SEED NORTH-EAST

June 30th, 2015

Dear Đồng Hành-CLC family,
   Please unite in prayer for the Đông Bắc SEED program this week that every ones from Seedlings, Leaders and Parents will experience God’s wonderful love through their presence as well as through their services toward each another. 
   On behalf of BPV of Đồng Hành-CLC, we would like to express our deep gratitude for your tremendous dedication in helping beautiful children of Đông Bắc so that they will grow up to be solid Christians. 
   Your sacrifices and generous contributions are bringing forth beautiful life to the entire Dong Hanh-CLC.

With gratefulness
Nam-Phương Nguyễn
Trung Phạm

* * *

Hello cac anh chi,
   I would like to share with you that we will have SEED VII Northeast Retreat in Dong Bac this week from Thursday 2nd July - Sunday 5th July, and ask for you and the community to pray for us.
   We have around 39 kids and 18 teens signed up. Including the parents, we will have around 100 people at SEED this year. Our theme is Finding Beauty and is about seeing the beauty in our everyday lives and how this beauty leads us to Truth, Goodness and God.
   We've only had 4 weeks to prepare, but things are going wonderfully and we have a great team of leaders and organizers:

SEED Leaders
An Cao, Anh-Thu Mai, Annabelle Pham, Bonnie Trinh, Bryan Trinh, Buu Tran, Daniel Do, Frank Vuong, Linh Nguyen, Mai Le-Cao

Organizers
Anh Minh Hang, Anh Khánh Đào, Anh Thanh Le, Chị Châu-Hoàn Trần, Anh Hoàng Nguyễn

A number of our leaders were former retreatants who have attended SEED in the past and having gone through SEED Source training are now either core leaders or leaders in training, which is a real grace for us.
   We also have a non Dong Hanh member of CLC who has signed up for SEED. I believe will be the first time someone from CLC US will be attending SEED which is absolutely amazing!
   Thank you for all your continued support and prayers, may the Lord continue to use each of us and our community as instruments to build His Kingdom.

In Christ
Bửu Trần

SEED Leaders

Thư Mời tham dự SEED 2014 - Đông Bắc

Thưa các anh chị,

Có lẽ gia đình các anh chị đang bận rộn trong những ngày cuối năm học của các con. Chỉ còn khoảng hai tháng nữa là các con được nghỉ hè. Chắc các anh chị cũng đang lo lắng, tìm kiếm chương trình sinh hoạt cho các con trong dịp hè năm nay. Trong nhiều tháng qua, có biết bao nhiêu anh chị của cộng đoàn Đồng Hành trong nhiều ban nghành khác nhau đã phối hợp, hổ trợ và làm việc với mục vụ S.E.E.D. Kết quả là chúng ta sẽ có một cuối tuần tĩnh tâm S.E.E.D lần thứ 6 cho vùng Đông Bắc. Tĩnh tâm S.E.E.D năm nay sẽ được tổ chức vào tháng 6, ngày 26-29 tại Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton, PA. Những người trong ban tổ chức (BTC) và các em lãnh đạo(hướng dẫn viên) cho chương trình S.E.E.D đã làm việc không ngừng vì họ vẫn luôn ấp ủ một ước nguyện duy nhất cho các con em mỗi một ngày một yêu mến Chúa hơn. Chắc chắn rằng các anh chị cũng cùng mang một ước nguyện này. BTC cũng như các em lãnh đạo đang mong đợi từng ngày để được gặp lại những khuôn mặt thân thương của các bố mẹ và các cháu tham dự khóa S.E.E.D năm ngoái; đồng thời cũng rất ao ước sẽ được làm quen với những khuôn mặt mới dễ thương sẽ đến với S.E.E.D năm nay.

Thưa các anh chị, một trong những mục đích của S.E.E.D retreat là giúp bố mẹ và các con cùng đồng hành với nhau trong đời sống nội tâm để cả nhà hiểu và hiệp nhất với nhau trong Chúa Kitô.  Do đó S.E.E.D không phải chỉ là một buổi tĩnh tâm dành cho các em ở lứa tuổi từ 8 đến 18 trong một cuối tuần rồi thôi, nhưng phải nói đây là một cuối tuần tĩnh tâm cho cả gia đình (cha mẹ và con cái). Hoa quả của khóa tĩnh tâm S.E.E.D được cả gia đình bố mẹ con cái cưu mang và tiếp tục được nuôi dưỡng trong suốt cả năm qua những sinh hoạt hàng ngày của gia đình.  Cho nên có thể nói S.E.E.D là một cuộc hành trình nội tâm thiêng liêng của tất cả mọi người, từ BTC, đến các em lãnh đạo trong S.E.E.D, các em tham dự viên và các bố mẹ.  Tham dự S.E.E.D hàng năm có thể nói là một cuộc hành hương.  Trước khi khởi hành một chuyến hành hương nào thì chúng mình thường hay có những sửa soạn, chuẩn bị về vật chất cũng như tinh thần để mọi việc được êm thắm tốt đẹp phải không các anh chị?  Với tâm tình đó, ngay sau ngày kết thúc khóa S.E.E.D năm 2013 những người trong BTC đã chuẩn bị và cầu nguyện cho chương trình S.E.E.D năm 2014.  Không lâu sau đó, các em lãnh đạo cũng bắt đầu mang tâm tình S.E.E.D 2014 vào giờ cầu nguyện hàng ngày của mình. Và cũng để chuẩn bị cho S.E.E.D 2014,  trong 1 cuối tuần 04/11-04/13/2014,  hơn 20 người tụ họp trong một ngôi nhà Đồng Hành ở Virginia để được huấn luyện, chia sẻ và nâng đỡ nhau trong mục vụ S.E.E.D 2014 và trong tương lai. Trong một tâm tình hiệp nhất BTC xin chân thành mời gọi các anh chị và các com em cùng nhau tham dự tĩnh tâm S.E.E.D 2014.

Để giúp cho BTC có thể chuẩn bị chu đáo cho S.E.E.D năm nay, xin các anh chị ghi danh càng sớm càng tốt. Vì số người tham dự có giới hạn , nên BTC sẽ đóng sổ ghi danh khi có đủ số người. Vì vậy, xin các anh chị nhanh tay nhanh chân nhe. Các anh chị nào ghi danh sớm năm nay sẽ được bớt 10%. Đúng đó, người Việt Nam mình cũng có "coupon discount" đó. Xin các anh chị vào trang web dưới đây để ghi danh.

http://www.donghanh.org

Cuối cùng, cho dù các anh chị có thể tham dự S.E.E.D năm nay hay không, xin các anh chị cùng đồng hành với mục vụ S.E.E.D qua lời cầu nguyện. Các em lãnh đạo, các em tham dự viên và toàn thể gia đình Đồng Hành có thể gặt hái được nhiều hoa quả thiêng liêng tốt đẹp phần lớn là nhờ vào lời cầu nguyện của các anh chị.

Thân mến trong Chúa Kitô.
BTC mục vụ S.E.E.D Đông Bắc.

