Trip Summary- Sarah

Hey all!
I know I am a bit late in this summary but I am hoping some people will have the time to look at it! At first I was worried that I would have to do things I didn't want to do. Next I was surprised that I did everything, enjoying the things I was scared about most of all. Finally I started to stop worrying about my reaction and started to look at all the 'lights'(people doing God's work) around me. I was moved by their love for others and their happiness in places I thought there would be none. This was not only my fellow ATC people but the people we were serving and the people who dedicated their lives to this kind of work. For me this was one week, for them this is everyday. Instead of being beaten down by the everyday hardships they gained strength from each other and held the everyday stuff as a community. I hope that some day I can contribute to a community like this and learn more from them. Right now I am just thankful for everything these lights have taught me, and pray that they have better days in the future.

Surprise! - Allen

While on the Awaken the City trip, I met some of the warmest, nicest people I will probably ever meet. I made friendships that will hopefully last very long. I finally talked to people from our church about stuff that doesn’t involve confirmation class, but real conversations. It also showed me what I take for granted in life, how much I take for granted, and how I can change all that. When working with the different organizations, the people that worked there definitely were the hardest working people I have ever seen. The trip also taught me to be more social, taught me to engage people.

When I first was told I was going, honestly I did not want to go for two reasons. The first reason is because, well, I assumed it was like the New Orleans trip and I did not want to do hard work. The second one was because RIT was hosting a lacrosse camp, and I want to get to all camps possible. After the trip, I wonder why I did not want to go. I made plenty of friends, learned a lot, and also did some manual labor that built character. Everyone should go on this trip. Even if you do not want to, ATC and Cincinnati will surprise you.

A story from the Center for Respite Care- Mackenzie

The woman in the photo, surrounded by Becky, Ariel, Colleen, and Amanda is Theresa. Our group went to the Respite Center and served them lunch: chicken salad, fruit cocktail, brownies, and lemonade. We were all invited to sit and eat out lunches and talk with the people staying at the center. Colleen, Ariel, Amanda and I sat at one table with two women, one of which was Theresa. She began thanking us graciously for the meal, so we all started talking. She explained to us that throughout her life, she had become dependent on drugs and alcohol. Through this, she had developed diseases, and had been in and out of the hospital frequently over the past few years. With the help of the Respite Center, she has now been able to live a stable life, without drugs or alcohol. She told us about her two sons, and how her faith in God has made for such a great life. Knowing that God will always love her motivated her to get her life back together. This woman was so, so happy. She had just been approved for an apartment! She was just beaming when she talked about how excited she was for her family. She let us know that nothing that she has accomplished in her life would have happened if it weren't for the love of Christ. It really touched my heart to see just how radiant this woman was when talking about her faith. Despite the hardships she's been through, she is still able to be so positive.
All patients of the Respite Center agreed that it was such a blessing to have a place to go, and to be taken care of. My prayers go out to those working at the Center and those volunteering at the Center, what these people do is so great. My prayers go out to all those who are at the Respite Center, I hope that all can find a way back on their feet again, no matter the reasons for which they are at the Center.
"Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:12).
I hope everyone is safe and well!
Mackenzie Uline

This is my worship, this is my life, to bring hope into this broken world.” Anna

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” -- 1 Timothy 4:12.

As most people know, I’m the one who probably writes too much. Oh well. I wrote about the first few days, & will now finish my story. On Wednesday I worked with New Life Furniture, &it really changed the way I see things. The second home we went to; I met a six year old girl, & four year old twins. They showed me where the living room would be, the dining room, etc. She was so excited about how big the furniture is. When asked when she moved into the house she had said Sunday. She & her siblings gave me a hug as we were leaving. She told me it was the best day of her life. Talking to my intern Tyler as we’re walking to the car, he had asked me if I had seen the bedrooms, I hadn’t. There were no beds in there. Those kids were living in a house, an empty house, for four days. We then did a city search, & had a blast in the car (even though the air conditioning wasn’t working). Thursday, we went to the “Potty Ministry.” I met a man, who was preaching to me, Tyler, & Paul. What he said made sense, I’m not sure if he was homeless. But he stopped by, and was walking to Kentucky I believe (I may be getting stories mixed up). But he was talking about how you have to get onto that person’s level. You have to be with them & work up with them instead of looking down upon them. I met a lot of people. I then went to State Avenue where I “worked” with Sarah. & by work, I mean we ended up in a room with a fan, closed the door, sat & talked. Although some work did manage to get done. We then went to Worship. That was the one I remember most.

