The Diocese of Ohio sent a delegation of 12 youth, four chaperones, and two bishops to the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), joining delegations from 108 dioceses which span 22 nations or territories. One youth and one chaperone from our companion church of the Anglican Diocese of Belize were included
in the Diocese of Ohio delegation. The event was held at University of Maryland College Park
from July 4-8, and consisted of plenaries, worship, and workshops. Keynote speakers Presiding
Bishop Michael Curry and President Julia Alaya Harris presented among other prominent
young clergy and youth from the EYE planning team. It was an excellent way to bring young Episcopalians from all over the world together to talk about their faith and what it means
to be a Christian in today’s world. Below you will find a reflection from Elena Rodenborn
(Trinity Cathedral).

To be honest, when I decided to sign myself up for EYE, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn't have many (if any) expectations going in, rather anticipating just going with the flow. I can safely say that EYE blew my nonexistent expectations out of the water. Between meeting amazing mentors and connecting with equally amazing fellow youth, EYE was truly a transformative experience. One of the things that immediately struck me at EYE was the warmth and acceptance of everyone there. In my experience, of course it is always wonderful and impactful to hear that The Episcopal Church is open and affirming, that everyone is welcome and loved for who they are, but it's an entirely different experience to be placed into an environment full of Episcopalians, young and old, trading rainbow stickers and openly and proudly discussing parts of them that anywhere else might have been forcefully repressed. As a young lesbian, I never felt uncomfortable or even hesitated in mentioning my girlfriend to people. The impact that the kindness and welcoming nature of the people at EYE had on me is one that I will not soon forget, and I came away from the experience even more proud of my church and amazing faith community. At EYE, I was able to truly feel the unconditional love that we preach, radiating from all of my fellow attendees, and it was nothing less than deeply moving and affirming.

Another thing that made an impression on me was the cross-cultural aspect of EYE. I was also able to meet Episcopalians from Europe, Mexico, Guam, Bethlehem, even as far away as Taiwan! To be able to congregate and worship with such a wide variety of people from such a wide variety of cultures was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am endlessly glad that I partook in. I was also glad to learn about cultures closer to home, especially Native American culture (specifically Lakota) from the amazing Rev. Isaiah Brokenleg. There were so many wonderful speakers and preachers, each of whom brought their own distinct personal experiences to the table, and it made for a more well-rounded and moving overall experience.

All in all, I definitely enjoyed going to EYE, and it's an experience that I will hold with me as I enter the next phase of my life as I start college and adulthood. Being able to meet and be in a space with so many amazing people was a truly moving experience and one that I wouldn't give up for the world. I hope that in the years to come more youth of The Episcopal Church will be able to experience the same joy that I did.