Journeying Together
Youth DC Pilgrimage

By Ryan Sam

I would like to express my gratitude to St. Mark’s Capital Hill for providing this opportunity for our youth. I especially want to thank Kit, Lisa, Janet, and Mark for their assistance throughout our Youth Pilgrimage. From picking us up at the airport and driving us around Washington, D.C., to making time for us to explore the U.S. Capitol and its surroundings, their hospitality made this experience possible.

 For most of the youth, traveling to the East Coast was a first. As lead chaperone, I appreciated the opportunity to help them learn the nuances of traveling, from navigating airport security to experiencing a large city and visiting the Capitol.

On the first day, the youth primarily communicated with others from their own regions. As the days went on, I watched those barriers begin to break down. They started interacting as one group. There was more conversation and laughter as they became comfortable with one another and experienced life and culture beyond the reservation.

The youth fully engaged with the pilgrimage. They asked questions, took pictures, and shared their different perspectives with one another. St. Mark’s also made time for them to visit with children, youth, and adults from the congregation who were interested in learning about Navajo life and hearing about their experiences in Washington.

One special moment came during Sunday worship, when the youth recited our Four Directions Prayer at two services. They did very well speaking the prayer together in front of the congregation and sharing a part of who we are with our hosts.

 Our visit to the Navajo Nation Washington Office was another memorable part of the pilgrimage. We met people who shared their experiences working in government and talked with the youth about possible career paths, including classes and internships that could prepare them for future opportunities.

 Youth pilgrimages are important for Navajo Episcopalians because they give our young people opportunities to experience life beyond the reservation and see possibilities they may not encounter at home. They learn to navigate unfamiliar places, meet new people, experience different cultures, and discover more of the world around them.

I believe this pilgrimage will remain an important memory for these youth as they continue their journey into becoming young Navajo adults.