Strength in numbers: AFLC’s Scavenger Hunt 2023

By J’Lani De Four

“Please tell me we not going South! We ain’t want to drive to South at all!”, said many of our scavengers before the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission’s Scavenger Hunt even started. The theme was Building Community, Inclusivity and Dialogue.

Though April 1 began with little remarks such as these, that still did not deter families from pressing on.

You saw the excitement as families prepared to ready, set, go for something  they were not even sure of how it was going to unfold or where they were even going.

Isn’t that intriguing? We tend to gravitate to things that come with a heightened sense of certainty, with little room for doubt or worry to seep in. What made this journey so bearable then? How come these families were so willing?

Apart from it being something different and fun, they cherished the blessing of community. And not just their own family unit, but seeing other families involved as well.

“He sent them out two by two”, “where two or three are gathered, there Christ is rejoicing”, “we though many form one body”, and so forth. The biblical accounts are there, and by participating in this Scavenger Hunt, these families embodied their faith.

The Hunt incorporated aspects of both our Archdiocese and our country, beginning at the Catholic Centre in Chaguanas, and spreading the scavengers nationwide, as far as Sacred Heart RC in La Brea (they went South after all) and also to the Cathedral in Port of Spain.

There were even pit stops at Renegades panyard on Charlotte Street, and San Fernando Hill. The expressions on the faces of both children and parents as they completed the Hunt displayed signs of joy, fulfilment, camaraderie, perseverance, and love.

One mother shared, “It has been a really wonderful experience. We quarrelled in the car, got lost, and we visited so many places we always wanted to go but never made the time.

“We met other families, evangelised on the streets; it felt good to be among people. We enjoyed it so much that we stopped focusing on completing the activities hurriedly to make it to the finish line, but just enjoyed the experience and each other.

“We arrived last, long after everyone else, but we are very happy that we completed the challenge, which is a good life lesson – try to complete what you started. We will definitely be back next year and hope to bring many more family and friends with us.”

As we rejoice during this Easter Season and reflect on Jesus’ victory over evil, may we recognise that firing up your Catholic Family DNA is discovering that there is beauty in togetherness.