A pilgrim walks, sweats, struggles, surrenders, laughs, cries, and prays a lot. We are pilgrims on a journey. We have seen so many things, experienced so many things. Things, honestly, not many can say they have ever done or experienced. We walked seven miles with our packs loaded down with food, blankets, pillows, and whatever else we needed to survive. Exhausted already we made it to the giant filed filled with people as far as the eye could see. We sat in this dessert when drinking water had run out on a day that was 104. Firetrucks weaves through the people spraying the enormous crowds cooling them. At that point we prayed for water and water came... in the form of a thunderstorm with whirling winds and drenching rain just as Pope Benedict arrived on stage. As the storm rolled in Holy Father stayed and so did we! The storm was close to passing and Jesus came and 1.5 million young adults from around the world knelt in adoration. Those who had been thirsting so desperately were now thirsting for the King of Kings! After adoration Holy Father departed. As rain began to fall again we tried to settle in for sleep amidst the soft gentle rain on our faces, the soft wet dirt now mud, ants, crickets, smells that range from trash and port-a-potties to a million people who haven't showered. Pilgrimage is a great word to describe this experience. Through the many trials and tribulations we remained joyful. Each one in our group surrendered all to God living the paradox. It is possible to say we survived and persevered this World Youth Day!
All of this being done we are ready to go home- we are currently boarding the plane!
We all are on a pilgrims journey. This journey has begun and for us I am convinced we will joy complete it until we reach heaven. Be Not Afraid, Keep the Faith!
See you soon!
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