Greetings from the land of cool temperatures (today, it did not hit 80 degrees) and cheaper gas (89 octane gas is $2.27) At noon today, we hit the midpoint of the trip. Things seem to be going very fast around here. I suppose that's a good sign, as I guess that it means things are going well, but at the same time you want to slow things down an savor the moments that you have with such a terrific group.

Taylor 's Reflections from Tuesday...

WOW each day keeps on getting better and better! We went to Freedom for Youth and it was awesome. The youth that go their don't stay there at night but spend the day there for something to do. We went up there in the morning, and at first I didn't feel like I was doing much. Me, Jake, and Kellie were working together, but what we were doing I couldn't do very well, so I felt useless. Our morning devotional and scripture this morning was about having patience, the Lord will find you something to do, and everything you do is important. Much later in the day, still feeling useless, I saw a little boy and went up and talked to him. His name was Ahmani from Tanzania. He was very shy at first, but after a while he warmed up to me and started talking to me about his background. He ended up working as much, if not more, than some of the mission trippers. It's just amazing to me that someone who has lost so much, could be open to so much, and do so much to help others. He was only 12, but I've learned so much from him, and I'm getting so much more thankfull for everything I have every day I'm here.

Kevin's Tuesday Reflection...

At 4:45 AM I had the pleasure of going to help the Salvation Army feed homeless people around downtown Des Moines. It was great weather and I was estatic to get started. Inside the truck, I got to cook quiche and give out all types of food to different homeless people. Although I felt bad for just giving handouts, I learned that to some, I was giving more than just a meal. I was giving them warmth and love with simple words as "hello," "how are you," and "have a great day." The next place to do God's work was at a place called "Freedom for Youth." There I met a great person named Gary who was a professional drummer at age 13. The work they do there, which is helping refugee kids get bikes and helping homeless kids make it out into the world on their own was...Phenomenal.

Fulton's Tuesday Reflection...

I crawled my tired butt out of bed at 4:15 am, got dressed, and climbed in the van to deliver meals to people in Des Moines, Iowa. I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful person, Jim, who was the Salvation Army Distaster Relief Van Driver. Even though we only visited a total of 3 or 4 sites we spent about 30-45 mins at each talking to and filling orders of the needy customers. Quiche, cereal bags, cinnamon rolls, granola bars, yogurt, and lemonade cartons were the choices for the people. Since I'm such a people person I got to work the window and talk to the people face to face greeting them, giving them their bags of food, and reminding them to have a blessed week. After having an amazing talk with Jim I asked him how I could get his job, his response was "why?". I just laughed. I explained in the past my family had been in the same position as these people standing in line. Life doesn't always go as planned and even though asking for help may be degrading to some, its needed. I told him I could honestly wake up every morning at 4:15 for the rest of my life if it meant helping people like this. The smiles and "God bless you" responses made my heart skip beats. I'm going to college in Missouri in the fall to major in missionary work and this is exactly what I want to do. He gave me a number to contact and the first chance I get I'm going to contact a Salvation Army near me. This is my calling, this is what makes me happy and what I have my heart set on. I knew there was a reason I lucked out and got a chance to do this job this morning. Out of 32 people I got to go. This is my 4th and final mission trip with Grace and I wanted it to be the best, maybe to the point where my expectations where high, but this day made a wonderful finale to my mission trip that isn't really even over until Sunday when we get back home. The people we served said they were blessed, but I think it was the other way around, I was blessed with this amazing experience. Thank you God and Rick.

Dave 5 is done and Day 6 has begun!

This was truly a long day. We finally got back to APC at 11:00 p.m., and as I write this, it is going on 1 a.m. on Tuesday and 10 of our folks will be heading into the city in less than four hours! Words cannot describe today, but I have not had time to download pictures, so words are all we have! Today, they come from 4 youth.

Racheal --
"Today is the fifth day and also the day we started working. I worked at the Door of Faith Center cleaning the Chapel and washing windows. There, I met a man named Dutch that was living in the center and going through a recovery program. We quickly struck up a conversation and became good buddies. However, the man that impacted me most today was a man named Larry. He was talking about the relationship with he had with his son and the words that stuck to me were, 'You can't change others, you can only change yourself.' They stuck with me because it reminded me of my relationship with my father and how I can't change him. I can only go down the right path and set an example of the way I hope that he should want to live. I was so awestruck that a man I just met could connect so deeply with me."


Mary --
"Today we met a homeless couple (Tina and David) who had recently gotten married. They had received donation after donation to make their wedding a reality and it wasn't until close to the end that the man in charge had realised that after the wedding, all they had to go back to was the tent camp on Raccoon River. So, once again, the man in charge (David B) asked for donations, but what he recieved was more than anyone expected. The landlord of an apartment complex had a tenant who was willing to pay first month's rent if she accepted them. She did with no questions asked and others (including our group) have donated money for the second and third months as well. We all decided to go and help them move into the appartment today and afterwards we blessed the appartment. I even decided to pitch in myself, so I gave Tina a twenty dollar bill. The look in her eyes when we did all of this for them was so touching and so thankful, and by the end, she was almost in tears. That touched me so much, and I was grateful that we were able to meet them."


