SEEKing the Face of Christ

Happy New Year!

There was honestly no better way to bring in 2013 than with a twenty-minute firework show off the bluffs of La Crosse, WI.  While standing around in the freezing Wisconsin cold with my comrades, the bright colors and loud noises filled the sky, and I couldn't help but think that God was about to do something big-- that these man-made marvels were somehow a small reminder of the power of God's beautiful providence.

It's only been two weeks, but so far, I couldn't be more correct: God has magnificent plans for 2013, and He's already begun carrying them out.

On January 1st, 2013, I set off on a coach bus with 42 students, our chaplain, a religious sister, and my three missionary teammates. Our destination would be reached a mere 28 hours and a couple thousand  miles later: SEEK, the national FOCUS Conference in Orlando, FL. For almost everyone on the bus, this was their first time experiencing a conference of this magnitude, with 6,300 young adults in attendance from all over the country (and some other parts of the world). As we pulled into the beautiful Disney World Resort, the bus filled with anticipation. Right then, I knew that every person who stepped off that bus would not be returning as quite the same person.

SEEK was the first national FOCUS conference in three years. Having had a profound experience at the previous one when I was a junior in college, I was filled with anticipation, excitement, and a bit of nostalgia at the plans the Lord had in store for those in attendance this year. Throughout the five days of the conference, I watched our students literally transform before my eyes. The powerful messages from the 5+ speakers per day, the hour-and-a-half long daily Mass with 6,000 faithful, the profound discussions with peers, lay, and religious from all over the country, and the abundant opportunities for reconciliation and reconnection with the Lord had all culminated in an extreme outpouring of grace. Our students appeared lighter, more peaceful, and more joyful.

One of the biggest highlights of the conference was on the evening of the third day, when everyone had the opportunity to participate in a two-hour prayer session adoring Jesus. There were 135 priests that night hearing confessions for four hours. The line for confessions easily stretched a length greater than a couple football fields.  It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen: young adults grasping at that moment of grace--the opportunity to be washed clean of all their sins and encounter Jesus' divine love, mercy, and forgiveness. For many, it was their first time attending the sacrament of reconciliation since they were children. The Bible tells us that "heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over 99 who do not stray" (Luke 15:7). I wish I could have seen what heaven looked like over those five days when literally thousands repented.

On the bus ride home, we gave everyone the opportunity to share with the group how God impacted them while at the conference. Nearly everyone on that bus shared stories of joy, friendship, deeper relationship with God, and powerful conversion. While listening to grace after grace that God had outpoured on our group, I could feel my soul rejoicing! This is why I am a missionary. This is why I have given up seeming "worldly" success and desires to live radically for God and help others to encounter Him in a deeper way.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. A week like this doesn't come around very often, but it only takes one week to change a lifetime. Just like a spectacular fireworks show, you can't help knowing that you are partaking in something magnificent. None of this would have been possible without the prayers and support of my wonderful mission partners, so thank you!! Please enjoy some pictures below from this amazing week. To hear more about the SEEK conference, visit www.seek2013.com. 

Me with some of the beautiful women from La Crosse 

A view of the Dolphin Resort- where SEEK was held

6,000 people waiting to adore our Lord

The wonderful UW-La Crosse Group!