Vanessa and I got the amazing opportunity to serve with HOPE World Wide this past Summer.  First, out of appreciation I must mention that HOPE is a nonprofit charitable organization with many excellent programs throughout the world ( www.hopeworldwide.org).  One of their main programs is to get the future generations to see the desperate needs in other parts of the world and to begin to value doing something to help other people.  This program is called HOPE Youth Corps. 

We were chosen along with Rob and Don Ferry of Colorado to go all the way to north Philly to lead the spirituality and activities of the Youth Corps. participants.  There were about 30 young adults from all over the country, even a few from the Carribean Islands.  It was an exciting, life-changing time.  My eyes were opened to the poverty and intense upbrining of so many people in our own country.  The kides at Camp Miracles are special beyond expression.  They are normal and yet very unique.  They love to dance, sing, and laugh like any kid.  Their perspective on life is only different because they grow up with much harder conditions than most chilren throughout the country.  I didn't hear any of them complain about it though.  Instead, they were just so happy to be in the woods with so much adventure.  Thanks to them I was reminded of my childhood, connecting me with the heart I need for a passionate life.  It was a joy to see how much they loved the pool in a hot summer's day!  The greatest lesson I will take with me from the experience is to appreciate people and all that goes into their growth, especially the youth.  I will be more humble and relatable because of this amazing opportunity.