Thank you, Triennium
Three years ago last week, I was arriving at Purdue for the 2013 Presbyterian Youth Triennium. I was a young, nervous, and naïve high-schooler with absolutely no idea what I would experience at an event of this size.
At the beginning of the week, I stayed as close to my Presbytery of Northern Kansas (PNK) friends as I could while interacting and exchanging pins with other Presby teens. However, as the week progressed I began to rely less on them and more on myself. I connected better with my small group (s/o SG150. You guys, rock :-) ). I connected better with myself by letting go of the comfortable and welcoming what was uncomfortable.
During discussions in small groups, worship, and even the walks with Clayton + Maggie back to the dorms, I was slowly learning who I am and who I wanted to become both spiritually and after high school.
Here I am, three years later, writing to you from my dorm room at Purdue, and it's so weird and exciting that I'm actually here as a student. I spent last week attending worship and seeing PNK friends between class, and let me tell you: spending a couple of hours worshipping with 5,000 of your best friends is one of the best stress relievers ever.
On several occasions last week, I watched notifications from BBC come across my screen about more terror in Europe. I was so heartbroken every time, but the only response I could come up with was "Not again...Not again.." However, each day in worship I felt refreshed and re-energized. I was reminded numerous times why I am so proud to be a Presbyterian at such an awful time in our world; we aren't afraid to have the scary and uncomfortable conversations.
I distinctly remember this charge from Rev. Dr. Perryn Rice during closing worship:
"Make up your mind RIGHT NOW that you will be an agent of change"
Since all of my Presbyterian family left campus last Saturday, I've been reflecting a lot about Triennium and trying to digest all of the new information and understanding that I gained last week. I'm still working on it, but if there's one thing I know for sure, I am grateful for Triennium and all the opportunities for growth and understand that it has presented me with over the last 3 years.
Because of Triennium, I made some really stellar lifelong friendships.
Because of Triennium, I know that I must be an agent of change.
Because of Triennium, I found a campus where I felt comfortable having an opinion.
Because of Triennium, I found my HOME.
PYT 2016 Opening Worship : 7.20.2016 : Elliott Hall of Music : Purdue University