As I embarked on my first mission tip as a youth leader, I had a lot of thoughts feelings and expectations. Knowing and doing have proved to be two different things, but in the sense the same experience. We all make sacrifices when we leave for these trips, both you (the families), the youth, and the adults, I was no exception to the rule. The ride there was pretty much expected, my only major apprehension was my lower back issues and the long car ride. Thankfully, the luxurious ride provided abated my worst fears.
Arriving in Denver was as expected, the traffic was not too bad,
and the freeway system was efficient and massive. Travel to almost anywhere
outside of rush hour was ten minutes. Meeting
the youthworks staff went well, but one could tell they were nearing the end of
there time. I finally managed to win them over with my sense of humor gaining
extra food and snacks that all the other leaders and students could not figure
out how I kept getting. I think my gregariousness helped make our group a good
time for our team and them as well. The leaders were professional and showed a
genuine love for God. I was very impressed by their commitment and positivity.
As far as my group and projects were concerned it could not
have gone better, I had three of the senior youth in my group and their
experience showed. They made my first time a group leader an easy experience.
We were also attached to a Catholic church with a younger group. Their youth leader
was young but had been on multiple trips. Combined with their leader and my
youth the combined experience proved invaluable to the whole mission. I tried
my best to be a servant leader and I feel the youth were there to answer the
call. We served food to the hungry and downtrodden of Denver. We went into
their neighborhoods and met their friends and family. The commitment to serve showed by my group strengthened
my faith and reaffirmed my commitment to serving not just the Lord but the most
important mission of all, serving others. The impact the mission had on me was
not lost on the youth and I believe their resolve to serve was only strengthened
by this trip.
After serving we explored different parts of Denver and Denver’s
history. The beautiful landscapes and the interesting history truly shows how
God impacts all facets of creation, and that beauty was witnessed again and
again. The entire experience renewed not only my faith, but my sense of hope
for the next generation. With Gods guidance I believe there is nothing we can not
accomplish with his help. Until next time…
-Patrick Delo-
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