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This articles was written and submitted by Kaili Chiang. Kaili is a parishioner at St. Francis-in-the-Wood and was the youth delegate on the recent diocesan visit to the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines. 

After an incredible ten days in the northern Philippines, exploring the misty green mountains and the beautiful churches nestled within, it felt strange to be home again. Our diocesan visit to the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines (EDNP) this past August was a whirlwind of new cultural experiences, adventures, building many connections along the way.

Upon my return back to Vancouver, I was repeatedly asked: what was it like travelling with a group of people older than you? Having applied for the youth position on the trip, I was certainly the youngest of our group. It was a privilege to join a group of people with years of experience beyond my own: with families and established careers. While my travel companions had a few years on me, during most of the trip I was surrounded by youth. Actually, I was around youth even more than I usually am in our diocese here.

During our trip to the EDNP, we visited seminaries, schools, and universities. All were filled with vibrant young people. In individual parishes I met many extraordinary youth. I had deep, meaningful conversations with many of the youth I met. Their curiosity about life in Canada was a reflection of my own wonderings about what life is like in the Northern Philippines.

 

After attending the consecration of a new church in Betwagan, a high school student in attendance started asking me questions about love and relationships. Another young man and I had a conversation comparing the histories of Indigenous Peoples in our respective countries. These conversations revealed to me a sense of shared experience and connection across many miles. Despite communication barriers, and living in vastly different worlds, there was an openness to these conversations that was truly beautiful to be a part of. Our two countries may differ in many ways, but our experiences of humanity, growth, and faith bring us together.

 

Early on during the trip, I was introduced to a diocesan ministry called SKEP. It stands for “Samahan ng Kabataang Episcopal sa Pilipinas”. In English, this translates to the Episcopal Youth Organization of the Philippines. The purpose of SKEP is to connect youth across the diocese and help them develop skills for wellbeing and transformation. Many of the young people I encountered on our trip seemed to be involved in SKEP. Some were youth presidents within their own parishes, or part of the SKEP National Council.

 

At a clericus meeting in Bontoc, we heard EDNP clergy name challenges that they have experienced with youth engagement. Despite the stories shared, my experiences in following was full of children and youth. While visiting local communities and churches, I was surprised by the number of parishes and missions with children happily running about. With youth ready to share their cultural traditions and dances with us. Not only were the young people present in church spaces, but they were all engaged and excited to be there.

 

Despite the assumptions made when I returned to Vancouver, my visit to the EDNP was full of energy and youth. I saw a thriving community of ongoing growth and renewal, especially at a time when many are concerned about the future of the church. SKEP and the overarching diocese demonstrated how young people will engage when there is passion, shared community, and the opportunity to have a voice.

 

I returned home with many memories that I will hold with me for a long time. I know that some of the greatest memories will be the incredible youth I learned from throughout the trip. While I am back in a space of comfort and familiarity now, I hope that the vibrant energy of the EDNP youth is carried with me in the years to come, spanning the distance and differences of our diocesan partnership.

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Kaili put together a digital scrapbook of the visit. View Kaili's scrapbook HERE

Photo: Part of the Diocese of New Westminster delegation poses against a misty green mountain. 
L to R: Archbishop John Stephen, Shannon Muir, the Ven. Nick Pang, Rev. Simbarahsi Basvi, Kaili Chiang, Rev. Arvin Amayag (photo:Nick Pang/Facebook)