Monday, February 15, 2010

Grace Kirkwood Youth Group

Dear Grace Kirkwood Youth Group,
How amazing it is to look back and realize how recently I was in your shoes. Mission trips, overnights, the Italian dinner. Those moments made a huge impact on my life and spiritual formation. Grace Church gave me the foundation on which I built myself as I went off to college. It flew by. They said it would. My greatest joy, strength, and refuge through those four years was Episcopal Camus Ministry. For once in your life there won’t be anyone else to make you go to church, but choosing to go is the best decision I made in college. Remember, the church has a lot to offer you, and you have a lot to offer to the church. When I graduated I decided to take some time, and my young unbound energy, and do some service work in the Philippines. I am excited to hear that you all have been reading some of the blog posts and looking at the pictures. All I can say about that right now is that if you ever feel like you are being called to do something with your life…do it! You will be amazed at where God takes you. I have learned that beautiful lives don’t just happen, they are made. Follow your dreams knowing that the church will always be there for you. Make a beautiful life. The kind of life you deserve.
Peace,
Melanie
Melanie West Goes...Grace Kirkwood Youth Group

Church

The first Episcopal Church in the Philippines was built over 100 years ago. Since that time many others have been made of stained-glass and stone. They have been the foundation that these villages were built upon. They’ve been standing strong and steady all these years, held together by the faithful gathered here. Today about 99% of the people living in Besao are Episcopalian!Allow me take you on a little tour of the Episcopal Churches in Besao.
St. Benedict's, Kin-iway, built 1942
Even the dogs in Besao are Episcopalians!
St. Clements, Payeo, built 1972
St. Anne's, Besao Proper
Melanie West Goes…Church