I had spent the previous 8 months raising $3500 to fund the trip. I would spent the year following visiting the many groups around Maine (mostly Methodist Women groups) sharing my experience over 40 times.
Reading my journal was a little disappointing. I was a junior in high school, and even though I like to think better of myself, I really was all about the hormones and drama. On this trip I had my first beer and my first vodka, and liked the way they made me feel. I had a crush on a guy but played the role of 'little sister' to him, listening to all this woes. I was incredibly aware of the dynamics in our group of 40 high school kids. I was struggling with my relationship with God - mostly that I wanted to have fun that I knew would not bring my closer to Him in discipleship. I was worried about leaving my little sister at home. (That's what I wrote, but I think I probably just missed her.) There were very nice people there, and there were terrible people there. I wasn't afraid except of black marketeers (whom we could get arrested for associating with). I loved, loved, loved the Moscow Circus and wrote that circuses would never be the same for me. (This is true.)
Communism and the USSR was becoming unglued at this time. At one church service we went to we heard speakers from East and West Germany talking about the reunification process.
One of the most vivid things I remember about my trip (not in my journal) was how the sky was blue in Moscow. After growing up in the cold war, but also paying attention to humanitarian appeals that featured tones of sepia and overcast skies, I was shocked at how vibrant blue the sky was - just like ours in Maine.
I'm not sure what to do with this journal. I don't think I want to read it again, or that I want my family reading it. What does one do with journals like this? There must be some kind of parting ceremony?
1 comment:
I have one of those journals, too. It's interesting to read and look at the youthful you through your current eyes. I keep mine around to remind me of where I've been, physically, spiritually and emotionally. If not for those experiences, I would not be the person I am today. We do things we are proud of and things we are not proud of, but each of those things helps us grow. Did I get everything out of the trip as a 15 yr old that I would get at a 36 yr old? Absolutely not! But that trip, those experiences and people changed my life in ways that I am still discovering today. Will I let my kids read it? Will I ever look at it again? I don't know. But it helps to remind me, especially as my own daughter is going through puberty, that we've all been there. Just think, if I didn't have that experience, I never would have gone to Iowa and met a wonderful girl from Maine who would become a life long friend! You know in your heart the right thing to do with your journal! I hope you are enjoying the Christmas season and that it is full of peace, love, family and laughter!
Melissa
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