Taylor --
"Wow is the word for it! At first when I found out I was working with homeless people I was not happy at all. I have never really gotten a great connection with them, and when I go any where like Church Under the Bridge, it just never works out for me that great. But when I got to the mission center today, it was amazing and I connected with a few people and they were normal people like you and me. It amazed me that they were so similar to me and that we connected so easily, and I don't know why that was so surprising to me. Today made me so happy for what I have in my life that I take for granted everyday."

Kody --
"Today was amazing. I don't if any of the other mission trippers have told this yet, but there was one couple who really touched me. It really was a reality check. The couple's name was David and Tina Friend, and they have been living in a tent camp since February of '09. Since then they have both accepted Christ Jesus in their lives, they got married, 2 weeks ago today. With donations and help from Hope Ministries have both gotten jobs. Also, with a little help from us and others, the have moved into an apartment complex. But that wasn't really the touching part. The touching part was to see how the works of God have unfolded for this couple after accepting Christ in their lives. We were blessing the apartment and in the middle of singing 'Sanctuary' four 4 military jets flew overhead. It was almost like God was sending his version of a fireworks show finalizing the move. David and Tina were glad to find out that 3 months rent has been paid for, This will help get them on their feet and save up the money from their new jobs. They were truly thankful and it was just one of the best feelings I've ever felt."

Sunday -- Day 4

Day Four -- Sunday, June 28:

It was a day of rest and re-creation. The team led worship, received a briefing on the work week, spent the afternoon bobbing in the waves at Saylorville Lake, and ended the day hanging out with the Ankeny Pres. Praise Team.

I continue to marvel at the great kids we have in Grace Presbytery. They did a great job in leading worship this morning. Jake brought out a few tears when, as part of the opening of worship, said the words "Children of God, Welcome Home!"

Today was a lot of fun, but the group is eager to get past this part of the trip and get into the work! That starts in the morning!

The following reflections come from group members. Enjoy!

A Reflection by Calvin...

Today was one of the most remarkable days of this mission trip that I have experienced. In a small church in Ankeny where there is a traditional and ceontemporary service, the heart of the people here are monumental. The two services were entirely youth-led, and the sermons all showed a small part of the grace that God so often pours into our lives. Out of all the beach fun and church services that we participated in, the greatest moment was our evening worship time. Today I surely saw a bit of God's amazing grace in the bonds that have been created in our mission trip already. I can only hope for more true blessings from this group of loveable people.

A Reflection by Kevin...

Today was a day to remember. In all the mission trips I've gone to thus far, there has never been a day that I have truely enjoyed so early in a mission trip. The day started off with two services that were incredible. I believe people liked my sermon and I am glad that I got to make a little difference in someone's life. The people in Iowa are incredibly kind and they look out for each other. I thought I'd be scared coming into this community, but they make me feel like home. We went to the beach today. I didn't get to swim, but I spent a great afternoon getting to play games with my new family. A true God moment for me was getting to discuss the day, both good and bad. It was a sad moment, but I think it brought me closer to the group. God was here this Sunday.

A Reflection by Christine...

Today was an AMAZING day!! We were able to interact with many of the church members and listen to their praises about the group going to help out in their houses yesterday. We were able to go to the lake and Kellie and I ran into the water quickly because it was freezing cold. There were many chicken fights and there was a 3 person stack on Jason's shoulders. Once we were finished swimming we had a great cook out that was filled with fellowship and a game of Wa. I feel like everyone really connected today and I can not wait for the connections that will be built tomorrow!!

Day 3 -- A Very Full Day!!

Day 3: It was packed, not a lot of dead time. This was the team's schedule --

8:00 a.m. -- The Ankeny folks provided breakfast that included some truly decadent cinnamon rolls.

8:30 a.m. -- Morning devotions -- today's prayer people were Alec, Kevin, and me.

9:00 a.m. -- The Service begins:

14 folks went to Des Moines and provided child care at the Hope Family Shelter- would you let your kids play with these folks?

18 folks stayed in Ankeny to do a "Good Neighbor Project for members of APC - mostly yardwork. Got to meet some really neat folks. It was a good way to introduce ourselves to the congregation.

Whacking weeds or perfecting a golf swing?

12:45 p.m. -- Lunch -- again provdied by our hosts! They have been so gracious. What a

blessing.

2:00 p.m. -- The Walmart grocery blitz -- our organization was great, but that did not stop

us from over buying some items. 5 containers of mustard is WAYYY too much! We did set mission trip history -- loaded the groceries in 4 minutes and unloaded them in the same -- and it wasn't even raining. The attraction of showers is a powerful force.

3:45 p.m. -- Shower Time at the Y

4:30 p.m. -- Worship Rehearsal with the Praise Team for Sunday's 11 a.m. service.

