August
Hey, Quick Recap!
Hey, Quick Recap!
August 17th- 25th
We had the opportunity to spend time together in Chicago before leaving for our placement countries. At orientation there were many training sessions, fellowship activities, and worship experiences to support our preparation in accompanying our new communities for the next year.
Our Chicago "secret clue scavenger hunt activity" led us to a Pub where YAGM Alum Dylan was waiting for us! Fun meal to spend together before leaving for our placements.
Was such a weird last day in Chicago, as each country group was taken to the airport at different times so the group started to dwindle. Luckily the UK and Hungary group headed to the airport together! Our final photo in the U.SA
Masame, Sarah and I were able to spend time together on the flight to Amsterdam before separating for our connecting flights to different parts of the UK. I cannot wait to reconnect in person with them and explore where they are staying when the time comes, Whats App messaging to stay connected in the meantime :)
Where I Am: Winchester, England 🇬🇧 (arrived on August 26th!)
Highlight of the Month: Building relationships with the St. Swithun's Staff at the school barbecues... I have been to 3 within the first 4 days!
New Favorite Thing: Already keeping track of the different words/phrases they use here in my notes app (will share as the list grows)
Learning: All about St. Swithun's boarding house routines and my schedule as a chaplain's assistant for the year.
Bible Verse for the Month: John 6:37 "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out"
This is my first bible verse of the blog, because it is one I have chosen over and over again since my confirmation years!
As I begin my YAGM year, John 6:37 reminds me that Christ welcomes all without condition, and I’m called to reflect that same radical inclusivity in how I accompany others. I hope to enter this year with vulnerability, open to being changed by the people and communities around me. Through mutuality and empowerment, I want to build relationships that honor shared growth.
Meet my friends who I have been exploring Winchester with! We are all working at the school and staying in the boarding houses. It will be great for us to spend free time together throughout this year.
(Left to Right)
Lupita is from Spain and is helping with the Spanish Department
Caroline is from France and is helping with the French Department
Alina is from Germany and is helping in the German Department
Paul is the school chaplain and who I will be assisting this year! He held a Chapel Service for staff during our training days. It was a great way to feel connected to the school community and ground myself as I arrived and began busy days right away.
I mean... would you look at that?!!! I can get used to this beautiful view!
Very blessed to be in a school environment. As a teacher for the past 3 years, it feels great to still have a sense of community in a way I would back home even though it is not in my own classroom this year.
Love, Jenna Schrankler