Practice Peacemaking (Saturday)

This is Anna. Yesterday morning we woke up very early and walked to the Convention Center to participate in practice peacemaking. After waiting about thirty minutes we walked into a theatre in the center for worship. The worship consisted of a band singing upbeat songs that got us pumped up for the rest of he day. The lead vocalist also spoke a little bit about how God's grace can be used in peace making. After forty-five minutes of singing and praising, we continued down to the top floor of the interactive center which was mostly consisted of classes. We all took a group picture (funny and serious). Next we continued down to the more active part of the center. There were many unique stations ranging from art to donations to inflatables to sports to high ropes courses. Everyone split up into smaller groups to experience different things. We stayed for hours enjoying and exploring all it had to offer. All and all it was a very fun, interactive, and informative experience.

Be the Change

"Be the Change you wish to see in the world."-Ghandi. This speech was told by a regular 18 year old in the gathering. This really touched all of us coming from a regular kid. What he was talking about is how Ghandi stood up against injustice in his community. Greg the regular kid who was speaking told us that we should stand up for the bullied, the broken, and the weak like Jesus.

Friday Night Peacemaking

On this night we rocked the house with a extra-loud hip-hop group called Rhema Soul. After their message of love and hope we heard three amazing speakers including a Nobel Peace Laureate, Leymah Gbowee.

Jamie Nabozny is an openly gay man who suffered severe harassment and injuries from his classmates. His story gave us a clear picture of the pain and hurt caused by bullying. He challenged all the youth to: 1) Stop using slang words that hurt like "That is so gay" or "You are such a retard." 2) Stand up for peace and do not tolerate bullies. Lift your voice. Do not stand by silently. When you stand up your friends will back you up. 3) Tell an adult if you have witnessed bullying or experience harassment.

Diane Latiker's story was a powerful example of a mother who overpowered the gangs of South Side Chicago with love and affirmation. She simply opened her home and gave young people a safe place to socialize and have fun together. Lives were saved. Her love and peacemaking have now turned into an organization for positive and transformational hope in her community.

Leymah Gbowee - preached a simple message "You are the Hope." She said the youth here are the future world leaders. She had everyone in the Super Dome turn on their cell phone and then she sang This little Light of Mine. It was an amazing sight. Especially when large white balloons carried white banners I to the sky. God is here in a very powerful way calling us to be peacemakers.

Practicing Discipleship

On Friday morning we gathered for worship with all the youth groups from North Carolina. NC is the 6th largest group at the gathering. Bishop Bolick preached on discipleship and tearing down the walls of hostility in the world. After small group time we were supposed to go out on a scavenger hunt and practice, but we lived out our discipleship in different ways. It rained cats and dogs and so the group stayed inside at the River Walk. Nancy had a kidney stone and so many loving hands cared for her until she got to the hospital and passed it. Andrew recovered from the stomach flu and the group gave him TLC until he got his strength back. We all mellowed out at the hotel for the afternoon and collected our strength. Prayers were answered and we made it to the Dome and had awesome seats. Another night of inspiration, fun, and faith-building.

Pre blood donation

Pre hair.donation

Waiting

To give blood. Just me and my mum, don't know where everyone else has gotten to in the convention center.