S.E.E.D. III California - Theme Song

S.E.E.D. Đông Bắc 2013 - Theme Song

SEED II CALI 2012 REFLECTIONS

Michelle Pham, 9 years old
At the beginning, I thought it was going to be boring, because I was forced to go to SEED, but after the fun of the first day, I couldn't wait for the rest.
    The leaders made it easier for me to get closer to God, which has been hard for me! They've made it a fun learning experience for me.
     I've made so many friends, too!
     I can't to see them again!
     SEED has made a big difference in me, and I can't wait for next year!

Thuy Linh Pham, 14 years old
I had so much fun at SEED, it was the definitely the best part of my summer :) At first, I felt like I was forced to go, and it was something I really didn't want to do. I was nervous about sharing with everyone and opening myself up to others.
     After meeting everyone and getting to know them, I felt like I could tell them anything. I really liked sharing with my small group with Chị Bethany, Anh Hugo, Cami, Catherine, and Tri-an. I learned SO MUCH from them and their experiences and testimonials. It also helped me learn more about myself and that I can trust in God. I can always turn to Him when I need help, because "God is my compass" :)
     The activities were so much fun, especially the mask activity and the scavenger hunt! The capes were amazing, that last day was literally the happiest day of my life :) As soon as I got home, I hung up everything from the retreat on my wall. They hold so many memories that I will never forget. I miss everyone so much, I really look forward to seeing all the retreatants at next year's SEED :)

Natalie Pham, 13 years old
SEED has been by far, the most enjoyable experience for me!(; It's one of the first retreats that I ever went to, and at first I thought that this wasn't going to be any fun. I expected this retreat to be dull and boring. But I guessed wrong! SEED is a place where you can be yourself, connect with God, and make friends!  I felt that this retreat has bonded me with God, and has taught me to savor life, and enjoy it.
     Some moments of challenges for me was sharing with the group. I have a lot of insecurities, and I was hesitant to share with the rest of the group. But when I realized I could relate to the group, I started to open up. It feels so much better now that I have let all my feelings out, and that people were there to support me. Times that made me smile with delight was on Entertainment Night; those moments were filled with joy and laughter. I loved watching the skits, and seeing the retreatants working like a team. Another thing that I loved about this retreat was the little surprise (actually, it was more of a big surprise!) that the leaders gave us on the last day. When I saw the leaders holding the capes, a huge smile came across my face. The capes were amazing, and I look at it everyday, and think of how much fun I had at SEED.
     When I think back to moments during the retreat, I try to cherish those moments. I appreciate all of the new friends that I have made, and I just wanted to say, thank you to all the retreat leaders: Anh John, Chi Bethany, Anh Jon, Anh Frank, and Anh Hugo! You have all taught me how to love, and appreciate God. And I also want to thank the parents too! You have all helped in this retreat and watched all of us SEEDlings grow. SEED is something that I will never forget, and will always remain close to my heart. I am looking foward to next years' retreat! :)

Anne Pham, 13 years old
This was my first time at SEED, as well as any retreat. During the course of SEED, there were wonderful memories created for me and I made a lot of new friends whom I would never forget. All the leaders were very friendly and made this experience something to remember throughout my life.Before SEED, I felt like I was being pressured into doing this, and that I would have no fun at all and that we would pray all day long. It turns out I was wrong and it was one of the most productive things I did all summer.
     Some of the things I liked about SEED were the small groups, because we got to know how each individual person felt about their parents, friends, family, etc. In this case, my group was Anh Frank, Clara, Aaron, Victor, and Theresa. I got to know them really well and had a super fun time with them. Whenever we had a group session, everybody was calm and all the stress was gone, because we could all let our feelings out through talking to our group. Another thing I liked was the "Cross the Line" activity. It told other people how one another felt about themselves. The mask activity was fun also, because we really got to know about nature and other things and being with only hearing and touch. I also love having the new capes. It felt like it was one of the best moments in life. It was awesome to be following in the footsteps of the leaders and the "crowning ceremony" was pretty touching to me.
     SEED was one best places I could go to when I'm looking for a place to meditate and get closer to God. I felt like this was a huge accomplishment in life because I connected with God, and I wasn't alone. All of the people in SEED, the parents, teens, and kids were there with me. All in all SEED was one of the most amazing things I did all summer. I would say that it was a life changing experience that let me learn more about myself. I'm totally looking forward to the next SEED and seeing all of the retreatants there. :D

Trang Nguyen, 8 years old
I learned that if something is in your way between you and God, your friends are there to guide you on the right path to God. We've tried examine of the conscious at home and we say where God is and we think of things we did during the day that we did right and wrong. I hope to go again next summer.

Phu Nguyen, 7 years old
I was happy to meet other kids and teenagers. The best thing I liked was making bunny ears on James. I saw God in nature and in everyone's heart. I also saw God in the vacation house that we've just gone to. I learned that prayer is talking to God and other saints to pray for us.

Hong Hai Nguyen, Mother
I did not have the privilege of going on the SEED retreat with my children because I had to take care of  my younger children. But after the retreat, Phu and Trang taught me the movement of the theme song "Lift Me Up." We've actually use the movement and sing the song as part of our prayer. I found the song to be very uplifting when all the lights are down and I was able to put my heart into the song.. You lift me up when I am weak. Your arms wrap around me. Your love catches me so I'm letting go. Your heart is all that I need.... Since the retreat, Anh Loc suggested that we do examine of the conscious with our children as part of our nightly prayer. So far, we've found God in rocks, food, pool, Phong's smile and laughter, everyone's heart, shopping center, church, sound of piano, bees, flowers, ...... My children reminded me that God is always present if only I take the time to acknowledge Him. Thank you Jesus for inviting us to SEED retreat where we learn more about You, grow to love You and call to serve You.

Amy Nguyen, 12 years old
When I came to SEED this year, I was really nervous. It was my first time there and I didn't know anyone, except for my family and some people I knew from back home. I wasn't sure if I would fell comfortable around everyone, most of them seemed to know each other for particular reasons. Luckily, I met some new people on the first day of SEED and got along with my group members during activities and the scavenger hunt.
     I felt closer to God as I talked about him, saw him in the people who had gathered for SEED, and let my faith for God grow stronger. SEED has helped me learn more about God that I haven't known before. All the leaders have been so helpful, kind, and funny. I can't wait to come back to next year's SEED retreat!

Paul Nguyen,  6 years old
Hello! my name is Paul and I am Six years old. I learned who is God and where is God and I saw God in my friends because they played with me. I had learned about Examen, Prayer like Our father,Praise and Worship, and Talking with God. I like to say Our father the most because I can talk to God anytime and anywhere. I feel excited about the SEED retreat . The funny stories, the activities like games naming teams,and badges reminded me of the retreat.and the leaders I wish I can come back to the retreat.

