Greetings from Saint Paul, Minnesota! In contrast to the hot, humid climate of the Alabama Gulf Coast, it is 64 degrees and rainy this morning! It has been almost two weeks since the last post when I promised you all some final reflections from the Adult Advisors' team. So, as I sit in the Student Center at my alma mater, Macalester College, I will offer you what I have from three of the fearsome fivesome. I am still waiting for reflections from Tom and Marian -- they were busy driving when all this work was going on! Please remember that these were written on the last afternoon of the trip -- June 26.
MARTHA:
My best moment - Getting to know the “Group C” youth and watching them work so tirelessly to help others – they amaze me!
My most memorable person -- Quentin from Waterfront Street Mission because he took total responsibility for where he was and knew what he needed to do to turn things around and was willing to put in the work to get to where he wanted to be.
What I learned -- I learned about the APC youth (and chaperones) as individuals and their personal stories and faith. I am grateful for the opportunity.
RICK: My memorable moment -- Serving breakfast early Monday morning at the Coffee Club – seeing the appreciation in the faces of the people when we treated them like real people and not just poor unfortunates off the street. Also, Mr. Pettaway was awesome – his story is so touching -- I hope that our group will share it with everyone!
My most memorable person -- Jimmy at Waterfront – he has been homeless for a month and hates it. He wants someone to believe in him and give him a chance. He wants to become employed, so that he will never be homeless again.
What I learned -- I learned that people can change over the years. In 1973, I when I was last in Mobile, black people could not be served in places like McDonalds; this time, I saw a community that was much more accepting of its “minority” population. This doesn’t mean that racism has disappeared, but people are trying to live and work together more. I am very concerned about the future of many of the young inner-city kids, mostly African-American. I could say more, but I would be probably accused of becoming political!
Some of the people I will always remember are the homeless men we talked with at Waterfront Rescue Mission. They were funny, likeable, and gracious. One big African American man was very quiet at first. I thought to myself, he really thinks we are a pain in the bum sitting here at the shelter and eating their food. However, towards the end of our time there, he perked up and really told us something of his life. He noticed Cory’s ISU shirt and talked about how he could have gone to the University of Iowa to play college sports. The men ended by telling us about all the Alabama food we needed to try before we left!
On this trip, I learned that our youth have perseverance, true compassion, and a zest for life. I also learned that they could go a whole week without their phones and electronics and still have a great time. It was a joy working and living with the youth and adults in our group for the past 10 days.
Well ... that's what we have for you all. Please remember that we will be sharing more pictures and stories from the trip during Morning Worship on Sunday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. It will be a great day!
Blessings on the journey,
RICK (for the APC Youth Mission Crew)
