Gospel Roads: DC
by: Alexia Hirlemann
Gospel Roads was definitely a new kind of experience for me. I had never been on a service trip before, but I think it’s safe to say a Salesian service trip is like no other. There was something about spending long hours working in the hot sun, surrounded by the very best people, who I miss every day. Somehow, we found a way to make serving others a lot of fun. Don't get me wrong, it was not easy, and there were definitely challenges along the way. I think the biggest challenge for me was accepting that some of the jobs we were asked to do were not what I had expected. I struggled to see how pulling weeds from a ropes course in a forest was helpful to the kids in summer camp.
Learning to accept things as they were was a big part of my experience. I learned that there were different ways to serve people and that things don't always go as expected. But definitely one of the most rewarding feelings in the world was seeing results. Before and after pictures became a ritual. And to see the difference our work had made really helped to see the purpose that we were there for. I saw God in every single one of the people around me. Not once did I ever hear anyone complaining, and by working together, we were able to get the jobs done.
Before going on Gospel Roads, it was difficult to explain to my family and friends what it was I was going to do -- because honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I was going on a service trip. I had no idea of the challenges I would face, the lessons I would learn, or the family I would become a part of.
I wish some of my other friends could have this experience, because it truly was humbling. It was a perfect transition from high school to college because I feel it really emphasized everything I have learned about my faith and about my self throughout high school. It also served as a reminder that it’s important not to lose that, and that even though next year may be challenging, I have a good support system to back me up.
I also learned that God can come to you in the most unexpected ways possible. You just have to keep your heart open and be on the look out, because He might be standing right next to you.
Learning to accept things as they were was a big part of my experience. I learned that there were different ways to serve people and that things don't always go as expected. But definitely one of the most rewarding feelings in the world was seeing results. Before and after pictures became a ritual. And to see the difference our work had made really helped to see the purpose that we were there for. I saw God in every single one of the people around me. Not once did I ever hear anyone complaining, and by working together, we were able to get the jobs done.
Before going on Gospel Roads, it was difficult to explain to my family and friends what it was I was going to do -- because honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I was going on a service trip. I had no idea of the challenges I would face, the lessons I would learn, or the family I would become a part of.
I wish some of my other friends could have this experience, because it truly was humbling. It was a perfect transition from high school to college because I feel it really emphasized everything I have learned about my faith and about my self throughout high school. It also served as a reminder that it’s important not to lose that, and that even though next year may be challenging, I have a good support system to back me up.
I also learned that God can come to you in the most unexpected ways possible. You just have to keep your heart open and be on the look out, because He might be standing right next to you.