Junior High Youth News
News about events and activities of St. Paul's Junior High Youth
Finding a Holy Family
St. Paul's Chicago Trip
“I had a ton of fun being with friends and meeting Holy Family people, walking around Chicago, going to church at Holy Family, and the car rides.” “I am so excited for next year!!!!! :) But I think we should stay longer!!” “I had a blast! Holy family people are amazing! It was so awesome! I can’t wait to go back again next year!” According to the Facebook comments, it looks like the trip to Chicago will not soon be forgotten. It was wonderful to renew and be renewed by the ongoing relationship with Holy Family Lutheran Church, who’s members served as our gracious hosts for the weekend.
The weekend included a taste of the big city, which started with a visit to the beach, followed by a night out on the town, complete with Chicago-style pizza and a walking tour of downtown accompanied by the youth of Holy Family. Walking the streets of Chicago with 30 youth and chaperones is kind of like a tidal wave rolling down the sidewalk. One of the youth, Jordan, announced as we came upon Michigan Avenue, “Outside of New York City, the Miracle Mile has some of the most ritzy shops in the world.” We looked around at the fancy shops and neon lights, it sure looked ritzy! We walked down the sidewalk looking into the shops, but after not more than two blocks, we encountered a surprise, a homeless man, named John, bundled up with his head down, sitting under some scaffolding, holding an empty cup and a cardboard sign asking for money to help. “How are you doing?” came the question. “Not too good these days.” came John’s answer without looking up. How were we to make sense of this and many other experiences to be had this weekend? The mass of chaperones and youth rolled on, thinking about how to respond to people living in poverty and homelessness.
On Saturday our group met at Cornerstone Ministry where we met the Holy Family youth again for a day of service and learning. Lyda, the volunteer coordinator, shared some stories with us about the dire situation many of the guests at the shelter faced. She told us the average age of a homeless person had dropped to the age of a 9 year old child. Families and single parents were trying to provide for their children, the helpless victims of homelessness. We learned that some families are trying to live on $325 of government assistance, along with the money they make, usually at minimum wage. 
Meanwhile, a two bedroom apartment in Chicago costs between $900-$1400 per month, and it would take a virtual miracle for them to obtain any affordable housing in the city. We were relieved when Lyda finally gave us jobs to do at the shelter. Some helped prepare food. Others served meals to the guests. Others crossed the alley to the Sylvia Center to sort through donations of clothing and toys. Smiles, laughter, and good hard work helped us deal with the tough situation that so many at the shelter faced.
In the afternoon we drove to Holy Family Lutheran School located on the west side of the city. While it poured down rain outside, the youth from St. Paul’s and Holy Family played together in the gym. The youth played basketball, made up team cheers, and learned to jump rope Chicago style. After a fun time of games, food, and a movie, we took off for another night of exploring downtown Chicago. We walked through Millennium Park, stopped at the giant Bean, and played in the wading pools at the Faces. We caught a trolley downtown that took us to Navy Pier where we caught the fireworks display over Lake Michigan. On our way out, the youth explored the shops, and some girls got the surprise opportunity to sit in a Hummer limousine. It was pretty late when we finally made it back to the “Get Away Hostel” and much needed sleep.
We were greeted Sunday morning at Holy Family Lutheran Church with a hot breakfast and warm hospitality, followed by a vibrant worship service that included a gospel chorus, a rousing sermon, and a powerful presentation of rhythmic poetry given by Leslie Hunter, the assisting minister. After nearly two hours, the service ended with hugs and photos and more food being given to us to take home. As visitors to the big city, there was no doubt we found a place to call home, a holy family, that took us in, cared for our needs, and sent us on our way renewed and rejoicing in the amazing love and grace of God. 
We are truly a part of a holy family that stretches far and wide.
Finding Holy Family in Waverly is easy, if you follow up on this suggestion. “This was my first experience with Holy Family.” says Trisha Bahe. “I had never participated in the events we have with them when they visit in the summer. I feel I have cheated myself out of years of knowing some of the greatest people I have ever met. If you or your children have not had a chance to meet the Holy Family people, please do so the next time they are here. They are incredible individuals.”
We are already excited about going back next summer.
Hope you can join us!