Memories of Westminster

Reflection by Monica Lee

I have fond memories of being in Sunday school, but most particularly, the youth group activities helmed by Greg Barbu - the shut-in's, Sunday night group, out of town volunteering, etc. Those activities and trips were so meaningful to me as I figured out my personality as an introverted high school student. I remember going up to Cleveland as a young teen, volunteering with an underserved community and staying overnight. I think we might have stayed in a church, but it was the youth group who went and we had a big slumber party. This was one of my first overnights in a "big city," away from my parents and siblings. I remember hearing the scary sounds of a big city that I wasn't used to, like ambulances and helicopters, but being part of this activity expanded my viewpoint outside of a small college town. Then, like Eric Weiss, I also have fond memories of going to Mexico on mission trips. This was another step in building my personality - flying to a non-English speaking country, with other teens, to stay in a church, meet other teens from another youth group, and sleeping in hammocks. We worked in the heat to help build part of their building. This trip also exposed me to how others lived - no air conditioning, no TV, cold showers outside, no clean running drinking water. We also got to experience village life with no central plumbing. I made the most of my experience, embraced the culture, and felt thankful for the privileges I had at home. It gave me perspective that I wouldn't have otherwise had if I didn't embark on this opportunity. The first trip had such an influence on me that I went again with the church youth group before graduating high school. Additionally, these opportunities really solidified that I enjoyed helping people and volunteerism, which I have carried throughout my life and career. Going into college, I was leaning towards a healthcare career. Thus, I independently signed up to go on 2 medical mission trips (with the same church in Indiana who organized the ones I went to during high school), which I wanted to do to gain career experience. Not only did it entail volunteerism, but I was volunteering in the aspect of healthcare, my passion. This really opened my eyes to healthcare in a country that doesn't have the resources we have here in the US. I truly believe that all of these experiences as an adolescent and young adult really shaped who I am today. And for that, I am thankful and grateful. I have been working as a nurse practitioner in an underserved community for over 6 years and I just love my diverse population. Many of my patients are are non-English speaking, financially challenged, unhoused, or have a history of drug use. While I have never experienced their struggles, I certainly understand their struggles, and try and do what I can, with what they have, to provide them the best holistic care without judgement. Even after being out of the church for 18 years, there were 2 particular families that had such an influence on my life, they were invited to my wedding - the Barbu's and the Meyer's - where I asked Carroll to give the dinner blessing. I really can't say it enough, I am so thankful for growing up in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, for helping shape who I am today. My parents continue to be active in the church community and I always enjoy going back home to see everyone. I'm sad and sorry to be missing out on this celebration but will always have WPC in my heart.

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