Ky Nguyen

Blatant Thirst for God in My Children

After months of preparation for SEED California II, the 13th of July, 2012 finally came with much excitement. In fact, it is a big pay-off for the SEED Leaders and SEED Organizers teams. It is big pay-off because things fell into the right places. Detailed Logistics played out very well. Food preparation was wonderfully coordinated. Rooming and lodging had no issue. The whole SEED community of 120 people, SEED retreat-ants and parents alike, seemed to enjoy very much. I could see a blatant thirst for God in my children, Lillian and Tilia.
     On the night before we departed for the retreat, Lillian and Tilia meticulously prepared for the retreat. Tilia surprised her parents by carefully selecting four plastic cups and packed them up in the suitcase, explaining that those were for each one of our family to use for teeth brushing at the SEED’s camp. Lillian did not let her parents help her pick her clothes. She did the choosing by herself. That night, my family had a very serious prayer for the following day’s SEED retreat.
     During the retreat, my children appeared to live in an intimate relationship with God. Lillian and Tilia did not fight at all. Instead, they went straight to beds every night after having done their own hygiene jobs. On the first night, Lillian could not sleep, but she just whispered to my ear to ask me to allow her to move from the bottom bed to top bed because it was so hot down there. When I noticed that she kept tossing up and down, I told her to try to sleep, she just closed her eyes and stopped moving. The children seemed to feel the existence of God everywhere. Therefore, they behaved very well.
     After the retreat, my children look forward to the SEED retreat next year. They keep singing the songs they learned from the retreat. They even did a show at home with her cousin Hien about God. Then, they performed the many songs with movements. I truly don’t know how they remember all those songs. They must be very interested in everything “cac anh chi” SEED Leaders taught them. While singing and performing the songs, their eyes looked much happy. They can’t wait to come back to SEED next year.
     SEED CA II was actually not just for children. It brought the Organizers to the Leaders, and the Leaders to the Organizers. It brought children closer to parents and parents closer to children. Most importantly, SEED CA II introduced God to children in a very children friendly way, which would last a long time in their tiny hearts.

Paula Hoang, 20, Kids Track

I first heard about SEED during my first year in college at Hat Cai. I yearned to be a leader that year, but sadly, I could not. I was home in San Diego in the summer and could not attend the SEED meetings in Irvine. After hearing about SEED and seeing the photos from last year, I was so happy I could be a SEED leader this year.
     Preparing the retreat for the kids was tricky since a lot of the kid’s track was new to SEED. However, we all tried our best and it was a blessing to work with each individual on our team. I really learned how to cater to other’s needs and work around people’s schedules. It was a pleasure working with every single person on the SEED team.
     When we got there, I knew it was time to let go and let God. And God was there. I saw Him many times throughout the retreat, especially when I watched the seedlings dance to the theme song. Other times included when they did their examen each night, when they performed the skits, when they came running to their parents for bedtime, when their parents unconditionally showed us their support, when each leader put all their energy into each activity. It was just so overwhelming [in a good way] to see God in all the lovely faces I encountered during that weekend.
     Now that I am home, I miss it so much! But on top of that, I am thankful, so so thankful. I’m thankful for being able to take part in the retreat, for being a leader, for God guiding me, for all these memories that I will forever cherish. I absolutely could not have been a great leader without God’s grace. His grace guided me and gave me strength every day. Going through and leading a retreat with a broken foot is not a very easy thing to do, especially with kid’s track. Those hills… they were killer! I shall never forget those hills!
     Nonetheless, each aspect of SEED was memorable. I shall never forget my first SEED retreat or my seedlings. I always look forward to the next time I see them. But until then, they will forever be in my hearts and prayers. Farewell, SEED California II! You shall not be forgotten!

SEED Leader Training Reflection​s

June 15-17, 2012
Huntington Beach, CA, USA

▪ ▪ ▪

Paula Hoang:

1)      What were the graces received?
I learned about myself a lot more and now know what I need to work on/continue to do. I've also learned to be a lot more accepting and flexible!
2)      How was God present at the training weekend?  How was He moving among the attendants?
He brought us all here with such great spirits. We gave us all energy to learn and put our all into the activities that we do. Either that or He gave the leaders the wisdom to get us moving.
3)      How was my heart moved?  How was God speaking to me with all the activities?
He told me to be more aware and understanding of not only others but also myself and how I work with other people.
4)      What is God’s invitation for me during and after the training?
 I am not so sure. Maybe just take away something from every activity and not to forget, but continue to work on my weaknesses.
5)      What remains in my heart?
 I'm still stuck on the personality test and the listening activity. I really have to work on accepting people for who they are instead of complaining they're unreasonable or something of the sort. For the listening activity, it really helped. The Dos and Don'ts really let me look into what I did and didn't do, so it was nice to reflect on that and now, I can actively change my own habits because I know what I do and don't do.
Thanks for everything! :] This pass weekend was really great! I loved growing closer and working with everyone. Everyone is just so amazing!

▪ ▪ ▪

Vianney Truong:

I had a great weekend learning, interacting, bonding, and experiencing SEED training! I had a lot of fun and especially liked meeting old SEED leaders I so greatly admired as a SEEDling in the past. I also enjoyed meeting the new SEED leaders of Hat Cai and experienced the wonderful friendship and openness of everyone present. This SEED training reminded me of the wonderful impact SEED has on kids, SEED leaders, and the community (Dong Hanh) as a whole. As a SEEDling that has experienced SEED retreat, I feel so blessed to participate in this wonderful ministry! From this training, I took away a desire to serve others in my upcoming role as CLC coordinator at Creighton University. I also came away with a profound appreciation for SEED retreat leaders and the tremendous care and love they put into helping kids.
Sincerely,Vianney Truong from nhom J-Walkers

▪ ▪ ▪

Reflection for SEED Summit

Dear cac Anh Chi and cac Ban,

First of all, I’m sorry that my reflection is so late, finals are coming up two weeks early this year so I’ve been “running around like a headless chicken” (a saying my dad uses all the time, I finally understand it now. Haha.)

I have always believed that the Catholic faith was not built on grand ceremonies or traditional prayers, but on the life changing relationships that we discover along the way on our journeys with people who have a deep love for Christ and a deep desire to follow in His mission to serve.  For me growing up, the defining moment in the development of my spirituality was building relationships with all of the Anh Chi at SEED Retreat.  I remember a distinct moment during my first SEED retreat as I watched our leaders be so enthusiastic about a theme song that it was almost embarrassing.  I thought, “Look. Here’s a bunch of really cool people who are so excited about being Catholic that they don’t mind looking silly, don’t mind putting the rest of their lives on hold to be with us here.  Well if they’re so into it, there must be something great about being Catholic.”  And they were right.  I came out of that retreat feeling, for the first time, that I belonged to something great, that I belonged to the Church, that I belonged to Christ. For the first time in my life I was saying prayers that weren’t written for me.  Thinking about God in ways that no one had ever told me to do before.  Feeling things for God that I was not taught to feel.  I was experiencing a personal encounter with Love.  It was such an empowering feeling I felt like I had to tell everyone I knew and share it with them – I later realized this was my first quiet call to service.

I must confess that I went into Summit distracted, I was caught up in helping with the program, coordinating rides and places to sleep, and generally worrying about how the interaction dynamics between different groups were going to play out.  What if we can’t connect with the Midwest and Northeast?  What if the organizers don’t understand what we’re doing?  What if we get stuck on the politics and mechanics of things and lose sight of where God’s spirit is trying to lead us? What if we all go home with despair over the future of SEED?  As usual however, I was pleasantly surprised by the ways that God works.  I found that even on the very first night everyone was present with open minds and hearts and it didn't matter that we were all from different places and age groups.  We were united in our passion to serve the youth and that passion brought us to accomplish some great things during Summit.  I was especially touched by the sharings from the parents and organizers during many of our small group reflections as they shared about how much they loved their children and how much support they bring to the table to empower us leaders to do the retreats.

