Confirmation Class spends time with the homeless.

Each winter, the Confirmation class takes its annual pilgrimage to Washington, DC. This trip is a time for fellowship, spiritual growth, and an opportunity for the youth to meet and spend time with homeless people in that city. One evening the youth are asked to share their thoughts and feelings through poetry and creative writing.

Dear Elijah,

I can't believe I met you.  You really made me understand that I need to appreciate life. you told me to look at the world, what has happened and to ask why? Why has this happened to us? What can we do to stop it happening again? The first step is to give up greed. That you don't need thousand dollar possessions, just to only ask for the simple things to help you carry on and become a better person. You also mentioned when we talked that more than anything you wanted to ride in an RV, just once in your life. Not to own, just to ride in once. I wish I could give you that ride ... I wish I could give you a whole parking lot full of RVs. You changed my life. I hope someday we can meet again.

Sincerely,

Ellie Brubaker

I took things for granted

before I knew

That people were out there

with no one to turn to.

Real people with lives

and stories to tell

Some people unfortunate

who've lived in a cell.

Treat them link aliens

you probably do.

But little you know

t could be you too.

They didn't choose this life

it truly chose them.

So when you walk by

say hi, instead.

-- Katie Roche

Every night he sleeps under the stars

Always hoping for a better life.

Although a space is his bed and he's always hungry

He never gives in, never loses hope.

The president sleeps two blocks away watched

Always has each and every need taken care of.

What make these tow men so different?

Is it a matter of skill, or brains, or will or determination?

Both men have equal amounts of all.

No, it's a difference of luck.

the reason between the success of one

And the poverty of the other.

But what they could both learn,

Which can't be taught in any school or business,

Is what it would feel like to walk a mile in each other's shoes.

-- Jonathan Reeves