Today was another crazy, exciting, and amazing day. There is not one particular moment that was a highlight due to ALL the awesome times had. Not only were we able to actively serve in the community, we were able to attend an amazing service tonight at Ford Field. Many would say hearing Skillet perform was the best part of the evening, but I would argue that the words from Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, spoke a powerful message. There is no way I could condense everything she said into a couple sentences or paragraphs. However, after Mrs. Edelman said this, “The ark was built by amateurs and the titanic, by experts,” the crowd erupted into applause and cheer.

I find this quote incredibly powerful and influential in all aspects of life. Reflecting on the service work done today, I find this quote connecting perfectly. Upon the travel from our hotel to the actual work site, there were many stops, a few bumps in the road, but we did, eventually, make it to the site. Our project was to “beautify the streets of Detroit.” Therefore, we were pulling weeds, taking down trees, cleaning gutters, etc. I think I can speak for the whole group saying, we were NOT experts in neither the “beautification of neighborhoods” nor dealing with the very hot and humid weather.

Today was another great day in the beautiful city of Detroit. I am incredibly grateful to be on this journey, witnessing and participating in this gathering and being able to share this experience with 3o,000 other Lutherans. Tomorrow as we depart, I pray that the state of Detroit to keep the spirit the gathering participants have brought to the city and, of course, safe travels home.

God Bless,

Katy Larson