I could see God in everyone there and I felt so blessed to share some time with them, and I realized that my initial doubts and worries were just like the doubts and worries that we SEED leaders going into each retreat with.  What if we can’t connect with the kids?  What if we don’t get along with their parents?  What if the kids don't understand what we’re trying to share?  What if we somehow send them home with less faith in God than before?  But we have to remind ourselves that we can bring 100% of our heart and efforts but it’s not our show, its God’s, we only set the table for the dinner between each child and their God.  We trust that He will move mountains one SEED, one child’s heart at a time.  And it seems to work, He’s a great dinner host – I think we all experienced that during SEED Summit too.  We each brought our gifts to the table to share with each other, with open minds and hearts, and with a hunger and thirst to be Christ’s hands and feet to serve the children.  God brought the main course and I know that I for one, left Summit filled with His grace, strength, and love – ready to share with everyone I encounter.

Bethany Thao Vy

Search and Embark...

I began my journey to the SEED Summit by not knowing that I am so far away from the light...

In my line of work, I have the blessing to work with children, but not until I took my two teenage daughters to SEED that I realized the work of God through the young leaders. These leaders are not professional educators. They are not trained to handle young children through college courses, nor had the official training, but somehow the outcomes of the work they do are just simply miraculous. Both of my daughters are touched by God's love through these young leaders. More than ever, I realized the power of God and his work. Returned  home from SEED,  my family kept talking about the experience and how it has changed each one of us...

By some mysterious reasons, I was sent by my Dong Hanh CLC to attend the SEED Summit in Arizona this year. I left Houston feeling very nervous with the feeling of unworthiness; but once there, I immersed myself in an eye-opening experience: that my generation, is being called to support the mission of SEED, especially to support the young leaders. The ones who are empowered by God, the ones who are given the mission to tend the young souls and to nurture the seeds of faith. God enables them to transfer the fire in their hearts into the younger children. God gives each one of them his grace. He turns them to his modern day disciples. I find myself searching, embarking, experiencing and discovering as I spend more time with the group.

Witnessing God's work through the young minds and experiencing humbly the mighty power of God made me so enthusiastic and hunger for more knowledge. The young leaders are such amazing creations of God. He is working though them, guiding and blessing them. I will never forget the sharing of T.V. in the "mixed track". We were sharing how inadequate we feel about handling the S.E.E.D.ministry locally and individually, when T.V. shared with us about her inquiry regarding her journey of faith. She said: "God is the Light, I keep on walking toward the Light..." When she was far away from the light, she was in the dark, therefore she didn't see her own shadow and its edges; but the closer she is to the light, the sharper her shadow becomes, and that she started to see the rough edges around it and all the imperfections of her own shadow. Wow---it sure was powerful to learn that from a person less than half my age. As the days passed, I realized how blessed I was for being there. When the summit was over, I felt so charged with enthusiasm and eagerness to share what I have gathered and learned with my local Dong Hanh group, with my small family and my church. I felt that I have searched, embarked, experienced and discovered...

"Lord Jesus, into this journey of life you have called me into being, though I cannot always see the path ahead of me, I place my trust in you to show me the way. Strengthen my soul through the glory of your cross to pick up the pack you have chosen for me. Accompany me every step of the way so that I can see every moment as a precious gift from you. Teach me how to embrace my own personal journey so that I can become who you have called me to be..."

Minh Thuy

Gieo hạt

Khi nói về chuyện gieo hạt giống, tôi liên tưởng đến đoạn Thánh Kinh của thánh Matêô. Muốn hạt giống được nẩy mầm thì phải chuẩn bị đất tốt. Các tiệm bán cây còn bán đất dành để ươm cây, chẳng bù cho cỏ dại nhà tôi, đất khô thế nào nó cũng mọc tươi tốt! Giờ đây, sau hai tuần đi dự khóa huấn luyện S.E.E.D. (tiếng Anh là hạt. S= Search-tìm kiếm; E: Embark-dấn thân; E: Experience-sống và D:develop-lớn lên), tôi tự hỏi, mảnh đất tôi đang muốn chuẩn bị cho các con của tôi sẽ là mảnh đất nào đây?

Cách đây 14 năm, khi nghe tin tôi sắp lấy chồng, mẹ tôi giật bắn người, tá hỏa tam tinh và đã vội vàng ghi danh dẫn tôi đi hành hương và khóa dự bị hôn nhân bên Pháp. Sau đó thì bà ghi danh cho tôi đi khóa tĩnh tâm Linh Thao. Bà nói là mấy lâu nay dửng dưng không để ý đến chuyện “trau dồi thiêng liêng” cho con, nay nghe tôi sắp bước một bước ngoặc quan trọng trong cuộc đời thì tỉnh người và muốn chuẩn bị cho tôi một mảnh đất thiêng liêng.

Giờ đây, sau 14 năm, tôi kiên trì đi dạy giáo lý mỗi thứ bảy, tham gia nhóm cầu nguyện này, dự nhóm cầu nguyện kia, lo cho các con làm phút hồi tâm và đọc kinh mỗi tối, nên tôi hy vọng là mẹ tôi cũng yên tâm phần nào về mảnh đất bà đã xới lên trong lòng tôi trong những năm qua.

Bây giờ tới lượt tôi. Tôi có 3 cậu con trai, anh lớn 10 tuổi, anh nhì 6 tuổi và anh ba gần 2 tuổi. Cách đây một năm, anh lớn được mẹ tôi dẫn đi tĩnh tâm cuối tuần, chỉ có hai bà cháu thôi, ngủ đêm tại nhà cấm phòng St- Martin. Sau cuối tuần đó, anh về nói với tôi là con thích quá, con thích nhất là cứ chạy ra chạy vào nhà nguyện nhỏ để cầu nguyện, và lúc đó con cảm thấy gần Chúa. Tôi nghe con tôi nói mà sướng trong lòng, nhưng cũng kèm theo nỗi lo âu, làm sao tôi có thể tiếp tục tạo môi trường để các con tôi cảm nhận được sự bình thản khi tìm tới Chúa.

Tôi cố gắng giữ truyền thống đi tĩnh tâm này với các con, năm nay mẹ tôi, tôi và anh lớn đi tĩnh tâm ở Dòng Kín của các Nữ tu Truyền giáo. Tĩnh tâm trong thinh lặng. Anh nhì thấy anh lớn được đi cũng xin một dịp nào đó cho con được đi tĩnh tâm một lần. Tôi mừng trong bụng, hạt giống gieo cũng được lây lan.

Tôi không thuộc vào một nhóm cầu nguyện có con cùng tuổi nên các con tôi chỉ đọc kinh cầu nguyện tại nhà hoặc tới nhà thờ học giáo lý. Tôi cũng được an ủi là các cháu có thói quen làm phút hồi tâm và đọc kinh tối trước khi đi ngủ. Nếu tôi quên thì thế nào các cháu cũng nhắc. Tôi có một kinh nghiệm quý về phút hồi tâm, các cháu trở nên dạn dĩ khi bày tỏ cảm xúc, dễ dàng nói lên chuyện vui buồn trong ngày và nhất là không mắc cở khi đọc kinh Lạy Cha bằng tiếng Việt trong nhà thờ Tây !

