Sunday – Gathering Wisdom

The theme for today was Gathering Wisdom. We began with a visit to First Congregational Church Palo Alto, our wonderful hosts for our pilgrimage. The youth were greeters, and were gracious. The service was outdoors in their beautiful courtyard, and the youth liked the service and the reflection. The senior minister at FCCPA has an undergraduate degree in drama, and it showed in his animated delivery.

Here’s some of us all cleaned up!

After dinner we went back to Margaret Green’s for a lunch of make-your-own soft shell tacos and fresh corn. It was fantastic and gave us an opportunity to say thank you to our personal Palo Alto guardian angel. When Margaret next comes to visit Fiona and Miranda, there will be lots of young people at First United who will want to say hello.

Our Vigil was Sunday night, so after lunch there was free time for all. The youth enjoyed the pool and a rest, and leaders ran about making last minute preparations for the vigil and putting up yesterday’s blog. Off we went to First Congregational for a hamburger supper.

After dinner we drove to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, our home for the vigil. As an activity in darkness, pictures weren’t possible. In the midst of giant redwood trees, and beside a beautiful mountain stream, we recalled our journey in J2A and on this pilgrimage, worshipped and prayed, spent two separate hours in silent meditation with clay and with pen and paper, went for a silent walk, and shared with one another a new introduction of the person we are now. We were conscious of the support of those who prayed for us at home. We were grateful for the numerous ways we had experienced God, and shared our thanks in a final communal prayer.

We also had some close encounters with wildlife in the form of two very intrepid raccoons, but all escaped unharmed, and with more stories to tell!

As the dawn broke, we stood in awe of the coastal redwoods surrounding us in our campsite, the tallest trees on earth. They were the pillars of our cathedral, holding up the sky. We cleaned up and took a few photos, but the sun was brighter than it appears here. Somewhat cold and very tired, but calm and bonded together as a group, we ended our vigil. Blessings to God from whom all things flow!

Our leaders of the day reflect:

On Sunday we went to church and the Minister was so funny.  I have never seen the story of Jonah told in a comedic way.  It was legendary. (Logan)

Today we attended church at First Congregational Church Palo Alto.  It was a fun outdoor service. In the evening we left for our all night vigil.  Out in quiet, dark nature we were given time for silent reflection, prayer and singing together. As I sat under a tree much bigger than any in Ottawa, listening to a nearby creek with the stars as my only light, I though about who I am and what I would like to accomplish in my life.  After watching the sun come up again we were a tired, dirty group, but I think we all though it was worth it. (Emi)

Here’s a slideshow which includes some extra pictures (as well as the photos above!)

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