Young adult convo brings history into perspective

Wow! Convo 2007 is in the books, and what a trip and experience it was! I actually heard about this young adult Convo while I was attending the high school Convo two years ago in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. From then on it was a lot of praying and exploring the options of going on this trip. I had studied and researched the Moravian history a little bit previously, so I knew about the places that I would be seeing, and it was those studies that gave me the desire to see those places that I had read about. The opportunity to be able to bring the images that were in my head to life, and see the foundations of the Moravian Church was something I couldn’t pass up.

Once the trip drew near, I began to grow a little nervous, since I had never flown overseas before; however, the excitement in me was much greater than the nervousness. I checked the list of names to see if I knew anybody who was going, and to my surprise there were very few names I recognized. So I knew that my people skills would have to come into play really quickly. Once we were in Pennsylvania I was overtaken by a feeling of comfort, for I knew that everything was going to be all right and that I was surrounded by the best people that I could be. My next goal was to land in the Czech Republic safely.

The entire flight I could not sleep. The leaders encouraged us to try and get some rest since we would be landing in the morning in Prague, and would not be getting a full nights rest. I tried and tried but the excitement overwhelmed me. Once we landed in Prague the excitement grew more and more. When we finally got to tour I was left in utter amazement at what stood in front of me: truly a postcard worthy city. Everywhere I looked I could take a picture, and a lot of times that is what I did. Despite the breathtaking beauty of the city, the most important site came at Bethlehem Chapel.

As soon as I walked in I had this feeling that I was in the presence of something great; something that just cut right through me. As a group we sang inside the Chapel without any musical accompaniment. When we finished there was a silence all throughout the sanctuary. This is where I really felt the butterflies in my stomach. It’s one of those moments that if you were there, you will never forget it, and I know I never will. This was by far the highlight of my trip so far.

Kunvald was a different sort of place, tucked out in the middle of the Czech countryside. I had not been aware of the history of Kunvald, as was the case with the many other Moravians on the trip. Once again we sang together outside of the cabin there, harmonizing like Moravians do so well, creating one of those “feel good” moments you don’t get every day. It was then I was ready to venture to Germany.

On the way to Germany we made a stop at the Chalice Rocks. Upon arrival I knew this place was special. Being a country boy, I love the outdoors, and there at the Chalice Rocks I really saw God. These huge rock formations stuck there in the forest absolutely left me in awe. I ultimately define them as serene. I believe it is in nature where I really connect to the Spirit of God, and it’s hard to find a better place than the Chalice Rocks. I wish we had spent more time there, but we had Herrnhut awaiting us.

In Herrnhut, I felt home. The small town out in the German fields really called to me. The streets were so peaceful and quiet at all times during the day. The people there, we found, were so hospitable. They truly welcomed us with open arms and enthusiasm. We got to know the youth there, and I honestly believe that we made friendships for a lifetime. They seemed so excited to have us there, being Moravians from America. When we walked to nearby Berthelsdorf to see Count Zinzendorf’s castle, I saw history in front my eyes. Sitting in the courtyard of his estate I could just picture him sitting there or taking a walk through the yard. This was truly another moment where I felt close to God, sitting in that place that sparked the Moravian Church to become what it is today.

When it came time to leave, I was saddened that the trip I had been looking forward to for two years was coming to an end. I wish we could’ve spent more time in Herrnhut, for there was so much, I felt, it had to offer. I mean this is the headquarters of the Moravian Church. This is it. But on the other hand, I missed the good ol’ USA and felt that it was time to go home. This trip was an experience of a lifetime for me. It made me realize how proud I am of being a Moravian; now that I have seen where it all started and retraced the steps of our forbearers. I consider myself honored and privileged to have gone on this Convo. I was with the best people possible in a beautiful European setting. How blessed I am!

Charlie Sevier, 19 years old, is from King, North Carolina, and attends King Moravian Church. He is a rising sophomore at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.