Open Your Heart to What is to Come: NorCal Lit in San Francisco

The NorCal Lit Club traveled to San Francisco the Sunday after Thanksgiving and, despite the rain, we had an amazing adventure! 

Itinerary: 
Glide Memorial Church
Union Square for lunch, holiday decorations, and the SPCA adoptable animals in the Macy's windows
Walk to Chinatown and North Beach
City Lights Books
Show at Beach Blanket Babylon
Dinner at Mona Lisa
Harrowing j

Below are some of the students' reflections and photographs. ​

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Indigo Kelly, 12th grade
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I didn’t know what to expect when we walked in. I had heard about how amazing it was, but I did not know what to expect. I am not a religious person, and I have never been to church, so I was intimidated at first. When we walked into Glide Memorial, everyone was very welcoming and kind. We sat down and waited. We watched as people kept flooding and flooding into the room. Everyone was waiting in palpable anticipation. The choir walked onto the stage and you could see the joy in their eyes. They opened their mouths and a symphony of sounds that blended seamlessly rang out. We heard them sing and watched for an hour. After the service was done, I don't think any of our jaws weren’t dropped. Their passion and love came through in their music, and the room was filled with emotion. It wasn’t a religious experience; it felt like something more than that, like people connecting through music, and I had felt the power they held.

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Sienna Clifton, 12th grade

My favorite part of our trip was the people I was surrounded by. Being in a big city with some of my closest friends is an indescribable feeling. As you are walking the streets of this busy condensed city, you are at peace because you are surrounded by who you love. Being in the city in the fog makes me want nothing more than to go on an adventure. The city makes you just open your heart to what is to come. Going on this trip gives me an opportunity to explore the city in a unique way.  From churches to exciting shows and amazing dinners, to merely stumbling around the city, it is truly an amazing time.

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Zac Clark, 12th grade 

This trip was really the first time I went to a church. I had gone to one earlier when I was in Costa Rica, but that consisted of walking into a huge church and then having all of these people look at us. We didn't really feel like we belonged. Going to Glide Memorial Church was a completely different experience. Pretty much anywhere we went we were welcomed. The community that consisted in the church was amazing. You immediately were part of the family. During all the singing there was so much emotion in the room, flowing through everyone old and new to the church. It made me realize why people can like a religion so much. It creates this community that gives so much support to everyone involved. It was a really amazing experience to be a part of and I would definitely do it again.

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Aimee Kerr, 12th grade