EYE23: STEPPING OUT AND STEPPING UP!
By Sybil Nishioka

[Chronicle, August 10, 2023]  "You can't make this stuff up!"  When Susan Acacio, my fellow chaperone from St. James' first uttered those words, I couldn't help but laugh, as both of us, exhausted and sleep-deprived, tended to our emotional and mental wounds in our dorm after a chaotic "welcome" at the University of Maryland. It was already in the wee hours of the morning and over 30 hours since we left the islands. With the youth finally settled in their dorms and an unexpected roomie in our midst (our third chaperone Lindy Marzo from Holy Apostles was "homeless"), we could finally take a deep breath and digest what had just happened.

Everything started out great! Our delegation of 16, (13 high school youth and 3 chaperones from three islands) gathered together on Monday, July 3, 2023, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew, for a pre-trip gathering. Bishop Bob and Bea were on hand to greet everyone, and he would later conduct a tour with a brief history lesson about the Diocese. ​Most of the youth had never stepped foot in the Cathedral before, so this was a new experience for them.​  After distributing uniforms and other trip materials, we shared an early dinner and went over some last minute details before loading up and heading to the airport for the long journey ahead! ​

Check in was a breeze, security lines minimal, and all flights were on time.  After nearly 20 hours of airports and traveling, we arrived late in the afternoon on the Fourth of July, at the Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington, D.C.! We were greeted at the baggage claim by two friendly EYE representatives, then headed curbside to catch our shuttle to the University of Maryland (UMD) campus. Although shuttle arrangements were for 2-10 passenger vans, we were pleasantly surprised to see that we had one big bus to transport us all together!  Things were going swimmingly as we took in the sites along the way, catching a glimpse of the Washington monument and the Capitol building. Roads were being blocked off for the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show, and even though we were all battling jet lag, a sense of adventure was brewing. 

We arrived on the UMD campus full of anticipation for the triennial Episcopal Youth Event that would officially start the next morning.  This was my fourth EYE as a chaperone, and the last three were incredible experiences not just for the youth, but also for the adults who accompanied them!  You could say I have been one of EYE's biggest supporters and recommend all high school youth to attend at least once!  But those first few hours on campus for this EYE were unknowngly an indication of things to come... rooming assignments mixed up, keys that didn't match rooms or people, leaking ceilings, a hot water issue, medical controversy, and yes, a chaperone without a room or keys.  Despite the rough start and continuing challenges that popped up each day, the youth received the full experience... and then some! 

They got to worship on a grand scale with hundreds of others, listening to dynamic speakers, expanding their thinking through relevant workshops, and making new friends from both within our delegation and around the world! Although much smaller than previous EYEs that numbered up to 1,500, EYE23 brought together 600 high school youth and along with adults, numbered close to 1,000 people... nothing to sneeze at!

For our youth, worshipping together with so many was a first, that forced them to step out of their comfort zones. For some, it was new and exciting, and for others, it was overwhelming at times.  Having a contemporary band was new to most of them, and although some of the Hymns were familiar, most songs were new or sung in Spanish. In fact, the entire event was designed to incorporate both English and Spanish in the worship and plenary sessions.

The Star of the Show:

Topping the list of our delegation's most memorable memories, was listening to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the second day of EYE23.  Because of recent health issues, we weren't sure if he would be healthy enough to make an appearance. What a thrill it was to see him process in!  Although toned down from his usual explosive presence, he didn't dissapoint, engaging the crowd with his charisma and energy.  As usual, he had the crowd laughing throughout with his extraordinary wit and humor, but it is his love of God and Jesus Christ that shines through his every breath and word, that captivated the audience. Expanding on the event's focus of the Book of Esther, Bishop Curry declared, “We need some Esthers today... You are not here by accident... You are here for divine purpose. You are here to help God realize God's dream!”  

Workshops, Food, Fellowship

Susan:  What an adventure we had in Baltimore at EYE2023. I especially enjoyed getting to know the 13 youth that participated from the Hawaii Diocese. All of our youth were very engaged with the other youth from around the country, and they shared and collected some pretty cool swag from the other participants.  It seemed everyone wanted to meet the Hawaii delegation and phone numbers were exchanged. The disappointment at not being able to do our other three mission projects was very obvious and they were able to just roll with the challenges. There was some genuine care and concern for each other and the kids definitely bonded. They were even talking about some sort of reunion when they were all heading home from the airport. And some of our youth really stepped up to the plate and showed some very real leadership skills. It made me proud.

Kiai:  

1. The workshop I went to was about gun violence I don’t remember who the presenter was went to the workshop because the rest of the group went there and what we learned from it was the damages it was causing people and some people talked about their experiences with gun violence and how it affected them it also went into some history of what was gun violence and some solutions for it.
   
2. I thought the large worship was nice and all but it was very loud and it was causing some of my group members who were sensitive to noises to step out because it was too loud and all. And for my favorite speaker it was pastor curry he was very enthusiastic and encouraging.
   
3. The mission center was nice. We got a tour of the place and the room we got to stay in was big so a lot of room to do stuff.
   
4. Well I was nervous at first but as it went on I became more relaxed and it felt nice giving them food but nearing the end when that guy started preaching and rapping in front of us I thought that was funny.
   