Dù các cháu có thói quen tốt nhưng tôi chỉ sợ khi lớn thêm vài tuổi nữa, các cháu dở chứng bỏ các thói quen tốt thì tôi không biết làm sao mà đỡ cho nỗi, nên khi nghe có khóa huấn luyện tĩnh tâm SEED tại Phoenix do các anh chị nhóm trong Đồng Hành tổ chức cho các em nhỏ từ 6 tới 13 tuổi thì tôi cùng chị Quyên và Chi hăng say ghi tên vì muốn tìm hiểu thêm để biết cách chuẩn bị mảnh đất nhỏ bé của các con chúng tôi cho thêm phần tốt tươi.

Trong 3 ngày ở cạnh các anh chị từ khắp nơi về Phoenix, vì mọi người đều có cùng một mong ước là tạo điều kiện để các em nhỏ học hỏi về Chúa qua những sinh hoạt với các bạn cùng tuổi và với cha mẹ các em. Tôi đã tận mắt nhìn được những mảnh đất phì nhiêu, các hạt đâm mầm và các hoa trái nẩy nở.

Điều làm tôi ngạc nhiên là hơn phân nữa thành viên tham dự khóa là các em trẻ từ 18 tới 22 tuổi. Các em tự tin, hồn nhiên và toát ra một đức tin thật vững mạnh. Các em nói chuyện với nhau thân mật, ca hát và cùng nhau múa các bài thánh ca. Tôi quan sát các em mà có lúc tôi lén khóc. Khóc là vì tôi nhắm mắt tưởng tượng là trong 10 năm nữa, có thể con của tôi cũng sẽ đứng như vậy trước các cô chú các bác để điều khiển một bài hát, một phút hồi tâm, một kinh nghiệm sống sau khi đã sinh hoạt với các em nhỏ tuổi hơn mình. Tôi nghĩ là các cha mẹ của các em này thật là hạnh phúc!

Khóa tĩnh tâm SEED tạo môi trường để các em có cơ hội tham gia các sinh hoạt ngoài trời, sống với thiên nhiên và nhất là sống trong bầu không khí vui vẻ bên các bạn cùng tuổi, bên các anh chị ‘cool’ nói cùng một ‘ngôn ngữ’ mà nhiều khi cha mẹ các em không nói được! Đương nhiên là một năm đi SEED một lần thì không phải là giải pháp để các em tìm đến Chúa chỉ trong mấy ngày nhưng làm sao duy trì lâu dài ngọn lửa mến Chúa trong lòng các em. Đây là một trách nhiệm lớn lao đang chờ tôi trong tương lai gần đây. Nhưng tôi nghĩ một khi đã “cấy” Chúa vào lòng các em rồi thì cũng khó mà “bứng” Chúa ra được. Tôi tin chắc vậy.

Tôi thì không ngừng cảm phục sự mong mỏi đi tìm cái tốt cái đẹp và nhất là đời sống thiêng liêng từ các em trẻ. Khi các em có một nhóm để thuộc về, nhóm đó là của mình, nhóm đó có cùng mục đích, lý tưởng với mình, các em có năng lực để làm nhiều chuyện, giống như một người muốn xây dựng cho mình một căn nhà để cả gia đình cùng ở, mình có cùng anh chị em.

Vừa qua tôi có dịp trao đổi với các em Vào Đời, các em đã từng đi tĩnh tâm khóa Ephata khi các em chuẩn bị Thêm Sức, sau đó các em tiếp tục sinh hoạt và đi giúp các khóa tĩnh tâm Ephata, các em cảm thấy mình thiếu thiếu một cái gì: các em mong có một khóa tĩnh tâm cho các em, một khóa Ephata 2. Khi nghe các em tâm sự như vậy, tôi quá xúc động vì thấy bao nhiêu hạt giống đã đâm sâu xuống lòng đất và đang trổ mầm. Với niềm hy vọng này, việc tổ chức cho các em một khoá Ephata 2 không phải là một việc khó khăn.

Tôi cám ơn các anh chị Đồng Hành đã tổ chức khóa SEED thật chu đáo, chính những chuẩn bị cho miếng đất SEED của anh chị qua bao nhiêu năm nay đã giúp tôi vững tin vào miếng đất nhỏ bé của tôi.

Nguyễn Hiền Minh
Montréal 15-04-2012

ARIZONA KÝ SỰ - S.E.E.D. SUMMIT FORMATION 2012

Một lần nữa Tám tui lại khăn gói lên đường dong ruổi làm « Dế mèn phiêu lưu ký ». Kỳ này tam cô nương tụi tui (Tám tui, Hiền Minh và chị Quyên) dắt díu nhau bay từ xứ tuyết Montréal qua tận sa mạc Arizona xa xôi làm bạn với … xương rồng. Nói chứ, số tụi tui phải coi là may mắn khi được dự summit đầu tiên của S.E.E.D. , mặc dù đối với S.E.E.D., tụi tui là ba khuôn mặt mới toe từa tựa kiểu « thầy bói mù đi xem voi ».

Theo như kinh nghiệm của tui trong các cuộc hành trình đã qua, lúc nào trước những sự kiện hấp dẫn của Chúa là thần dữ hoạt động dữ dội. Kỳ này cũng không ngoại lệ, gần tới ngày đi, tự dưng Expedia phone cho Hiền Minh báo tin chuyến bay bị hủy. Tam cô nương chỉ còn nước khóc ròng, tội nghiệp Hiền Minh lặn ngụp cả ngày trên Net để kiếm vé máy bay. Cuối cùng, tụi tui cũng tạm hài lòng với một chuyến bắt đầu cất cánh từ Montreal khoảng 7:15am và tới Arizona trễ hơn một tiếng so với chuyến cũ, tức là cuộc hành trình oái ăm tính sơ sơ, khi không được « bonus » thêm hai giờ vàng ngọc. Chưa kịp hoàn hồn thì Air Canada lại lăn đùng ra ăn vạ, đe dọa sẽ có một cuộc đình công (tuy không hợp pháp nhưng cái nguy cơ  « phi công nghỉ chơi máy bay » cũng chẳng phải là nhỏ). Nhưng rồi cũng như mọi cuộc hành trình khác, lúc nào Thiên Chúa cũng chiến thắng thần dữ, mấy chuyện « ruồi bu » rốt cuộc cũng bay theo… ruồi, để yên cho tụi tui lên đường trong sự… hồi hộp.

