Last week some youth of our parish joined others from the area to go to
Montague, MI for a weeklong mission trip through Catholic Heart Work
Camp. While there, our teens worked hard doing things such as painting
houses, fixing fences, yard work, cleaning, and tearing out carpet, all in the heat. We also got to experience Adoration, daily Mass, games, dancing, and group meals. We were even able to make a stop at the beach before heading home! It was wonderful to see how our teens really connected with each other, their work site teams, as well as those they were serving. Several came on this trip not knowing anyone but quickly made friends with those around them. One camper even said it was the best week of their summer. It was evident on the ride back that the teens were able to make lasting friendships and great memories. Many in our group were already planning for next year who they would like to invite, where they would like to go, and what we would do to serve while there. It really showed that they were on fire for their faith and were excited to serve anywhere they went, even here at home.
On the last night, we were able to invite the people we served to evening program, and they were able to share about their experience with the group that they worked with. Many shared with tears in their eyes about how their work group came in, helped with their house, did the projects they couldn't do themselves, and really just showed them love when they were struggling. It was through this night that I believe it really set in for many of our campers that what they were doing was really making a difference in these people's lives. It was when they opened up to each other and those that they served that they were really being the hands and feet of Christ. They showed what it means to do something with great love, even in doing the small things.
While the days were hot, the floors we slept on were not the most comfortable, and the food was not exactly five star quality, we were there to give of ourselves, and we gained so much more.