cash donations to:

The Diocese of Virginia

Attn: Mary Anne Bryant

110 W Franklin St

Richmond, VA 23220

Checks Payable to: The Diocese of Virginia

Memo Line: Ashley Cameron - YASC

Sharing Experiences, Viewpoints, and Resources on Mission

Conferences in general are daunting. Walking into a room full of people where you maybe know one or two people, the introvert in me wants to go stand in a corner and chow down on hor’ devours.  Add in traveling to another continent and half the participants speak only Spanish. You could say I was feeling a little nervous (but excited) to attend the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN) Conference in Bogotá, Colombia from May 4 – 10.

Needless to say, it was a wonderful experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I am thankful my office gave me the opportunity to attend to share viewpoints on mission, learn what amazing projects the church is doing, and meet incredible, passionate people from the United States, Central and South America and the Caribbean. 

Me, Elizabeth Boe, Officer of Global Networking for The Episcopal Church, and Ryan Abrams, current YASC-er in Costa Rica at the Sunday Church Service. Photo Courtesy of Lynette Wilson.

GEMN is "an organization open to all individuals, organizations and diocese who have determined to share prayers, ideas, dreams, hopes and strategies about Global Mission." They host an annual conference to bring all of those players together to share their experiences, viewpoints, goals and resources on Global Mission. 

This year's conference was GEMN's 18th annual conference. They hosted it in Bogotá, a part of Province IX of the Episcopal Church, hoping it would encourage members of Province IX to attend, which was a success! There were participants from Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Haiti as well as all over the United States. 

Me on top of a mountain at Mision Santa Marta outside Facatativa where you can slightly see Bogota in the background. Simply a spectacular view!

Sidenote: For those who don't know, The Episcopal Church (TEC), which we think of as the US Episcopal Church, consists of 9 provinces. The Diocese of Virginia is a member of Province III. Province IX consists of the Dioceses of Dominican Republic, Ecuador Litoral, Ecuador Central, Colombia, Honduras, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

The theme of this year's conference was "Companions in Faith and Resources: Participating in God's Mission." It also included a focus on financial sustainability for the diocese of Province IX. There were wonderful plenary sessions ranging on topics from microcredit programs in Honduras to understanding mission in theology to how to operate a successful development group. We broke out into small groups for a Bible Study focused on mission. And they took us on two field trips to sites to see firsthand the wonderful work of the church in Colombia.

A group of past, current and soon to be missionaries with the Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori. Photo Courtesy of Ashley Bingaman

Time flew by throughout the week! Highlights included: 

• Watching Elizabeth Boe break a bus window while trying to open it on our two hour long bus ride, 
• Almost having a heart attack while hiking a mountain at 9,000 feet above sea level but being rewarded by a spectacular view of Bogotá and the Colombian countryside,
• Latin Dancing to a Colombian band on the last night,
• Listening to the Presiding Bishop preach on mission and community,
• Meeting current YASC-ers and hearing their insights, 
• Sharing ideas, reflections, and experiences with a compassionate small group,
• Witnessing strong, influential, and driven women working to empower those around them to fight for human rights.

The strongest and most driven women I've ever met who run Mesa de Organizaciones de mujeres de Soacha.

By the end of the week, we were no long a group of strangers, we laughed and celebrated like old friends and family. We were all connected with the burning desire to serve the least of these and get others involved in Global Mission.

And as I shared during the GEMN Board Open Forum, I am going to take a very important lesson with me on journey as a missionary. It is the lesson of listening, sharing and developing relationships. In mission it is not about US and THEM. It is about US as a whole, Christian community. Everyone has something to bring to the table. Instead of us always stepping in offering everything we have, we need to step back to listen first to what they have to offer. It is not about doing, but taking the time to listen and share and develop those relationships.

Me with Current YASC-ers, Nina Boe, Ashley Bingaman, and Ryan Abrams

Having the opportunity to meet current YASC-ers, Ryan Abrams in Costa Rica, Nina Boe in Brazil and Ashley Bingaman in Haiti, and other missionaries of The Episcopal Church gave me such encouragement and excitement for my upcoming year! To see their enthusiasm and hear their insight made me want to get out in the field immediately. After this experience at GEMN, I have no doubt that YASC is what I am suppose to be doing as my next step. 

More resources, reflections, and information on GEMN:

• GEMN Blog with reflections from this past conference
• ENS Article: "Companions in faith and resources"
• ENS Article: "'Participating in God's Mission'; GEMN wraps up in Bogota"
• Presiding Bishop's sermon from Thursday night Eucharist at GEMN

Just to get an Idea....

This is a wonderful, short video by The Episcopal Church that gives an idea of what a year as a member of YASC is like. The three YASCers in the video are located in South Africa which is faraway from where I will be. However, I still believe this showcases the core themes of Young Adult Service Corps!

Enjoy!

YASC teaser from The Episcopal Church on Vimeo.

YASC Discernment Weekend Reflection

This post was originally published on the Episcopal News Service on March 6, 2013. 

Fortunately while I was in El Salvador, I met an editor for the Episcopal News Service. After chatting for a while and me explaining how I had applied for YASC, she asked me if I would write a reflection piece about the discernment weekend. After some thought, I said, "yes." So here it is.

A group of amazing young people discerning if YASC is the most faithful next step for them!

A friend recently shared this prayer with me, “there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of work, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone.”

I believe the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) embodies this. I saw it when 25 potential YASC missionaries with a wide variety of skills, gifts and passions from across the country came together to discern the best way for them to serve out God’s mission.

In our own Baptismal Covenant we are asked if we will, strive for justice and peace among all people, to see and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself and to proclaim by work and example the Good News of God in Christ.

But how do we know in which way we can best serve God? What is our next most faithful step to come and follow Christ?

This is where discernment comes in.

Even though I grew up Episcopalian and work for the church, the word discernment is not part of my everyday vocabulary. What do they mean by a discernment weekend? To all my friends who aren’t religious, they were just as stumped. I simply explained it as a long interview weekend where the staff will get to know me. For me, going into an interview is nerve-wracking enough but a whole weekend of it? Terrifying. I had the complete wrong idea, though. The word interview doesn’t even come to mind.

We built a spiritual community within 72 hours; a support system where everyone opened up and felt comfortable in guiding one another through this decision making process.

There was time for us to ask questions, talk to former YASC missionaries, and learn about the responsibilities and expectations of being a member of YASC. I thought the most important part was when the facilitators broke us into small groups of six or seven people to meet for an hour, three different times throughout the weekend. The confidential space allowed us to reflect out loud our strengths, weaknesses, fears, doubts, hopes and joys. There were no wrong answers, no judgments and no interruptions. It was the perfect place to relax, open-up and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.


I joked throughout the weekend that all we did was talk, eat, talk a little more and then eat again. But the truth is I came into the weekend with an unfaltering certainty that this is what I wanted to do. I didn’t think I would learn much more or be changed in any way. But I came away with a deeper understanding of my own spiritual journey, 24 wonderful new friends who I yearned to be reunited with the minute we departed ways and energized to dive head first into this journey I am about to embark on.

As Jan Richardson wrote, “And we will open our hands to the feast without shame. And we will turn toward each other without fear. And we will give up our appetite for despair. And we will taste and know delight. And we will become bread for a hungering world. And we will become drink for those who thirst. And the blessed will become the blessing. And everywhere will be the feast."