Hey!

As we've mentioned the past few weeks, Student Ministries takes a group of Middle and High School students to the Pittsburgh Project service camp every summer. The Pittsburgh Project provides valuable home repair and upholds the dignity of vulnerable homeowners across the city, through transformational relationships. 

Here is a story from sophomore Meaghan Sullivan about the impact the trip has had on her:

"Hi! For those who don't know me, my name is Meaghan, and I'm probably the Pittsburgh Project's biggest fan. This summer's upcoming 2019 trip will be my fifth year going, and I am already counting down the days! I first went on the mission trip the summer before seventh grade, and choosing to go was the best decision I've ever made. To this day, I still don't know what exactly made me go, but my mom likes to use the phrase "it was probably a God thing." I totally agree with her! Every single person who I've met through this trip has changed my life for the better, and I wouldn't trade the world for the memories, laughter, and occasional tears we've all shared together. 

It's hard to describe, but the Pittsburgh Project week always feels like both the longest and shortest weeks of my life. You have to wake up early, the food isn't always the most appetizing, and the work is HARD. However, you quickly learn that these things are nothing compared to what some of the homeowners have been or are going through. It's a humbling experience- some of the people who I've been able to serve these past years have gone through unspeakable things, but were still able to open their arms to us. I think they help us more than we could ever help them by teaching us about grace and vulnerability. 

This might sound odd, but every year my favorite part has been doing the actual work. Remember how I said it was hard? It is, but that's when some of my all time favorite memories were created. Sorry parents, but it's typically easier for kids to do yard work or redo a bathroom when it's not their own home! If you are interested in coming on the 2019 trip, please don't hesitate to ask me or Erin about the trip. All are welcome, and I can promise you that you will come back a changed person!"