Mission Trip or Pilgrimage to Delaware

"our Nation’s history comes to life"

VOYAGE TYPE

Historical Site
Mission Opportunity
Outdoor Adventure

The great state of Delaware offers adventure at every corner. One of the oldest states in the country, it is small but dense. Originally inhabited by a few different Native American Tribes, then settled by the Dutch and Swedes and eventually colonized by the British, the area is unrivaled in terms of depth and importance. Our Nation’s history comes to life in vibrant retellings of past events and the beautiful setting encourages the sense of adventure.

A Wonder Voyage to Delaware begins in the North and focuses on service and urban adventure. Then travel South down to a quaint coastal town to explore the land and waters that characterize this small wonder. A pilgrimage to Delaware brings to life the stories of our founding fathers and allows space and time to craft a new narrative for a modern world.

Overview

Worship in one of the oldest churches in America.
Discover relics from the Revolutionary War.
Wander cobblestone alleys of the colonial past.
Explore Atlantic waters by kayak or paddle board.
Work to clean up and restore a historic neighborhood.
Celebrate a shoreside Eucharist at sunset.

Itinerary

Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.

Journey Of The Heart
Welcome to Delaware! Known as the “First State” because it was the first to ratify the Constitution, Delaware makes up for its small size with an abundance of historically significant sites and beautiful outdoor spaces. Our time here will immerse us into the place where faith, culture, and service entwine. As we settle in for a week of adventure, reflection, fellowship, and fun, we pray for the Lord to join us on this journey of the heart.
Work & Pray
Ora et Labora, or “pray and work”, was at the foundation of the rule of life advocated by St Benedict of Nursia and his Benedictine Brothers. Benedict believed that work and prayer needed to go hand in hand in a way that one’s life and labor truly became a living prayer. We will spend our day engaging in the practice of prayer and work as we serve at a local farm. May our offering of work and prayer today be filled with the Holy Spirit and may we make a connection between the food we eat and the work that produces it
Fear & Trust
“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” This phrase from William Faulkner reminds us that often the first step in building trust is facing fears. The thought is ours to ponder today as we embark on an adventure in the treetops of a local state park. The afternoon leads us on a wetland hike through forests of black cherry, sweet gum, and maple trees.
Eco Means Home
In the word ecology, the root eco means “home.” Part of humankind’s covenant with God is the charge to care for the planet, our home. We undertake this sacred task today with an environmental project under the guidance of a local conservation organization. The afternoon allows time for an adventure on the water. As we take in the beauty of all we see, let us ponder the words of Henry David Thoreau, “What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
Energized By Rest
Our final full day in Delaware is set aside for recreation. While our culture tends to use this word to describe anything that is not work, the real definition is more nuanced; it is really a process of giving new life to something. So while we explore and have fun enjoying the beautiful beaches, we consider the true source of new life as described by our faith. As our adventures wind down, we take time to celebrate, reflect, and remember the journey our hearts have made this week.
The Journey Continues
“Faith is not the clinging to a shrine but an endless pilgrimage of the heart.” It is with these words from Abraham Joshua Heschel that we send St. Columba’s pilgrims forth once again, this time to the familiarity of home. Go with our prayers for the pilgrimage of your hearts to continue onward.