Thursday night is when my reflection began, & brought tears to my eyes. My family is the most important thing to me. When my mom decided for it to be a family mission trip, my dad & brother weren’t the most excited people. But let me tell you, if you saw their faces, you wouldn’t have known that. Hearing my brother talk about who his city lights, inspirations, were, brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of him & my father. I had many city lights on that trip. My brother & dad’s transformations really touched me & showed me God’s love. I had seen so much that week, that the tears just flowed. But it was a good cry, tears of joy. I met so many people, heard so many stories, & I cannot be more thankful for the experience, and my life. When asked how one guy was, he said, “I’m alive.” That is a blessing itself.
We pulled into the driveway Friday night. I got out of the car, hugged my dog, walked inside & hugged my cat. Felt a wave of cool air from the air conditioning; saw the TV & xbox downstairs, walked upstairs, saw the flat screen TV & my kitchen. Went to the bathroom, walked into my room, saw my computer, the nicely painted walls, band posters, a bed, a desk. All I can think is that I am one of the luckiest girls in the world. I have a house, food, a loving family, and a wonderful church family, everything that I could need I have.

I met so many people, & have had my heart touched in so many ways. I am so honored that I can do God’s work, & follow his calling to help others & make a difference. I have learned about unlimited love & compassion. That no matter what God will love me & others. Many of the interns have truly inspired me. One intern, Reggie, worked with my parents. He made an impact on my parents, & for that I am forever grateful. He can give you bible verses and recite them, & has the best faith I have ever seen. I hope someday that I can be just like him. My intern Tyler was an inspiration as well. Although a crazy 19 year old, he knew what compassion, love & understanding means. He could talk to anyone & if you hadn’t known, you would think that he has known them his whole life. I hope to be as kind & open hearted as he is one day as well.

This mission trip has really reminded me what matters most, and opened my eyes. For I am awake now: to the problems of cities, to poverty, to hurt, to the knowledge that a small (or large group) of committed people can make a difference, to the simplicity of a smile, and to God's never ending love & compassion. The question is: are you?
Much love & God bless,
-Anna

My Reality - Ann

I woke up this morning in my own bed. I was still tired but duty called. Well, actually, duty whined that it was time for our morning walk. We stepped out into the warm morning, Dusty pulling at his leash, anxious to find the right fire hydrant or bush or tree. As we walked I looked around my neighborhood. I am safe here. I am far from gunshots. I am far from homelessness. I am far from poverty. The homes I pass have two cars in the driveway. They are 2-3 bedroom homes, with 2 bathrooms. They have air conditioning. They have plenty of food in the cupboards and the refrigerators. Most have two parents inside. There are pools and toys strewn on the lawn.

Yet during this past week I have seen apartments with broken windows and apartments with no furniture. I have seen children looking for a loving hand. I have seen people looking for enough food, some decent clothing, a place to land if only for a short time. I have seen bullet holes in stained glass windows and graffiti asking for a stop to the violence. But I have also seen hope. Hope in the eyes of all the other volunteers we encountered. Hope in the eyes of the parents and children who came to VBS. Hope in the eyes of my "Awaken the City" friends and partners. Hope in the eyes of every intern at Hyde Park.

I have so much in my life, so much that I often take for granted. My part in this story is to carry on. To be a light to those around me. To see a wrong and do what I can to make it right. I will not always be successful, I will not always see every wrong. But with God on my side, I can do something. And if I do something, then my path will be straight and true.

Shining Lights-Hoyt

As one of our closing activities we were challenged to write down the name of someone who had become a shinning light for us this past week. I must admit that I was tempted to write down the name of everyone who was on the trip. But I did not. Because the more I thought about it I decided that the true test of our ability to be a shining light in the city was not what happened this past week. The true measure of our ability to be shining lights will be tested in the days and months to come. It is easy to be a light and excited and full of energy on a trip such as ours. It is far harder to embrace that enthusiasm that sustain it. So my friends on the trip, do you have what it takes to be a shining light over the long haul? Here is to hoping that you do.

Special recognition needs to be given to our youth. They were inspiring, fun, and energetic in their approach to the week. The people of Faith should be proud of our young folk. Just you watch what they accomplish in the year to come. I am really proud to be called their pastor.

I did write down the name of one person. Her name is Sara and she is my best friend. Awaken the City is her brainchild and a very fruitful product of her ministry. Awaken the City is in its second year. And already the ministry partners are counting on the continued support of the program. I am humbled in light of all that she has accomplished. She is a true city light and is making an immense difference in the life of one city. She is also making a profound difference in the life of all the Awaken the City participants.

I am so inspired by her ministry, humbled by her ministry, and thankful to call myself a partner in ministry with her.