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Dear Parents,

After  camp,  mission trip, the gathering, an amazing excursion, What to ask?

We all ask, “Was it fun?”
I hope it was! But I hope the experience was bigger, broader and deeper than just fun. I hope fun is not the only measurement used to evaluate this experience.

Here is what I know…
“The only time anyone learns anything is when they reflect on it.” Thus, I need your help. In the days, weeks and months ahead, I need your help in asking the important questions. What gets reflected on, what gets attention, that is what likely will live beyond the experience.

Go slowly.
The experience had it’s own culture, a different environment,  a different rhythm, new relationships, even new takes on life and faith. It is hard to  jump back into the old routines. Expect and allow life to be different. Ask questions over the next days, weeks, even months.

Ask questions.
You have to expect and then wait to get past the van breaking down, the burnt soup, the practical joke. You normally get to hear those first.

• is going through family changes because of separation or divorce?
• gets depressed often?
• has been in a relationship or friendship that is going bad?
• has over used drugs or alcohol?
• likely has an eating disorder?
• gets left out, made fun, even bullied?
• uses self-harm, or cutting as an escape?
• has been abused?
• thinks about suicide?
• is grieving from someone close who has died?
• The list could go on!