Thứ năm 29-03-2012
Phoenix, nóng hai mươi tám độ Celcius, không khí khô rát, Anh Hưng xuất hiện, tươi roi rói (xứ xương rồng coi khô vậy nhưng người thì không giống … xương rồng chút nào). Tám tui, Hiền Minh và chị Quyên được đón cùng An và Linh đến từ PA. Tới đây mới thấy được tấm lòng của Đồng Hành, trong khi Montréal được mệnh danh là xứ lạnh tình nồng thì tui đề nghị rằng Arizona phải được khen là « xứ khô, tình… ướt át ». Trước khi về đại bản doanh, tụi tui được đưa đến nhà Phương-Linh. Hai vợ chồng khá trẻ và rất nhiệt tình.Mỗi người được ép ăn một tô mì to như cái… thau, hành hẹ tương ớt cứ nói là thơm lừng lựng. Trong lúc ăn, chị Kim Anh phone đến lo lắng dặn dò anh Hưng phải cho tụi tui « take a nap » vì cần đủ tỉnh táo cho đêm nay.

S.E.E.D. Summit Formation sẽ được làm tại nhà chị Mai và anh Tom. Anh Tom là người Mỹ, không biết chị Mai làm cách nào mà anh Tom mê mệt Đồng Hành, chăm chỉ học tiếng Việt và « hiến tặng » nhà cửa trọn cuối tuần này cho summit. Thế là đâm ra ai cũng biết code ra vào garage nhà anh chị. Chị Mai có câu nói bất hủ « Nếu ăn trộm vào nhà lấy cái gì thì chắc họ cần cái đó hơn mình ». Tụi tui chỉ có nước tròn mắt chữ O, ngoác miệng chữ A mà thán phục tinh thần Đồng Hành của chị.
Nhà chị Mai nghiễm nhiên biến thành Đồng Hành Hotel, ban đêm chứa mười lăm người ngủ lại và ban ngày đón nhận bốn mươi bốn thành viên của Đồng Hành từ khắp nơi đến dự summit.

Tắm rửa, nghỉ ngơi, vào khoảng 6:00pm mọi người các vùng bắt đầu tới rải rác. Các anh chị và các em, ai cũng thoải mái, vui vẻ và dễ gần. Đúng 6 :00pm, ăn chiều (Cô Như Liên và chú Hào mà thấy mấy photo Hiền Minh gởi về chắc chắn sẽ thắc mắc không biết tụi này đi dự summit kiểu gì mà chỉ thấy toàn ăn và … ăn). Tám tui thì nghĩ rằng có thực mới vực được … Linh Đạo. Nhưng theo version của anh Khánh đến từ VA thì tụi tui có lẽ đang được vỗ béo để… làm thịt.

Tối thứ năm, để không quá mệt, chuẩn bị sức lực cho chương trình dài hôm sau, anh Hưng và chị Kim Anh cho sơ sơ hai món ăn chơi nhẹ nhàng là Icebreaking và Phúc Hồi Tâm. Cùng tối đó, tụi tui được thấy những retreat leader trẻ của S.E.E.D. : Frank, Diana, Anna từ CA, Linh, An từ PA, Thảo Vi từ AZ… Nhiều và nhiều những gương mặt trẻ trung khác nữa. Có nhiều retreat leader đã qua tất cả bảy khóa S.E.E.D. và còn đang tiếp tục phục vụ cho những khóa tương lai.

Còn vài người chưa có mặt, hẹn gặp sáng mai. Tất cả họp thành vòng tròn và chơi một vài game làm quen. « Ice » đã « break » rất dễ dàng bởi Thảo Vi (con gái rượu của anh Hưng và chị Kim Anh). Sau phần « e lệ » lúc ban đầu, tụi tui tha hồ cười lăn nghiêng, lăn ngửa, hú hét,… đạp nhau, chả là anh Hưng đã yêu cầu mọi người trong cuối tuần này phải « be like the children » thì mới phù hợp với nhiệm vụ tương lai, phục vụ cho S.E.E.D. ministry.

Chơi đùa thả cửa xong, lắng đọng một chút cho Phút Hồi Tâm rồi lăn ra ngủ, tụi tui ở lại nhà anh chị Mai/Tom với một số các anh chị NorthEast và anh chị Hưng/Kim Anh. Đêm sa mạc lạnh run nhưng tụi tui lại thấy ấm lòng, thiệt lạ!

Invitation to S. E. E. D. Formation Summit

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

S.E.E.D Ministry started out as a small seed in 2004 when a group of parents of a Đồng-Hành CLC group in Arizona contemplated the needs of their children to develop their spiritual life. They dreamed to have an adapted Ignatian retreat as a part of the children’s spiritual formation in the CLC way of life. It was in 2006 that the first S.E.E.D Retreat took place in Flagstaff, Arizona with the collaboration of Hạt Cải, a Đồng-Hành group of university students as retreat leaders, and Nazareth Đồng-Hành family group as parent organizers. Since then, 6 years of piloting have passed with S.E.E.D retreats spreading from AZ to TX in Midwest Region, to CA in Southwest Region, and to PA in Northeast Region, also with great collaborative efforts from young adult retreat leaders and adult organizers from these regions. In year 2013, Denver is projected to have its first S.E.E.D retreat.

As we move toward discerning whether this is God's call for Đồng-Hành to formalize the retreat program as a national ministry, we confirm the desire and need for this type of retreat for our Đồng-Hành regions everywhere. At Đồng-Hành Assembly 2011, S.E.E.D was approved to be a ministry embraced and supported by the whole community. Although this was good news to us, it poses new challenges as we recognize the lack of retreat leaders and organizers that are properly trained and further supported with ongoing formation, and thus the need to gather for a formation summit with the following objectives:

• To reflect on the graced history of SEED and discern the vision and mission of SEED ministry.
• To form lay SEED retreat Leaders and Organizers
• To elect Đồng Hanh National Coordinator for SEED Ministry

With gratitude to God and joy of heart, we are sending this invitation to Ban Phục Vụ to be sent to those who have been involved in S.E.E.D as retreat leaders, organizers and/or potential leaders, organizers to come to our first S.E.E.D Formation Summit to be held in Arizona, March 29 to April 1, 2012 (Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon) hosted at the residence of anh chị Tom and Mai Zaengle, 362 W. Aster Drive, Chandler, AZ 85248. We would also like to invite members of Ban Phục Vụ and Formation Teams (national and regional) to join us in this exciting journey. It is our hope to set up regional teams for S.E.E.D ministry and thus we ask for your recommendation whom we should invite to the Summit.

In Christ and His Mission,
Đồng-Hành S.E.E.D Ministry Team

YaYA ministries summit and SEED Retreat Training/F​ormation

Kính thưa quý Cha và các anh chị,

Thái Sơn và Ân xin cảm ơn Chúa, cảm ơn các Cha và các anh chị đã cho TS và Ân được cơ hội được cộng tác với các Cha và các ACE để cùng phục vụ Cộng Đoàn ĐH trong ba năm tới.

Trong Đại Hội DH vừa qua, trong tinh thần cầu nguyện và nhận định của cả DH, và sự cộng tác thật tích cực của các ace Đại Biểu các nhóm, chúng ta đã đúc kết đuợc 7 proposals cụ thể cho BPV cũng như cho cả CD trong ba năm sắp tới.

