By Sarah Lovejoy
Senior from Shepherd of the Sierra Presbyterian Church
“Come on, ten more minutes!” we beg. It’s four in the afternoon and it’s time to pack up. We’re having spiritual program at the beach tonight, but we’re so close to finishing the awning. Our construction supervisor looks at us dubiously. Do we really want to give up that beach time?
We’ve been working on this awning all week, even installing the poles three times in an effort to perfect them. Our supervisor finally gives in, letting us stay to see it to completion. The entire group grins as we take pictures in front of the awning.
For two years, I have attended SSP’s Alternative Break trips, and these trips have changed my life.
Up until a few years ago, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to pursue. After I got back from my first SSP trip, though, I knew that I wanted to pursue a nonprofit career.
After I got back from my first SSP trip, though, I knew that I wanted to pursue a nonprofit career.
The most impactful aspect of these trips is the educational component. In past years, my church had spent a week building a house. We didn’t learn much about the circumstances surrounding the poverty we were trying to reverse, or what other groups were doing to help. On my first SSP trip, however, we toured several organizations in Portland, OR that were committed to reversing the homeless epidemic in the area. Being able to see all of the organizations working to make a difference inspired me to take my own work beyond spring break.
My second trip, Los Angeles, focused on building an awning in a community garden. While there, we also toured Homeboy Industries, an organization dedicated to helping gang members turn their lives around. Walking through Homebody Industries, I was struck with an immense feeling of amazement. It can be difficult to see any end to the violence and poverty in our world, but Homeboy Industries is a ray of hope.
I have learned that we don’t need to go far to help people. So many mission trips are focused on leaving the country and working in third-world nations, but by staying in the States, I have learned not to take anything for granted. By going to Mexico, it would be easy to blame poverty on the state of the nation as a whole. In America, though, that excuse is invalid. America is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, but people go hungry every day. This has made me realize that one small event can snowball and result in hunger and homelessness. These trips have helped me to see the fragility of life and inspired me to combat it.
I want to be a part of that [social justice], and I may have never discovered this passion if not for SSP.
After college graduation, I plan to go into nonprofit work where I can be in direct relationship with people and walk through their struggles with them. Our world still has a long way to go in erasing the lines that divide us and establishing social justice. I want to be a part of that, and I may have never discovered this passion if not for SSP.
Editor’s Note: Our year-round programs are wrapping up for the season, but we are excited to offer custom Alternative Breaks to youth and young adults groups. Contact Megan Walsh with any questions.