Reflections on Alternative Break and Shared Connections

By River Mason

Since 2007, Interfaith Philadelphia has hosted Interfaith Alternative Break Trips for student leaders from colleges, universities, high schools, and youth groups from around the country. We were grateful to resume in-person programs during the 2022-2023 season, and this fall marked another successful Alternative Break season. LaSalle University and Messiah University students joined Interfaith Philadelphia to engage in interfaith exploration, volunteer work, and community engagement.

As a new staff member, participating in the Alternative Break for the first time provided me with valuable insights. What surprised me most was the return of two former participants who expressed their deep enjoyment from a previous experience, inspiring them to join the trip once again. Their eagerness to explore further was truly remarkable.

We delved into discussions about our understanding of various faith traditions and personal backgrounds. Some students joined due to academic requirements, while others were motivated by pure curiosity. As someone who has been out of college for a few years, I found their enthusiasm for learning during breaks impressive and refreshing.

One standout moment during the trip was our visit to the gurdwara, the Philadelphia Sikh Society in Millbourne, PA. Sharing a delicious meal highlighted the Sikh tradition of kindness and service, exemplifying their core values.

Throughout our faith encounters, it was fascinating to witness students making connections between different traditions. During a tour of Annunciation/Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, Reverend Father John L. Johns discussed the significance of burning incense, leading to a discussion on the shared intentions across various faiths. This reminded me of my experiences studying Buddhism, particularly the use of prayer wheels in Tibetan culture.

On the final day, I connected with a Messiah University student named Abby. Our shared love for poetry led to a conversation about Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic. The intersection of faith, spirituality, and language inspired Abby to share a poem she had written. Abby sent us the poem the following week.

Here is Abby’s poem: