by Sophia, SEM Intern
Clean, coldly sharp mountain air takes away my breath as I walk out of the cabin on an early weekend morning. The sun peeps from behind puffy, white clouds that look like creamy, foamy ocean waves, trying to lend some golden warmth to chase away the chilliness of this glorious morning. The dewy grass kisses my feet which are exposed since I put on sandals without realizing they weren’t appropriate for the morning walk. Mountains all around–the biting air seeping into my skin hurries me on my way to the simply beautiful St. Ignatius Chapel for liturgy, the thought of the homey and grace-filled wooden chapel snug with the sweet scent of incense embracing me; a beautiful liturgy I was invited to chant at, along with wonderful and pious teens.
The East Saint Emmelia Ministries conference was such a blessing to be at and experience. Every morning started with a six thirty liturgy, where the youth chanted the whole service in Byzantine style. Liturgy concluded with a blessing from the priest, then everyone headed to the dining hall for breakfast. A spacious, cabin structure ringing with the conversation of parents talking over morning coffee and children’s happy banter. After Father gave the blessing, we all lined up to partake of bagels and cereal, coffee and warm tea. My favorite part of breakfast was probably sitting at the table with all the teens, debating controversial topics. The raffles we did at each meal were quite an entertainment, though. Miss Mindi had us, the interns, do the raffles with the help of “little friends”--the younger kids. Something was going on in those raffle boxes, for whoever pulled out the name would realize that it was their own name or their parent’s name that they saw, smiling back up at the befuddled individual. Breakfast would conclude with a prayer, then everyone went to their assigned activities.
As teens, we had lots of outdoor activities, both fun and humbling to the youth’s spirit. My personal favorite activities were the talk with Mr. Andrew Kern on technology and the very creative talent show. The talk with Mr. Andrew Kern was especially edifying. He approached us in an unexpected manner, asking us what he was going to tell us about technology. The conversation diverted to AI, where pros and cons were listed (mostly cons). What stuck out to me most was Mr. Kern making us realize that AI is not a toy to be used lightly, nor should we overlook it superficially. The ending message he gave us to remember was this: make yourselves dangerous, in a way that danger won’t turn you over your head. Inform yourself on the wiles of the world so you know how to combat them.
The talent show was a piece of captivating acts of art coming alive right in front of our eyes. From the iconic Anakin vs Obi Wan lightsaber duel, to mesmerizing piano recitals, the famous Sir Lancelot and King Arthur joust, groovy gospel band, and a sentimental solo song “She Used to be Mine”, the evening was surely a success.
Late evening would take us each night to a small but cheery bonfire, with sticky s’mores and hot tea. After our fill of warm treats and newly-acquired knowledge gained from deep discussion around the fire’s crackling flames, everyone trudged to the chapel for a compline service.
Overall, the conference was a beautiful time of prayer, a time spent with inspiring and fun people, a time of revival and joy. It was truly a blessing to be there!