HS Seniors Reflect…

Posted on December 30, 2018 | Posted by Mary Stoneback

On Friday December 28 a group of seven high school seniors from Ascension Lutheran Church headed for Buena Vista, CO. They planned a milestone trip to celebrate friendships, faith and reflect on the changes to come as they graduate from high school this coming May. It was a time of fun, laughter, prayer and a lot of food and conversations. The activity team set-up time for the group to go to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, tubing at Monarch and copious amounts of Mario Kart and Quiplash. The food team planned the group’s meals, including home cooked pasta, chili and breakfast burritos. The devotional team planned morning and evening reflections with questions based on what it means to make a change. The group also worshipped with the Grace Church members in Buena Vista and brought cookies to share with everyone for Fellowship Hour. Each day, the group was surprised with letters of encouragement from their parents and Ascension members. The following are highlights from the youth in their time in the mountains together and excerpts from their devotions.

“This trip has been a time to reflect on some deep feelings that I haven’t had time to really think about. I’ve really enjoyed the relaxing environment and just overall chill vibe of the trip.” ~Jack Flemr

“These past four days have meant spending time with friends, growing in God and learning about myself. Discussions about change helped me recognize I am not alone in this transitional time in my life and that Ascension is a home for life. This trip was an opportunity to disconnect from the pressures of school, life, and sports and focus on small “lollipop” moment of life, such as laughter, love and support. It was a breath of fresh air and a time for growth.” ~Rebecca Knoche

“It has been great to see some friendships grow and see how much people have changed while going into our senior year and moving into college. I really like the hot springs, even though I believe I almost froze and I loved seeing how much people really do care for us. Their letters were a blessing for all of us to read and they gave us some comfort as we move forward in this year of change.” ~Katie Johnson

“I think the most meaningful part of this trip was getting to spend time with other seniors. It was a great way to get to know people I’ve known all my life even better. Some of my favorite moments didn’t even involve the amazing activities we participated in but through the inside jokes made and the games played in the house’s living room. I also enjoyed tubing because it was something I had never done before and I got to experience it with amazing people. This trip helped me grow in my faith because we were all able to share our fears, hopes, and places of trust for the future. As I go into the upcoming semester, I trust God will be with me throughout all of it and I have a community of faith to support me in this life.” ~Anika Hagen

“My friends have been a significant part of my life, especially in my faith growth. Before this trip, I was very scared of what my future would hold, but the daily devotionals and conversations have put my mind and heart at peace. I will treasure this experience forever, and I am excited to share my many memories with my family. As I venture back home, I will bring back the advice shared to me by many members of the church. The main thing I took away from the letters was that I need to remember where I came from and that I will continuously grow in my faith in God. I am excited for what my future will hold.” ~Karissa Kocourek

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to become closer with these incredible people who have helped me grow in my faith. I have realized I can rely on God, friends and family through times of change or turmoil, and trusting them will leave me better off.” ~Luke Britsch

We will continue to lift Ascension’s Senior class of 2019 as they traverse their last semester of high school and prepare for the adventures to come. The Senior class of 2019 includes: Luke Britsch, Ethan Coltrin, Jack Flemr, Evelyn Gillum, Anika Hagen, Katie Johnson, Megan Johnson, Karissa Kocourek, Rebecca Knoche and Ethan Thompson.