https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=OF8bIbdFkfc

 

The following are reflections from some of the teen participants:

On my trip to the Winnebago Reservation I learned that everyone is the same. People there would tell us about their hardships and how they were often treated differently than others. This taught me that everyone is the same and should be treated the same. It’s easier to judge someone than to get to know them and that’s wrong. People are not less than others because they don’t have as much money. I have definitely learned to be more accepting of others. My faith in God grew and I walked away with so many new friends and experiences to share.                                                                          - Annie G., gr 10
 
Going to ND Vision was an eye-opening experience for me. I met so many unique and interesting people and learned more about my faith. During ND Vision I realized that I’ve only been going through the motions and haven’t taken my religion seriously. Ever since ND Vision I’ve kept in touch with the friends I’ve made there and I’m still on my “Jesus-high”. J  I pay more attention in church and participate as much as I can. I’m definitely doing something like this every year!                              - Dawn, gr 10
 
I believe that going to ND Vision really helped me grow in my faith! I feel closer to God every day and I think it changed the way I look at the little things in life. It helped me realize that I am one small person on God's Earth and that just because I have it easy, doesn't mean everyone else does too. Hearing people's stories of loss and hurt and how their faith pulled them through really put a perspective on how powerful God's word is. It changed the way I pray and I now thank God every day for even the tiniest of things. Even things I thought I would never be thankful for, like school, are now on my list because not everyone is as lucky as I am to be able to go to school. Another thing that I believe changed after the week was over was how I looked at other people. It made me less judgmental because you never know what that person is going through. I used to be quick to judge someone based on how they dressed or how they talked or who they were friends with but ND Vision helped show me that we are all alike in God's eyes and that we should love one another!                                                         - Jackie, gr 10
 
At Just five days we experienced different types of prayer and met other catholic teenagers, it was a blast! What really made it fun was the service. Our group served at St. Paul’s Elder Center, doing many different and fun things. I met many inspiring people at St. Paul’s, including Joyce, Louise, and Catherine. I met Joyce on our first day at St. Paul’s. Every Tuesday she comes to St. Paul’s with a bucket of flowers from her garden and an open heart. I helped Joyce arrange the flowers in eight vases to give to the residents. That’s when I met Louise, another resident, who liked to watch the vases being arranged, have a vase for her room and give us approval that we had done a good job. Once the vases had been delivered Joyce had to leave, but told us that we as volunteers, no matter how much we do, always take away from the experiences and the people, more than we give. By delivering flowers to these people made me understand how much a simple gesture of kindness made their day brighter. During the next few days I met Catherine, who was a resident who loved making jewelry. I beaded bracelets and chatted with Catherine who had a lot to talk about. All too soon it was our last day at St. Paul’s. Before I left to meet up with our group Catherine said to me “Stay with the LORD and you will always be on the right path.” What she said made me feel that serving others is part of the right path to the LORD.                                                                                                                    - Marianna, gr 9
 
TCIA Days has been a great experience for me both times I have gone. It felt good helping people in need. All three days were a great way to help, and the things we did was not boring at all. It was really fun. It was also nice to see people in our community give up their time to provide a helping hand. I’ve always liked giving back and TCIA Days is a great way to do so. Overall this is something I definitely will do again. Jesus came to earth and served the needy and the poor. And I am glad to do the same.            - Anthony, gr 9