5:30 p.m. -- Worship Rehearsal for the 9 a.m. service -- while Rick's crew was creating a Mexican fiesta.

6:45 p.m. -- Dinner

8:30 p.m. -- Spirit Fest -- A Christian Music concert under clear skies and 65 degree temps!

I have heard of two people sharing a drink, but four??

11:45 p.m. -- Trying to get the folks to bed! It is easier to herd cats!

In between, there was some soccer on the back lawn; writing notes to prayer buddies; and general times of hanging out together. This is really a very interesting group of folks! A few pictures for you all from some of today's actions -- sorry, we were not permitted to take pictures of the children at the shelter...so nothing from there! That's it for today! Good night!!

A little soccer action!

We Made It!

At 5:35 p.m. today, the Grace Gang rolled into the parking lot of Ankeny Presbyterian Church. After two days on the road, we have arrived!

For the most part, the trip was uneventful -- hot, but uneventful. Thursday saw us stop off in Oklahoma City, where Westminster Pres allowed us to use their beautiful new, state of the art youth room for our lunch and devotional break. It was a wonderful place to get off the road and chillax for a bit.

Rolling into Wichita, one bank's temperature sign read 109 degrees! Talk about your warm welcomes! Covenat Pres in Wichita hosted us and we shared in our traditional first night "passing of the mantle". The recently graduated seniors who were Grace Mission Trip vets, passed the mantle (trip shirts) and commissioned the group with a charge to be "beacons of hope and encouragement".

Friday's travels took us north to Salina, Kansas where we found a highway rest area for morning devotions. After that we continued north to York, NE and then turned right! At lunch in Lincoln, Rick and Jim offered to introduce the group to a Nebraska tradition -- runzas -- but only Marianne, Wes, Tricia, and Ainsley met the challenge!

Upon arrival in Ankeny, we were greeted by our hosts Mary and Doug Kohlsdorf who showed up around. It turns out that Mary was one of Olivia's advisors at GA last year! Small world!! Dinner was another Nebraska tradition that has spread over to Iowa -- Valentino's Grand Italian Buffet. I think the group was well fed!

Saturday will be busy, so it is time to sign off. Hopefully some of the group members will join in the blogging as the week goes by! Peace to you all from Ankeny, Iowa.

Anticipation...

One van and trailer is sitting in the parking lot here at 6700 Sandshell, while the other one is with Jesse in Carrollton. Wes has the mini-van in his possession and the countdown continues. A couple of years ago while cruising I-20 in west Texas on a trip to Ciudad Juarez, my friend Ron Salfen asked "when are you the happiest?" I looked over at him and said "right now!"

I am the happiest when I am behind the wheel of one of Capps Van Rental's fine white vans or similar vehicle (First Pres GI's "Shake and Bake" comes to mind), loaded with a group of high school kids, and headed for a mission adventure. For me, that is a big part of what my life and ministry has been all about -- kids and mission trips. Mission Trips are one of my great passions, and I love it when I can share it with the young people of the church!

For the record -- this is going to be Grace Presbytery's 15th summer youth mission trip and 18th overall. For me, it is #14 and #17 respectively and #36 overall. I am sure that I have logged a couple of hundred thousand miles doing this. It never gets old; in fact, it is energizing. My spirit comes alive.

I am ready to hit the road. I am ready for some happiness with 31 special travelling companions. The next eleven days will be amazing!

Less Than Twenty-Four Hours To Go

The countdown is now under 24 hours. The group assembles at Trinity Presbyterian Church in The Colony at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning to pack up and head north. There will be 32 of us -- 25 youth, 6 adults advisors, and our wonderful college student who serves as our community life consultant and our (Wes' and mine) right hand person

Today is preparation day. The biggest and most time consuming part of the whole deal is picking up the wonderful white vans from Capps and those incredibly fine trailers from U-Haul. With it supposed to be 100 degrees today, I sure hope that things go well. We always seem to have a snag with the trailers...maybe today God will shine upon us and everything will go like clockwork!

So tomorrow it will be The Colony to Oklahoma City (Westminster Pres for lunch) and then on to Covenant Pres in Wichita for our overnight. Can't wait!!

Hope and Encouragement: Intro

Hope and Encouragement: the theme words for Grace Presbytery's Youth in Mission Trip. These words come from II Thessalonians 2:16-17.

On Thursday, June 25, a group of 32 youth and adults representing nearly a dozen Grace Presbytery congregations will depart for an eleven day journey that will take us to Ankeny, a suburban community just north of Des Moines, Iowa. While there, it is our intention to be a source of hope and encouragement, not only for our ministry partners at Hope Ministries and Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, but that we will be a source of hope and encouragement for all whom we meet as we travel across Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri.

This blog has been created to be a place for the team members to share our stories with families and friends! We invite you to check in as we share our journey.

--Rick Carus, Co-Director of Youth in Mission