We’re post-candlewalk here. For those that don’t know, the candlewalk is the ceremony we have on Friday night where we each light and carry candles in a long winding line to form a circle, to reflect on the week and share.

We’re tired, but generally content. Our work is done, the sites have been cleaned, the tools put away, and we’re all looking forward to returning to our comfort zones. But as we circle up and we look across at the flamelit faces around the group, we think back on our experiences of the week. And we go around the circle, each person sharing their thoughts, often in very personal and emotional terms. As an adult, its a real joy to hear the youth as they explore the depths of their feelings in seriousness that they usually would not share with us. It is also a joy for those of us that have been coming to these missions for years to think back to these same youth in years past. To see the shy kid from three years ago step forward and speak of their growth in ways that put our attempts at speech to shame. To see young men that epitomize raw strength and brash bravado openly and honestly thank their friends for giving them spiritual nourishment they need. For me this is pure joy. You see the growth, you see the blossoming of beautiful souls that will make an impact on our world in ways we can’t even imagine today. This gives even cynics like me hope in the future.

But at the same time I begin to understand the growth that I’ve experienced as well. Most of this seems to come from being put outside my comfort zone, being exposed to new people, being put into situations I usually avoid. Take a step in someone else’s shoes. From that I can feel myself grow inside.

James