Hai trong 7 proposals này là YaYA Ministries Summit và SEED Retreat Training/Formation. Đây là hai lãnh vực đang cần được quan tâm và hỗ trợ của BPV DH chúng ta trong thời gian sắp tới. Cảm ơn Kim Anh và Thái Sơn dù bận rộn với những công tác chuẩn bị cho DHDH vào cuối tháng 12 vừa qua, vẫn dành thời giờ để hoạch định và bắt đầu những bước cụ thể để giúp việc chuẩn bị được tốt đẹp.
Với sự hỗ trợ của Cha Tuyên Úy của chúng ta, chúng con xin thông báo đến quý Cha và các anh chị:

1- YAYA MINISTRIES SUMMIT: được tổ chức tại Denver Colorado, từ 26 - 29 tháng 4, 2012, tại gia cư của anh chị Quang Tuyết. Cảm ơn tình thương và sự hỗ trợ của anh chị dành cho chương trình này.

2- SEED RETREAT TRAINING/FORMATION đã được chuẩn bị để tổ chức cũng vào cuối tuần 26 - 29 tháng 4 tại Nam Cali, nhưng với tình thương và lòng rộng lượng của các anh chị Diệu hợp, đã quyết định thay đổi về thời gian khác, nhường thời gian cho YaYa Ministries Summit, để tạo điều kiện thích hợp hơn cho các anh chị và các ban youth and young adults có thể tham dự cả hai khóa này. Do đó, hiện tại SEED Retreat Formation vẫn còn đang đợi để có thời gian và địa điểm thích hợp, và sẽ được thông báo đến các cha và ACE sau. Cảm ơn Kim Anh, Thanh Dung và các anh chị đang giúp chuẩn bị SEED Retreat Training/Formation.

KA sẽ gửi đến các cha và các ACE chi tiết về SEED Retreat Training/Formation khi đã có được thời gian và địa điểm.

Sắp tới đây, Thái Sơn và Kim Anh sẽ gởi ra thêm chi tiết về những objectives và projected scopes của YaYA Ministries Summit và SEED Retreat Training/Formation. Xin các anh chị trong BPV Vùng assess những nhu cầu và ao ước hiện tại của Vùng, đặc biệt về 2 khía cạnh này, để có thể giúp nhau quảng bá, chọn đúng người, và hỗ trợ những anh chị em, các bạn trẻ về tham gia YaYA ministries Summit, hoặc là/và SEED Retreat Training/Formation.

Hiệp nhất trong tình yêu Chúa.
Mai Hoàng Ân
Trần Thái Sơn

S.E.E.D. Team, Together as One Body

By Sophie Levan

This year I made a bold decision to be part of S.E.E.D. Retreat. Being part of S.E.E.D. meant I had to be committed to the retreat’s goal to encourage the growth of faith and spiritually in the hearts of young people, and to do that I knew I had to put in a lot of time, effort, and love in to everything I do for S.E.E.D. and the retreatants. The whole idea of taking up a leadership role was new for me. It hadn’t occurred to me that getting involved with the S.E.E.D. Retreat planning meant I, too, would become a retreat leader. I had no prior S.E.E.D. Retreat experience to guide me as a road map. However, I joined the S.E.E.D. team because of three reasons. I enjoy working and interacting with the youth and young adults. I wanted to be a helping hand to the team and to have a chance to serve others. Most importantly, I wished to help my younger siblings in Christ to encounter God’s love and encourage them to become living signs of God’s unconditional love. Despite my inexperience with S.E.E.D. retreat, God taught me to have faith in myself and the S.E.E.D. team he has gathered to carry out his message to the retreatants.

SEED Team Leaders

The S.E.E.D. team is a group of people with different set of personalities and skills, but God has called us together to serve and work towards a common purpose in faith. When I joined the team, I had many self-doubts about how I can possibly be a useful member of the team. However, through the weeks and months I have worked together with the S.E.E.D. team, God has made me realize something important. He allowed me to see that we each possessed a different and unique set of skills that come together to make a team. It reminded me of a passage in the Bible, where Saint Paul wrote about the different spiritual gifts and the body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:4-26). It is a Bible passage; I know and have read many times in the past, but it never struck me so profoundly nor could I realistically relate to it before now. It is a great passage, but I will use a small portion of the passage to show where I am going with all this. Saint Paul had written in that passage:

Now the body is not a single part, but many. If a foot should say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. Or if an ear should say, “Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God placed the parts, each of them, in the body as he intended. If they were all one part, where would the body be? (1 Corinthians 12: 14-19)

SEED ... My experience

SEED retreat
August 26-28, 2011
Stream Side Camp - Poccono, PA, USA

“Be strong & courageous. Do not be terrified or discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Josh 1:9

SEED was an AMAZING experience! No doubt!
Oh, and sorry if my English isn’t perfect, I talk 90% of my time in French so... :)
Highlight texts are quotes I found on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/LovLikeJesus)

[1 month before SEED]

Nam & Nhu Liên : Hey Nhât, are you interested in a S.E.E.D. retreat?
Me : Sure! Why not? But what’s that?
Nam & Nhu Liên : It’s a retreat for kids in Pennsylvania, US. You’ll be with Cô Quyen. They were asking people to go help them and learn from that retreat.
Me : Bring it on, I’ll come for sure! :D
In my head, I really love kids and young people, so I didn’t hesitate at all! Also, it’s a good opportunity to learn and discover God in a different way!

A few days before the retreat, I was REALLY excited! ^^

S.E.E.D. Đông Bắc - AWESOME one!

Namphuong Tran:

I can’t believe that my voice is still gone!! How is this even possible? :-/ I woke up this morning with the FULL intention of cleaning the house (it still has papers and SEED materials on the floor), unpacking, deleting the SEED files from my lap top, as well as doing laundry. As great as my intentions of cleaning are….I realized my mild case of “post DH depression disorder” (hahaha, get it….post traumatic stress) is more severe than anticipated. I would delete the files, then extract them back out to look at something, put the SEED papers into the trash then take it back out with an excuse to save it for next year. (Ohhhh and just to let you know, ALL the SEED files have a second copy in my external HD which I am keeping for future planning…so truly, there is no reason to get this sentimental!!!). Overall, I realized how surreal it is for me that SEED 2011 over. With all the planning for over ½ a year, SEED has now become my second nature. I use to wake up thinking about SEED, sleep thinking about SEED and god knows how many times during the day I am working on SEED. This is my second year doing SEED, but somehow this year I feel the impact a lot more. It seemed like the first year God planted a SEED inside of me and left it for me to ponder. This YEAR, this SEED has developed, roots has grown deep and wrapped itself all around me. It has now become my comfort and support.
I decided to stop fighting myself and seek Professional help for my “Post DH Depression Disorder”. I offered God some tea and a place to sit next to me for our chat (have to at least offer him tea, since he is doing this for free after-all…Pro Bono! ;-) This is how my therapy session with GOD went…..

ME: God, I feel a bit lost now that SEED is over. What am I going to do with myself?

GOD: …..silent…..(he is SOO good at this therapy stuff, letting me answer my own question..)

