Almost Time to Depart!

Over the last couple of weeks we've been hard at work finalizing our teams, doing some group bonding, and taking time to learn more about immigrants and refugees.  Our advisors have been meeting and getting ready for a long haul down to DC.  Student trip leaders have met with Andrew and are prepared to fearlessly lead their teams in a work of compassionate work.  T-shirts have been ordered, prayer shawls knit and paperwork signed.

Finally, tonight was the Send-off Dinner!  Some 60 people including parents, supporters and Youth Board members gathered at church, with students hauling overstuffed luggage behind them.  Bags were loaded into vans before students made their way inside and donned their purple Mission Trip T-shirts.  At dinner, teams assembled for some team pictures and we heard more about some of the places that we'll work and the issues we'll address.

We're excited to work at Claggett Farm, a non-profit organic farm operated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, whose produce is used to feed the hungry at soup kitchens and pantries around the Capital area.  We'll examine the situation of migrant workers as a part of our reflection that night. We're also looking forward to working with CASA, an immigrant rights organization which provides English language classes, job training, healthcare and more.  Friday of our Mission Trip is a very big day for the immigrant community, as the Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments on President Obama's Executive Order on Deferred Action for Parents of Americans - changing the way the US Government prioritizes and pursues deportations of undocumented immigrants.  We'll also work with Lutheran Social Services in their Refugee Resettlement program, helping set up accommodations for arriving refugees, and meet with attorneys from Human Rights First.  All in all, it sounds like an exciting week.

We hope you'll follow along with our daily updates and we'll see you at our church send-off in the morning!

Students take part in a Scarecrow Relay at Senior High Fellowship - preparing for farm work!

Preparing the Way

Twenty-five of us will depart from Glastonbury on April 17. Twenty-five fresh-faced and eager volunteers, looking to make a difference. From April 17-23, we'll be in Washington D.C., learning about People on the Move.

It's a topical theme, inspired by Leviticus 19:33-34: When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

When we picked the theme back in the summer, we didn't realize just how relevant it would be today, learning about Immigrants, Migrants, Refugees and Internally Displaced People. As the week approaches, violence in Syria, refugees across Europe and calls for a border wall and immigrant ban dominate global headlines. Our journey will explore the faith call to love others, particularly those who are far from home looking for shelter and compassion.

In the months leading up to our trip, we have learned more about who is on the move and why. During our week of service, we'll spend time volunteering with immigrant service agencies, refugee resettlement organizations, and migrant advocacy groups. We'll also explore DC, attend a bi-lingual church (brush up on your German now) and learn more about our country's heritage as a melting pot and a refuge. By experiencing the lives of those most vulnerable, and living together in an intentional community, we'll endeavor to meet God in the tough moments.

We invite you to follow along on our journey here, and to come hear more about our trip on May 8 when we preach at First Church in Glastonbury, CT. Blessings to you!