Friday night we began traveling to D.C. in two vans to begin our urban experience. We were given a rock from the St. John’s parking lot to carry with us for the weekend and prayed especially for each member of our group.
On Saturday, we began with prayer, and received our instructions for the Scavenger Hunt around Washington, D.C. We were instructed to find and answer questions about the following places: the Vietnam Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the American Indian Museum, the Postal Museum, Chinatown, Dupont Circle, and the Capitol. That evening we completed a service project with Y.S.O.P. (Youth Service Opportunity Project). We prepared, hosted, and served a meal for 65 people which included over 30 homeless guests. We discussed, learned, and reflected on homelessness with Chanelle and Chris, our two Y.S.O.P. leaders. When we returned to the hotel, we reflected on the Scavenger Hunt in a lively discussion and ended the evening with prayer.
Sunday morning, in the rain, we went to the Washington National Cathedral for a Holy Eucharist Rite II service in the Nave, and heard a powerful Earth Day sermon on how we can become better stewards for the world. After the service, we became characters as we traveled through the Spy Museum. We ended with lunch at Five Brothers (a great burger place) and headed home.
The Leaders are Betsy Bouchard, Harper Lewis, Doug Miller, Trudy O’Reilly, and Jamie Shoemaker.
If you could sum up the Urban Adventure in one word, what would it be?
Great. Fantastic. Spiritual. Indescribable. Enlightening. Extraordinary. Awesome. Adventurous. Educational. Entertaining. Ecstatic. Fun. Superb. Epic. Surprising. Exhausting. Satisfying.
The Leaders shared these thoughts:
“I was just amazed by the talent and abilities of the kids. All J2Aers are very capable!” – Jamie Shoemaker
“The J2Aers worked with such ease interacting and hosting the homeless at Church of the Epiphany.” – Trudy O’Reilly
“The J2Aers got along so well and became a team! I am so pleased with how well they succeeded during this time together.” – Betsy Bouchard
“I learned that young people needed to be taught to take charge. I just assumed they would just do it. The leaders had to encourage the kids to take the lead.” – Doug Miller
“This is an extraordinary group of young people that always keep you on your toes. I had so many experiences with them over the weekend. We all really bonded with such ease as a group.” – Harper Lewis
Thank you for the prayers and support while away on our Urban Adventure. A special thank you to the Rite-13 class who made us our goodie bags for our adventure. Your support enabled us to experience this incredible weekend! The trip was amazing and we learned so much from being in an urban setting.
Originally published in St. John’s Epistle, May 2008.