Canada Youth 2009

Megan Robertson

July 20, 2009: First Day at Brock

The scenic view of the campus is cool and peaceful. Looming trees throw their branches protectively over the winding paths and cast their shadows upon the thick, green grass. Upon arrival I saw a serene calmness that controlled the atmosphere. And everyone that surrounded me had an open and friendly air to them. Home, is what it felt like (and stills feels like). It's a familiar place in which comfort did not need seeking out to be found. And although the rooms are not "elegant" they are perfect to accommodate us for the great week ahead.

Everything about this place is amazing. Every building and person is I think I can say, charming? And it is in its own way. Westmount gathered together as soon as it was possible and figured out our dorms and whatnot. An inviting activity outside followed and we were then allowed our dinner. The food is tasteful and satisfying after such a long wait. I could easily get used to this life!

God is here. With us, he has blessed this gathering place for his children. As I sat beneath the lit up trees with my friends after an eccentric worship before our great Lord, I couldn't be more content.

This is the place where the soul is replenished and the Lord is sensed all around. To frown would be a crime and I don't see why anyone should attempt such a thing here.

I could stay here forever...

July 21, 2009: Second Day at Brock

The morning has passed. A long list of activities, being divided into small groups, a tree contest (very amusing), and now we are attending worship. The theme for today is solemn (more serious than yesterday for sure), up-rooted and focusing on the broken world. The music starts, lights fade as others hit a spotlight on and then the song begins. As the words come out of everyone's souls, a pause breaks in. An overwhelming stillness overcomes the auditorium and the presence of God sweeps in like thunder rolling across the lands and covers over, filling the atmosphere. This leaves Goosebumps on ones arms and neck. I can only say that it's, magical.

July 22, 2009: Third Day at Brock

It's like we've been here for so many weeks. It all feels so natural and...right! Another thing is that when we (Westmount girls!) were in the courtyard; it felt like I was in University. I liked the feeling a lot!

The peace in this place is just so calming; you have no other instinct but to just breathe deeply.

For recreation, we broke off into groups concerning where we all came from. South-western Ontario was where the other girls and I were pulled off into. We had a speaker, Mark. He is humorous, deep and extremely insightful. He told two meaningful stories that stay with me still. The first one was of his youngest son Joseph, whose innocence and wise intellect at four years of age compelled him to make the "slow club". Many of us should follow his example. The second story was of the "surprise wedding" and what love truly is all about.

I have such high hopes for tomorrow...

July 23, 2009: Fourth Day at Brock

None of us want to go home anytime soon (no offence to any of our families, you're fun and all-but we're stuck for life with you guys!). It's too amazing and awe-inspiring here at CY. The feeling of God's love is so powerful and it surrounds us. We've made new friends who share our own belief and understand the passion for Christ that we have. I think I speak for all of us when I say I feel a connection with everyone and with God here that is so unlike everywhere else. These memories are more than good and we don't want them to stop, we want to keep making more.

It's going to be hard letting go of this place and the people we've met. But we get to come back, and make many more and begin another set of lovely memoirs. The wait is going to be so hard.

July 24, 2009: Fifth Day at Brock

Today was the last full day at Brock. I wish I could say I was upset but the truth is I wasn't. Not as much really. This is because Maddie's surprise party is tonight! Jess and I are having a blast pretending to be sick so we can stay behind and decorate her room! I'm faking having a headache and exhaustion while Jess pretends to have her allergies acting up severely. I'm so excited! I did our makeup too (I would make a very good makeup artist for horror films that focus on zombies and the living dead). Jess has red eyes of blush and eye shadow while I put purple eye shadow under my own bags and then paled our faces with powder. Man, is she eating it all up! Now to pull off the party!

July 25, 2009: Sixth Day at Brock

Leaving CY was one of the hardest things of my life...

Three more days, minus one!

-May your roots grow grounded in God's love today (and forever more) ...