Natalie’s Lutheridge Experience
The 1^st weekend of November, I had the honor to go to a National Youth Leadership Summit in Asheville, North Carolina.  When I first of heard of it, I didn’t know what to expect.  I just kind of expected a bunch of teens and workshops learning about how I could lead my youth group and get more people interested in God.  Now don’t get me wrong, I have learned so much about leading the youth in my community and getting more teens involved in church, but something else happened there.  Within all 42 teens, we all had something in common.  It didn’t matter what your background, ethnicity, or upbringing was like, it was like everyone there was all connected, almost as if we were all family, like we all grew up with each other.  However, I didn’t just bond with the fantastic teens from all over the United States, I also bonded with God.  There were stories shared and tears shed.  I learned about World Hunger and what we can do to help our neighbors from all over, whether it be near or far.  I became aware that everyone has their own life struggles and even if you may not know them, you can help with a simple prayer or a donation of some sort.  Over the duration of these 4 days, I learned phenomenal things, I was so astounded by the how much I could have in common with someone that lives miles from me.  So overall, this experience was extraordinary and if I had the chance to go again, I would accept the opportunity without hesitation.  I am extremely thankful to my church family and the Northern Illinois Synod for making this possible.