5. Well I felt a bit sad that we couldn’t do the missions and had to wear masks and take tests but overall it was good. And from what I learned that place is a maze to go through.
   

jordan:  1) I attended a gun prevention workshop with the presenters being a school shooter survivor and a women, Rev. Bonnie. They had talked about the things we could do as young people to prevent gun violence. I was attracted to this topic because I hate guns and I know that there are plenty of issues that could just be prevented just by having stricter gun laws. I've learned that since I am a teenager my voice and my opinion makes much more of an impact because I am young. 
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2) Pictures of the place rides to and from
3) I had mixed feelings about the large worship. 
Pros: 
- Good sermons; gave me time to think
- Upbeat music was my favorite
- Energy from the other delegations were amazing
Cons:
- Got loud and crowded after the first hour
- Constant standing up and sitting down
- An hour longer than I'm used to so after the sermon I got bored quickly 

MarMar (From St. Peter's August/September newsletter) ​As the sole participant from St. Peter’s EpiscopalChurch, Martina “Marmar” Richard, who will be a 10thgrader this August at McKinley High School, joined theDiocesan youth group that went to the Episcopal YouthEvent (EYE23) this July in Baltimore. When asked what three words she would use todescribe her experience, Marmar said fun, friendly, and great. One of the traditions of thegathering is for youth to bring items to share from their home state. The Hawaiʻidelegation passed out shaka pins and shell lei. They were instantly popular when otherslearned they were from Hawaiʻi! Martina was surprised at the interest other youth have inthis place she calls “home.” Martina collected stickers, sunglasses, and all sorts of assorted memorabilia from states like Nebraska, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York,Ohio, and others.Marmar was surprised at how many youth were at the gathering. She found theworship gatherings particularly awesome. The music the band played was “WOW!” shesaid—even a Conga line formed! The bullying workshop in which Martina participatedmade the deepest impression because she could identify with what was being said.Although the presenters talked too long, in Martinaʻs opinion, she said they were goodand she learned things. In particular, one speaker moved her to write in her journal, “Loveyourself because God made you.” After the gathering, the group went down to Washington, D.C., and they were able towalk around some of the famous buildings like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington

Raquel (Jade mom) Ten days ago I would have never guessed I'd be in Washington DC. Sybil called me at 3:50 am Hawaii time to say Jade's not responding. We are calling 911 and you need to come to DC. My response was, "I didn't budget for that". That statement was so much more than the financial "budget". Time. Initially I didn't think I had time to be in DC. After booking the fastest flight to DC I then started making arrangements for my son's care where he would not miss too much in my absence. That's where I began to see God. 

Every week in church Jazzy asks us to share where we see God. In just a matter of a few hours I was able to assemble a group of people to do what I would have done for Makana. Not just watch him and feed him but give to him abundantly. He was taken to his haircut, dentist, football practices, summer program and even had fun along the way. At his Hoike that he had worked hard for he had at least 10 adults and 10 cousins present to witness and cheer him on. I watched on video and will watch it with him when he returns from camp. I'm proud of Makana. I was reassured by my brother, parents, and other ohana that I could be at DC with Jade. Mahalo ke Akua. 

Jade has been in a season of challenge lately. Receiving the call Sunday about her being unresponsive was a lot. I was talking to God that morning. I said, "Lord I am not Job, lord". "I am not the one to test on that level of epic." "Although I'll still believe in you I will be so mad. I'm not ready for my baby to be taken; so angry." I was scared and stressed. I have been a single parent for almost the whole of their lives and I have built my life around my children. Anyway, lately Jade has been projecting her anger and disappointments with life on me. Jade is 14 and that's hard already. Additionally Jade is diagnosed with autism, depression and exploring a trans male gender identity. So there is lots of emotions and expression for which I am i have become the target. Jazzy recently said she wish she could take some of Jade's shots for me. Thank you Jazzy. The time and attention I was able to share with Jade this past week has been a blessing. A gift I did not even know I wanted. Being afforded the time to love on her and make memories only us to will share is priceless and I will forever be thankful. Mahalo ke Akua. Mahalo you all. I am tearing as I write this because I am touched in my soul; blessed. 

I know this whole situation was costly. It was stressful for all that were on the trip. Sybil thank you. I am sorry for the difficulties. I share the above so that it brings some peace and hope to the hardships of Jade's covid situation. Prayers for you all. 

Jade and I did get out some and explored DC. The thing she wanted to do most was see museums and we stuffed as much as we could in. We made it to five museums as well as Arlington. Although Jade was most excited about going to the Air and Space Museum her favorite was the Museum of Natural History. I didn't have a favorite museum but I did have a favorite exhibit. At the Art Smithsonian, portrait gallery, on loan were items from Hawaii including a portrait of Queen Liliuokalani. I walked in the museum entrance and excitedly said, "Where's the Queen!?".  Without missing a beat the lady at the entrance gave me directions. Jade was like you can't just say that, they don't know who you're talking about. The ladies at the entrance looked at me and smiled. The one lady that give me directions said, "You're from Hawaii right?"  "Yes, I am!" They were happy to have us there to see the exhibit and so was I.  At the portrait I sang, like I do most Sundays the Queen's prayer. It felt like confirmation that I was where I needed to be at that time.