SC to PA

Hey guys! So ya'll may have noticed that I've been missing for the past week (Since July 11th). I wanted to post a photo telling ya'll what was up, but I honestly didn't have enough time with all the packing I crammed in the last minute. I am so sorry for no warning, but I was on a church mission trip to Philadelphia, PA, and I am so excited to spill all the juice. We did a lot of traveling...so maybe this is a traveler's insight? 

So to start off with a little background info...My church Youth group takes an annual mission trip. I wasn't available last year for the trip to Alabama, so this was my first official mission trip. 10 hours away?! Well we left at 9 am and got there at 9 pm..so I guess you could make that 12 hours instead. We traveled through North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and made it to Philly, only knowing that we were 1, going to the correct location, and 2, had a place to sleep for the night. Here's some pictures I managed to snap on the way up...

All of the above were taken in the car on the way up

This photo above was taken in Virginia at a gas station...I have never seen a gas station in Virginia that doesn't have amazing views like this one

So back to the story...we arrived, 7 of us all together and were staying at a church in Germantown, PA, with another church from Rochester, NY. All 6 days, we saw so many murals, beautiful places, and history throughout the city, and below I'm going to show you some beautiful sights you'll want to check out if you're ever in Philadelphia. 

This is Saint Luke's Episcopal church, the church that we stayed at. We stayed with the EMC (Episcopal Mission Center) with the leader, Sarah and John, and it was the best mission trip that my friends and youth leaders have ever taken a part in. It was very well coordinated and that helped everyone relax, make new friends, and explore the poverty and issues in the city of Philadelphia that I would have never noticed or been able to experience without them...not only that, but the facility was in amazing quality, so I would recommend the EMC for anyone who's trying to find a good mission trip location to stay at and really enjoy to the fullest.

The best way to get around the city...by car or train! The train is more like a subway, but is inexpensive and takes you by beautiful sights like these: 

What's in Philadelphia? 

The Liberty bell

The best Philly Cheese Steaks (ours from Jim's- on South Street Philadelphia)...and my favorite and one of the most amazing places I've been too..

A "pop-up" park. During our trip, we had one free night out, and we found this pop-up park. Basically, it's a large park in downtown Philadelphia that's operated during the summer and it has permanent hammocks on every tree, slowly changing lights in every tree, giant chess and lego's for children, and a neon, light-up plant display by the waterfront, food and drink venders, and restaurants all around. It was one of the best parts of the trip, and it was so enjoyable. 

There are also over 3,000 murals in and all around the city. Most tell stories about the city itself, and no matter where you turn, you're always looking at a different piece of artwork. My favorite display is on the side of the Klein Life Jewish Community Center (not pictured).

One of my other favorite visits we made, was some work at a Cathedral called Church of the advocate. It is a church located in Germantown, PA, that is a maily african American based church. Building started in 1890 and the church itself was finished in 1897. The large sanctuary has 14 large pieces of artwork done by two artists who were given 14 pieces of quotes/scriptures from the bible and told to make artwork out of them. I am not usually one to enjoy artwork just by looking at it, but these are beautiful and it's amazing to see the aging of the church as some of the arcs are crumbling . 

It was really enteresting, and it's also a historical landmark. They have a huge crypt under the alter and secret graves that are amazing and grave-size with the original casket lower-er. It does not have tours, but it is something that I will never forget! 

To top of the fun-filled week, we had gutter ice cream with city camp counselors...it was so yummy! 

Here are some pictures of the scenery heading out back to South Carolina! 

These are in Philadelphia 

These were taken in Virginia and West Virginia

Over all, this week was amazing. I have to admit that when I arrived, I didn't think it was going to be nearly this good, but I have made so many amazing new friendships that I will always cherish! This is so far, my longest blog, but I think it was worth it! The city of Philadelphia is amazing, the people so sweet, and I hope to come back and reconnect with everyone I've met throughout the week! For any questions or extra details you'd like to see, let me know in the comments below! Feel free to check out my Instagram and other social media sights that can be found in the side-bar. I may post a blog with photos pacifically of me, and my friends during the trip if I can get all the photo's gathered up from everyone! I hope to be posting in the next few days! Much love, 

~ Hannah Y.