Heart Learning By
A group of Gonzaga students experiences first-hand the power of compassion, kindness, and kinship. By Caitlin Farley and Danielle Flood
T
his summer, Gonzaga sent 12 rising seniors and two chaperones to Los Angeles, California on a new service immersion trip sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry. The inaugural group entered into a community impacted by poverty, immigration, and gang culture—but also defined by resilience and redemption. After the trip, students were asked to write reflections; the quotes in this story are taken from those reflections. “The notion that this group would be the first of many Gonzaga students to make this trip, that we were trailblazers, called me. A deeper understanding of gang violence, urban poverty, and their solutions intrigued me.” “I knew that this trip might be intimidating, but I wanted to face poverty head-on. Envisioning myself becoming spiritually connected with God was also a key element in my decision to go.” “If there was any way to further deepen my relationship with God, it had fallen right into my lap with this trip.”
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