Lourdes 2007
When asked to put my Lourdes experience into words many came to mind such as, life changing, amazing, emotional and exhausting! I went to France with an open mind, in truth I did not know what to expect and was a little apprehensive. I had heard so many good things from previous years that I couldn't imagine any school trip could realistically live up to those expectations.
Within the first 48 hours I had already laughed until I hurt, cried so much that I choked and almost became deliriously tired. But most importantly I was enjoying every single aspect of the day.
I can't explain why Lourdes is such a life changing experience and in many ways one can only really share the memories with those who have already been. All I can really say is that hand on heart, circumstances providing, I fully intend on returning the year after next. In my opinion that is the highest praise I can give. Coming from a girl who was more worried about being patronizing, condescending or unreliable. I believe the experience changed me for the better in many aspects and I have total admiration for both the children and the helpers that go year after year, each time with more hopes and bigger smiles. These may not have been any miracles but frankly the entire trip was miraculous in every way.
I had such an amazing and memorable experience, which will stay with me forever. I have never done anything like it before, but I am so glad I took part!
The children's personalities were unique, they were so normal, just like you and me, and you didn't notice their disabilities. I'm so glad I helped in making their pilgrimage so fun, even if it wasn't for very long. It has made me appreciate things much more and it made me realise others should be put first and the things we complain about are minuscule compared to what they have to cope with everyday.
I definitely want to go back. The Trust mass and all of the other masses were really fun, especially when you could see the children's happy faces and it was obvious they were having fun too.
By Georgie