ME: I was so hesitant about doing SEED, so many times during the planning process I wanted to flip out and quit. I thought NOTHING can worth all these dramas and headaches. With ½ the energy I put in SEED, I can finish planning for the entire year of prison ministry, as well as plan most of the meetings ideas for the GDTT youth group. Anyhow, even with all my complaints…. something in me kept on telling me to hang on. Every time I am getting angry, I see my god-daughter and my nephews smiling faces comfort me and encourage me to do this for them. A week before SEED, as I sat there compiling everyone’s Talks, writting out the final schedule, I suddenly felt relieved and excited. This year SEED is going to be AWESOME!!!! I started to check the weather every chance I get…. I think I was even more obsessed with the weather for SEED, than the weather for my own wedding. All the activities we have are outdoor! Storm Irene played with all the leaders’ nerves. We could not stop texting one another!!!:::“oh yes! she is heading NW……oh no! she is heading NE…25% rain….70% rain….OH NO! The president called STATE emergency!” Even with Irene glooming over us, all the leaders left work Wed and started our drive to NJ. We continued to pray and tried our best to LET GO & LET GOD. We realized that we have done the best we can, and now it is time to let God take over. …..
( I looked at my therapist,…. with my eyes, I half asked him if he was proud of us at our attempt to letting go……half pouting to let him know, that I did not appreciate the roller coaster ride. He caused us much headaches…heartaches….. with storm Irene)

GOD: …..silent…..chuckles…..nodding his head in acknowledgment of my frustration…..chuckles…..silent.

S.E.E.D. Đông Bắc 2011

After 4 hours, for some it took much longer. We all arrived safe and sound. Thanks be to God.

After a simple dinner consisting of com, ca kho, thit kho. The program got started with some very familiar songs, Pharoah, PHaroah and Prince of Peace..... Children and parents enjoy the icebreaking games to "break" the proverbial ice. We stared our first activity, the annointing of perfume on the hands of the retreat leaders by the parents and the parents by the children and the children by the leaders. The ceremony was interesting and definitely set the tone for the children.

The children started their bond fire of sharings and praise and worship. The children seems to enjoyed the whole experience immensely. The parents that had the blessing of hanging around the children seems to think so. The parents start their session with an intimate sharing. It looks like speed dating, but from the intense sharing, I am sure they loved it.

The evening with the traditional camp sugary snack of funnel cake, when both parents and children enjoy together.

As far as my tam tinh goes, I feel free. To be very honest, the time leading up to this retreat was tough for me. Tough in term of both physical and spiritual. But starting with last night and all day today, I have started to let go of my pre-notion of how this retreat should be and completely place my trust in God, with that i feel like a 1000 lbs gorilla was lifted off my back.

Looking at all the children just playing with one another as soon as they arrived. Looking at them as they swarmed the retreat leaders and looking at the parents gently smiling as they witness all this really confirm that this is indeed God's dream and we are but His partners.

This years, we were so bless to have received a groups of parents and youth from Canada to journey with us.

All and all, it was a good day. Thank you God for allowing to me dream your dream. Thank you God for allowing me to take part in your dream becoming a reality. God bless the children, God bless the retreat leaders and God bless the parents too.

See you all tomorrow but in the meantime, enjoy a little something from S.E.E.D. NE 2011.

The S.E.E.D. team

SEED - a few thoughts ...

Thua ca nha,

Even since S.E.E.D. retreat ended, there is very few days that went by without me thinking and dreaming about S.E.E.D. But when I start thinking and dream about S.E.E.D. I realized that I was not alone, there were others who were just as crazy as I was. We formed circle of discernment and ponder together. Together we recognized that there are so many opportunities to serve. The needs are so great. Dreaming about S.E.E.D. forced us to dream about their future (teen, YaYA) and the little ones coming into S.E.E.D. age. We start to wonder where they are in their formation? Will this program fits their needs? Will that program fits better?

After pondering about what, we moved to ponder about how to best deliver the message to them. Is it better in an outdoor environment? Is it better at a retreat center? Would it be better still in someone's backyard? Is it better to have one program a year? 2 times each year? Perhaps, every 3 months or so. Should we keep the program regional? Should we bring down to the local level or should we elevate it to a national ministry? So many questions by so many people from everywhere. I recalled a gospel passage a couple of days ago about how we can interpret nature and yet fail to recognize the "sign of the time". Then I thought to myself, is this the sign of the time?

Tonight, sitting on a conference call with a number of other people responsible for the children program at HMV DB, we evaluated the program. It was so great to hear the fire from each and everyone. I used to fear such fire of enthusiasm, because just as a fast burning flame, it soon will burn itself out and leave no trace of it ever been there. But somehow this fire was different. Like the fire in the days of Moses, It burns but does not consume.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the grace to be aware of the needs of your children; thank you Lord for giving so many people the grace to be aware of the needs of your children. You have given us this gift, may you bless us and grant us the wisdom and energy to see it thru to fruition. As we partake in this journey together, may we be aware that everything starts from You, and grows with You so that it may ends in You.

Good night,
Kha'nh

S.E.E.D. V - Reflection

August 6-8, 2010

This year we started out with an extremely enthusiastic team of S.E.E.D. Retreat leaders. As we initiated our planning process, we knew that our primary goal was to address the needs of the children and teenagers because this Retreat is for all of them. We knew that we wanted retreatants of all ages to have a spiritually fun-filled retreat. Knowing that in the past we have had obstacles addressing the different age groups and keeping them all involved and attentive, we decided to split up the S.E.E.D. Retreat leaders into two distinct teams; one group leading the children ages 6-13 and one leading the teenagers ages 14 and up. Our hope was to have the children open their hearts to God and to gain a deeper understanding and relationship with God. We wanted each retreatant to open their eyes in order to experience God through different aspects of life. We wanted them to feel Him in our surroundings, through nature, through praise and worship, and through the people around them. One of the biggest graces of the planning process was being so organized and helping each other out. As a unified team, we worked brilliantly well together as we were on top of the planning process while always taking the time to enjoy each other’s company. We were optimistic and excited about the retreat which made us work rather diligently. Our organization and hard work ultimately allowed us to enjoy our first couple of days in Arizona before the retreat. We were able to visit the beautiful Sedona and take a hike to the river banks.

S.E.E.D. 2010 - SHARINGS

Trang web chứa đựng những chia sẻ của các em "S.E.E.D" và các phụ huynh:
http://www.seedne.info/seed/Holy_Moments/Holy_Moments.html

The best so far!

This year’s S.E.E.D. was the best so far. I just want to say thank you to all the people that made this possible. I had a lot of fun. During this retreat, I got even closer to God. I met some new people and saw some old friends. The activities we did helped a lot. My favorite activity was the blindfold thing. When I got home, before I went to bed, my mom asked me what my favorite activity in S.E.E.D. was I told her that my favorite activity was the blindfold activity. When she asked me what I think it means, I told her that you have to trust in God even when you can’t see him. You just have to trust in the person leading you when you were led outside. I felt a lot of things. I felt a cross, a few rocks, and some more things. It was very exciting. Everything we did was very fun. I enjoyed the retreat very much. I loved canoeing and swimming. Except for the part that the pool water was -40 degrees or something. The cabins were very cool. It was fun pretending that the hot chocolate was coffee. Some of the adults fell for it. It was also very fun when we tickled Steve to the ground. The skit I did was really funny. Yvonne thought of playing Jesus with a British accent. Because Jesus speaks proper English and that’s that. It was also funny when Peter jumped off of the canoe. This year’s retreat was very fun. Thank you to all the retreat leaders and parents.

Mary D.