Two Churches Converge On Dominick’s Hill

Wonder Voyage is celebrating 25 years of connecting people with wonder. We are filling our blog with stories of our staff and partners around the globe. This week, we look at Wonder Voyage in 2003.

2003: The Year of Firsts

Thanks to Expozure’s success, Shawn Small received his first full paycheck as the Executive Director of Wonder Voyage in 2003. In addition, it was the first time an unlikely combination of two different denominations traveled together. One was an Episcopal church led by youth minister Molly Wren, and the other was an Assemblies of God church with two lay leaders, Shane and Georgia Small.

The group stayed at Esker Monastery, a picturesque hamlet in the Irish countryside that would look at home on a postcard.

The History of Dominick’s Hill

Dominick’s Hill was a place of worship for persecuted Christians seeking refuge from English soldiers laying waste in Oliver Cromwell’s footsteps. Three priests used the Hill as a hidden sanctuary for their congregation. It became a place of refuge that allowed their parish a view of the surrounding territory and early warning of English patrols.

Today, the people of Esker and the nearby towns don’t have to go to Dominick’s Hill to worship, but it remains a place full of mystical relevance. It reminds us of God’s connection to us in times of hardship.

Wonder Voyage at The Hill

The Hill has become a sacred place in Wonder Voyage’s history. It is a place that bespeaks love, dedication, and sacrifice- and God has met us there.

Our deep connection with Dominick’s Hill started on that 2003 co-pilgrimage as God called Molly, Shane, and Georgia to join Wonder Voyage.

Key Takeaways From The Hill

Before the trip, the team prayed, “Lord, Your will be done.” By the end of the trip, Shawn realized he was no longer alone on the journey.

In addition, that trip opened the door for many Wonder Voyage firsts. For instance, they realized that every trip is a story in itself and needs a title. In addition, they discovered that service work can create a legacy by partnering with long-term local outreaches and asking them for “the job that nobody else wants.” Also, they brought in local storytellers to give our pilgrims a rich cultural experience. Finally, Stone Soup became a part of the Wonder Voyage experience.

From this trip, new pieces of the puzzle moved into place, pieces that have become part of Wonder Voyage’s ethos and culture.