That Fateful Night

I'd like to say the reason for my blogging absence these last few days was because I was having to much fun. But it is quite the opposite. We've been blessed in the sense that we were granted a true pilgrimage experience. Which by my experience is the willful journey towards Christ with a few hardships along the way.

I hope by writing about these it will bring you some situational comfort as well as fill you in on the big events.

First off before I get into the nitty gritty of the main event, Id like to say that the talks about sexuality were awesome. We were told the biological effect of using the pill and how it can cause serious relationship issues down the track due to hormonal imbalances from on and off use. As well as the physical damage to the individual.

So as everyone knows the night out is considered the pinnacle and summit of WYD (quietly I disagree). But I'll fill you in on that big event.

BAGS
Obviously if we're going to journey to the main event we need sustenance. This includes brekky lunch and dinner. Not to mention a tonne of water. These combined with a change of clothes all shoved into a backpack creates what I call the 'scoliosis generator 2000'

With the SG2000 pressed against our backs for several hours while walking in 43°C heat you can imagine the level of perspiration. Much to many if the girls disgust I made the observation that we could fill a pool with the groups sweat alone.

KINDNESS FROM ABOVE
The heat was hot but to our rescue came the local spaniards. They showered us with water from above... No not from the heavens, from their balconies. Yet the water stunk like sewage and turned into a toxic vapor the moment it hit the hot plate aka footpath. Which was refreshing in its unique and special way.

Finally we arrived, damp with a mixture of sweat and sewage flavored water. After venturing through the dust storm created by dancing pilgrims we found our allocated spot. It had become over populated with cheating pilgrims. So we accepted the situation and moved a few sections back. Here we found refuge and comfort, until if course some furious Bulgarians yelled at us until we vacated the area that they psychologically called 'dibs' on. We were unable to reach a christian conclusion to the matter and we ended up right down the back if the crowd. We couldn't see any screens apart from off in the distance so in that respect it was quite difficult to take part.

One great advantage if being down back was the overwhelming sense of Christian community. As we could see the endless expanse of people stretched our for kilometers around us. That sense that we were standing together with over a million more young people that share the faith was absolutley unforgettable.

HOLY SPIRIT RAIN DOWN
Just because we couldn't hear a lot if what was going on didn't mean we couldn't take part in what happened next. A beautiful pink sky appeared in a sky of grey. Before we could fully take it in, the heavens exploded open with thunder, lightning and rain. And drenched us all in what could only be described as cold wet love from God after a blistering hot day.

This unfortunatley meant a bunch if sleeping bags were wet and then a large group including myself headed home, not wanting to tempt making illnesses worse.

But all in all, and in all seriousness. I wouldn't have missed it for anything, it has been so rewarding.

Now as I sit in this Irish bar in Dublin about to commence our spiritual retreat, I look forward to reflecting on the experience, so that I may understand it more and put it into words.

Untill next time!
Sam xx

P.S: check out the celeb shot I got at the soccer match! The big man himself.