Every year, many students from Chelsea High School attend the Kalahari worship retreat. This trip allows teens to deepen their faith, learn from others, and grow their relationship with god. As many uplifting memories were made, some students had particularly unique experiences and look forward to attending the trip again in the future. 

“One of my favorite memories from that trip was when we were all crying during devotional and our leader prayed above us,” three-time attendee Eleanor Hoonhorst (‘28) said. 

The power of the emotion from group prayers and connections set a tone, allowing the group to feel comfortable being more open with each other throughout the whole trip. Each person had their own view on emotional experiences that stood out to them. 

“I loved the worship songs. It was a really touching concert experience,” first-time attendee Irelynn Jbara (‘28) said. 

While reflecting on the impact the trip had on them, each student learned a life lesson or ways to continue to strengthen their faith. 

“I’ve always believed in God and gone to church, but [the trip] made me feel closer to him,” Jbara said. 

Anna Irwin (‘28) found one thing in particular that stood out to her. She noticed a change in her day-to-day life. 

“I caught myself praying a lot more,” Irwin said.

The messages that were shared with the groups of kids on the retreat made a significant impact on their perspectives. The pastor’s sermons were very moving, according to the consensus. 

“The services were really powerful, and they spoke to me in different ways each time,” Irwin said. 

Hoonhorst believed that being more open-minded before attending the trip would make it easier to learn ways to grow in your relationship with God. 

“I put my faith in Jesus during the trip, and that was a big step for me,” Hoonhorst said. 

Each individual grew as people themselves through their faith. Hoonhorst among others found herself taking steps of transformation to strengthen her relationship with God to better understand personal growth, values, and goals. 

“I learned that once you put God first you start putting others first. It makes your additive and overall self better”. Jbara said. 

Jbara came home learning that making it a priority to have a relationship with god meant having a good relationship with yourself. She gained insight into seeing a change in her life when putting her faith first. Hoonhorst learned an important everyday lesson Not based on her faith but from hearing others experiences. 

”Be kind to everyone because you never know what they are going through,” Hoonhorst said 

After the Kalahari trip, each student learned something new about their faith, and new experiences that will help to shape them as individual people. These moments of growth reflect on each individual’s understanding of how they can connect with God, and go out into the world and live as fuller people. 

“Your life can be completely changed when you have an open mindset,” Irwin said.