NOLA, 2012

Students visiting with 3 Christian Brothers

Zambia, 2012

Rob Droel '12 with the Christian Brothers

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Agape Reflection

I could not of imagined a better way to close my freshman year than going to Agape in Ware, Massachusetts. With my hectic and demanding schedule during the year, Agape was a great opportunity for a tranquil self-reflection. I learned about the importance of living an environmentally friendly life and ways to exhibit this practice. Every act the members of the Iona in Mission Agape team committed was for a good cause. We would collect wood to for future building projects and for fire wood in the winter. At the end of the trip I looked at all that we had accomplished and I felt proud. I made some of the greatest friends because of this trip. It felt wonderful to walk away a new person after such a short period of time, with new friends and a new outlook on life. I am eager to participate in many more Iona in Mission trips, they are extremely worthwhile.  

-Athena Argyropoulos, '15

Agape Reflection-Brianna Hines

In Agape I learned a new meaning to the word ‘love.’ This word is thrown around a lot in today’s society but it’s hard for one to find it in its truest form. In Agape, I witnessed and participated in this once in a lifetime experience with a group of people who started out as strangers, and became close friends. From the very first night, we all reflected upon experiences that may have hindered us or wounded us in the past. Being able to share these experiences and show this massive amount of trust amongst a group of strangers taught me that in order to get trust, you have to give trust in return.

Every morning we woke-up at one may describe as an “ungodly” hour; yet, before my eyes I witnessed a group of people who were willing to put themselves out there and work. No matter the job, everyone was eager to put in effort to complete the task at hand. From this, I learned that a group of individuals working together could accomplish more than anyone could imagine. Although the work wasn’t always easy and the reflections caused us to dig deep within ourselves and share our innermost thoughts, the experience as a whole was one that I will always hold close to my heart.

One may ask how I witnessed ‘love’ on this mission trip. I witnessed it through the caring and trusting nature of my group. I saw it in the eyes of the couple that hosted us and created Agape. I learned about it through the prayers and reflections, which showed respect for the earth and for one another. Most importantly, I saw it through the selfless acts that the entire group took part in throughout our trip. I loved Agape and I recommend it to everyone!

-Brianna Hines, '13