article from SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2009
Discovering a Brighter Horizon
Expectations vs. First Impressions of America
I have always wanted to travel to America. As AYC drew near, I was not sure if I would be able to attend. Since I was busy finishing college and did not have sufficient time to work in the summer, I was concerned. Without working, I could not afford the trip to America.
After weeks of preparation, I was ready for the adventure. I call it an adventure because since the 9/11 attacks, Americans have sharpened security, so that it is not as easy to travel to the U.S. anymore.
At passport control in Atlanta, I was pretty nervous because there was a slight possibility I would not be allowed in the country. Thoughts raced through my mind because I did not know what to expect. What if they send me back to the Netherlands? Gladly, nothing of that nature happened, and I was able to enter American soil for the first time.
As I continued with my trip, I was not quite sure what to expect. I could not wait to meet like-minded peers and build new friendships. Coming from the Caribbean and having lived for almost five years in Europe, all I knew about America were the stereotypes I saw in movies and television shows. I was anxious to find out what it was really like.
Once I arrived at Headquarters for Sabbath services, I felt so overwhelmed by all of the new faces, the great energy and warm greetings I received. What a thrill! Each and every person made an effort to welcome me. I intend to take this type of fellowshipping back home and apply it.
When attending Sabbath services at Headquarters, the decency and order in which things were done impressed me. Also, fellowshipping with a bigger group my age was just wonderful! What I most enjoyed was singing hymns at services—the beautiful sounds of the whole congregation gave me chills!
After services, we participated in activities such as a Bible Study, a Headquarters tour and a get-together at a Church member’s home, which completed the day.
On Sunday, we went on a hike with several campers and Headquarters staff who had already arrived for AYC. The day concluded with a barbeque and more fellowshipping.
During the cookout, I had the chance to engage in conversations and get to know everyone a bit more. The atmosphere of the weekend events before camp reflected God’s way of living.
I was sure that attending AYC would be a great experience, but little did I know about the journey I was about to start. I would soon discover invaluable lessons and principles that would brighten my life and reveal God’s Way in a whole new perspective.
Before AYC started, I noticed the high energy that abounded, but this did not prepare me for the “real deal.” From the very first day of camp, I knew I had to step it up in every aspect. This became even clearer after the Bible Study about being exceptional, given by Mr. Ambrose.
At this lecture, Mr. Ambrose highlighted some of the principles about being exceptional. He explained that God calls the base and foolish of this world, and He works with them to help them develop into extraordinary people. Mr. Ambrose also said that we as Christians have to seek God and ask Him to help us excel—God does not force anyone to follow Him.
Overall, the exceptional quality of the different aspects of camp amazed me. I watched all of the campers encourage each other at every challenge they faced and work as a team to help each other overcome fears—something that only those who live the give way experience.
Not all the experiences were physical. I also gained a lot of spiritual knowledge in only two weeks. The greatest lesson I gained from AYC was how to become an efficient leader in God’s Church.
As one of the younger staff volunteers, I had the chance to emulate the examples of elders and ministers, and then lead others younger than I through my example.
These two weeks have been life-changing! I will forever treasure all of the memories and friends I made during this period. I will return home radiant, with tons of fun memories to sustain me for a whole year—until AYC 2010!