By: Chris Seppelt, Service Learning Coordinator
Blog Post: LCS Service Learning: “It opened my mind and perspective”
During the first week of Spring Break, 38 students and 4 teachers from LCS embarked on a transformative journey of service and reflection to the South Bronx.
This mission trip was not merely an excursion, but a profound opportunity to immerse ourselves in a community facing numerous challenges while contributing to a genuine fellowship. As the students stepped into the vibrant streets of the Bronx, they were filled with a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and a touch of apprehension. Little did we know that this experience would leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
Central to our mission trip was the opportunity to engage in meaningful service work within the community.
The core of the experience was assisting in the classrooms at PS 29, an Elementary/Middle School in the South Bronx. The students also volunteered at an afterschool program at St. Ann’s Church. Every task was imbued with a sense of purpose and connection. Through these acts of service, we not only had the chance to contribute tangibly to the lives of others, but felt transformed by the relationships that were unfolding.
While this trip gave us lots of opportunities for sightseeing around New York, the coolest thing about this trip was the children we interacted with. The absolute joy the kids from P.S. 29 had whenever we passed through the halls, or walked into the classes was incomparable… The kids also were so curious about life in Canada. Every chance they got they would ask us questions about where we’re from, and what’s different about New York compared to BC… This trip was an incredibly impactful experience, and the connections we built with the kids will never be forgotten. It truly was such a special time, and the heart of God was very prominent throughout the entire trip.
Ashlyn black
One of the most impactful aspects of our journey was the opportunity to meet and interact with the individuals and families who call the Bronx home. Despite facing immense challenges, we were struck by their resilience, strength, and unwavering sense of hope. Whether it was sharing stories or listening to the aspirations of young students, these encounters left an indelible impression on our heart and my faith.
If I could make one thing mandatory at LCS it would be the service trip to New York. There are so many stories and memories that I could share about the trip, but one memory from the first day we visited the kids stands out. We had been waiting to see our classes, and to pass the time we headed out to the playground/field to hangout with the kids at recess… When the whistle blew to go inside one little girl turned to me and said “you guys coming here is the best day of my life”. We had barely known each other for ten minutes, but I could already see the impact we had on the kids lives, and that’s how I knew I was right where God wanted me to be.
katie beveridge
Outside of the fellowship experiences, the students visited many Christian Churches, including St. Nicholas Shrine, a Greek Orthodox Church that had been destroyed by the terrorist attacks of 9-11. The re-built Church showed the power of faith and resilience. We attended the Worship Service at Brooklyn Tabernacle Church and the students were deeply moved by the strong sense of faith and devotion of its members. The students also attended one of the first performances of the Outsiders, the new Broadway show based on the novel that the students read in Grade 8.
I am honestly so thankful for the opportunity to go on this trip. It was an amazing chance to connect as a group and experience New York, but more importantly to do so through service. Even as strangers entering a broken community, we were welcomed with open arms and quickly became close with those we served. It was truly eye opening to see how the kids we were serving connected with us and how grateful and excited they were at us being there. One experience that I won’t soon forget happened on the last day when the principal of the school we were at asked for some volunteers to help with their STEAM Expo. Two of us immediately offered our coding skills and experience and we were able to help the kids create and program a game. The students and staff thanked us for helping, but I was able to get so much out of what felt like a small act, and felt the need to be thanking them for the chance to help. And, to add to that already great experience, when we got home I was pleasantly surprised to find that they included a picture of us and the kids coding in their weekly newsletter. This, along with a number of other experiences, showed me how God gives us the space to use our gifts for His plan, and this is a lesson that will surely stick with me forever.
Caelan black
