Abigail Nokland - A Young Adult Advisory Delegate’s (YAAD) Journey to PC(USA) General Assembly 2024 Salt Lake City, Utah

At the end of June, I embarked on what I thought would be a easy-peasy trip to the PCUSA General Assembly, but little did I know it would turn into an exhilarating adventure filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments.

It all began at Albany International Airport on a Friday morning. Despite my early start, things took an unexpected turn when I encountered an unexpectedly long TSA line. With my flight boarding time rapidly approaching, panic started to set in. In a moment of desperation, a tearful plea to airport staff led to an unexpected solution: a wheelchair and a fast-tracked journey through security, bypassing the line and making it to my gate just in time. It was a moment of relief and newfound independence, having navigated the challenge of flying solo for the first time.

However, the challenges weren’t over yet. Shortly after takeoff, an announcement was made: our flight needed to make an emergency landing in Cleveland, Ohio, due to maintenance issues. What was supposed to be a short flight turned into a lengthy ordeal, and upon landing, I realized I had missed my connecting flight in Chicago.

Like many others stranded from the same flight, I faced a long wait and a tough decision: wait nine hours for the next available flight to Salt Lake City or opt for a longer route through Los Angeles with a shorter layover. Exhausted and eager to reach my destination, I chose the latter. A four-hour flight to LAX followed by a brief layover finally got me back on track, much later than originally planned.

Arriving in Salt Lake City late that evening, running on just a few hours of sleep and nearly a full day of travel, I was relieved to see familiar faces and feel the welcoming embrace of the General Assembly community. Despite the rocky journey, my time in Utah was nothing short of transformative.

Days were filled with engaging meetings, inspiring worship sessions, and the joy of connecting with fellow attendees from across the country. One memorable morning, a few of us woke up at dawn to climb Ensign Peak, soaking in the quiet beauty and reflecting on the journey that brought us all together.

Each day began with communal worship, followed by passionate discussions on various committee proposals, and concluded with heartfelt prayers that united us in purpose and faith. The experience of meeting so many new friends and engaging in meaningful conversations reaffirmed my belief in the importance of gatherings like the General Assembly.

Looking back, while the journey tested my patience and resolve, it also taught me valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. The challenges I faced along the way ultimately added depth to my experience and strengthened my connection to the community I now proudly call my own.

As I boarded my return flight home, exhausted yet filled with gratitude, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound impact this journey had on me. The unexpected twists and turns made it clear that sometimes the most meaningful experiences arise from moments of challenge and uncertainty. I left Utah with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the bonds forged through shared faith and shared journeys.

My trip to the PCUSA General Assembly was more than just a series of flights and meetings—it was a journey of growth, discovery, and unwavering faith in the power of community. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Abigail Nokland “P”    -  Ensign Peak, Salt Lake City, UT

General Assembly 2024 YAAD — Hudson River Presbytery

Wurffel-Sills Scholarship and Interest-Free Loan Recipient