UK All the Way!

“This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Today is the day!

After a week of ELCA orientation in Chicago, it is time to bid adieu to 43 of my fellow YAGMs, Hyde Park, and the United States of America as myself and 6 London-area YAGMs head across the pond this evening.

This week of orientation has been exactly what I’ve needed to prepare. Thought-provoking dialogue, questioning, logistical training, fellowship, friends and laughter… There was a dance lessons in Grant Park, chance to see Kellen's improv show, partaking in American food, being goofy and college-like in the hallways of our dorm, exploring Hyde Park (hi Obamas!) and an interpretive dance piece at last night's open mic night by the Pittsburgh Society of Interpretive Dance and Towels. (4 founding members).
It is truly amazing how quickly bonds are formed and then nurtured. It is my hope that we all are eager and equipped to form bonds in all the different cross cultural contexts we are about to engage. I’m not all too surprised about our successful attempts at forming meaningful and compatible relationships with fellow Lutheran 20-somethings. It is now time, however, to turn our hearts and minds to forming those same types of bonds with our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.

And I mean ALL over the world. Just to give you a break down of countries where Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) is present this year…
Mexico (5), Argentina (3), Uruguay (2), U.K (12), South Africa (10), Jerusalem/West Bank (6), Slovakia (3), Hungary (3) and Malaysia (6).
I look forward to connecting with all my peers and in turn, passing on some blog links and such to you all if you’re interested in following the program beyond all the Marta goods I’m producing.

I am currently sitting in a University of Chicago dorm laundry room preparing for the repacking and preparations of today before our flight. These past 8 months of transition and change have brought me to a time in my life I can’t WAIT to get started. I thank God for the multiple blessings, gifts, opportunities and people in my life that have brought me thus far, and continue to shape me as an individual as I fly over the Atlantic for this big adventure.

You will for sure hear a lot of the ELCA Mission philosophy and theology throughout this year--- but for starters, here is a train of thought one of the YAGM alumni shared this week…
“This year isn’t about going out to change the world, but being ready and willing for the world to change you.”

Letting my light shine,
Marta