"Somebody better say something, Somebody better do something, Somebody better feel something"(Mama Brenda Mathus) We must change something

Sam Gerteis-

This year we have had the opportunity to experience Chicago in a extremely impactful and personal way. From heart wrenching stories given to us during reflections, to experiencing public transit for all inner city transportation, we have seen quite a bit. With a new respect for those giving their all for those who are least off, I have seen a whole new world of mission trip service.

This week I have found a common theme in the word: "change". During the school year I saw a lot of personal growth and change within myself, and decided to bring my philosophical theme with me. 

In the expanse of the trip, we had the pleasure of hearing great and tragic stories from both DOOR Director, Juan Pablo (J.P.), and up and coming motivational rapper Ms.Lah Tere. They both spoke of the struggles they had experienced in their youth, growing up in the then very poor neighborhood, Humbolt Park. With J.P. then going into his large personal lifestyle changes and finally becoming DOOR Director, and  Lah Tere telling about her personal strive to become a very powerful independent women who "doesn't take nothing from nobody" and gives her all to help others.

Within our group I am very proud to say that I have never felt this group to be as close together as we have on this trip. I would say that all previous social groups have been combined into the most hardworking group of "neighbors" that I have ever been a part of. I am so happy to have our new Youth Pastor, Corrine, introduced into our group on what I would consider my best mision trip so far.

Although I would love to descriptively run through all that we have done, heard, and seen, it is truly to much to put onto one post. So all I can say is that y'all who weren't here should ask us youth if you would like to hear more!

Back to the topic of change, I saw great things. It is with this that I was able to see  that although how tragic the past, it is with change that we see greatness. Change is what brings communities back together, it is the product of personal growth and learning from our mistakes, it is a process of spiritual movement, and most of all it is a philosophy on life that brings out promise and love in times of  need. We need to see the change in our own lives, in order to help change others lives, and it is in this that I must say that my most influential and spiritually grabbing mission trip has come to a close.

Special recognition and prayers for those at the Salvation Army Family Shelter, community gardens, and the Iglesias Mision Del Valle Church.