It is really hard to bring such a good experience to an end, but I fear that we may be coming to that point. The waves that we set off during those eleven days in June and early July continue to ripple, both here in Texas and up in Iowa.
Here are five more "final" reflections for you all:
ERIC ...
"IowaMission Trip… I don’t know what to say, it was an unexpected trip. Not unexpected as in no one was expecting to go, but unexpecting as in the events that took place during the trip. This Mission trip was a trip nothing like any other that I’ve/ we’ve ever had. We did simple things such as house chores, making gardens, playing with children, and sometimes even busy work, instead of doing the tasks that we are use to facing on a mission trip; building houses, roof work, demolition/construction. All the tasks may have seemed insufficient but in the end its what God asked us to do and it was done hopefully up to his standards. We need to remember that every task we complete is important in its own way."
LEANNA...
"As a graduated senior, this trip to Iowa was my third and last high school Youth In Mission trip. Senior year was winding down and as summer approached I prepared myself emotionally and spiritually to go on this trip and recuperate for college. I figured this trip would really set me on the right path as I headed to A&M. As it turns out, this trip did so much more for me than I expected. Not only did we help people, but during all of the work I learned how to look at what we accomplished, no matter how big or small, and realize it was all for God. The best part of the realization was that I knew God appreciated any and every step we took along this trip, even though at times it felt like no one else did. I came back with stronger relationships with my already best friends, and created relationships with many others as well! This is not to say that my last trip was perfect, but I can't see it going any other way. The most important friendships, memories, and favorite God moments are all thanks to Rick Carus and these Youth in Mission trips. Thanks & Gig 'Em :) "
KAMERON...
"These mission trips always make me happy after a year of going to school and dealing with crazy people, but this particular trip was even more special than all the others: it changed my life. I was so excited when I found out that we were going to help out people less fortunate than us because that is what I try to be about. Not only did this trip help me decide what I wanted to do with my life but it also helped me to truly feel the presence of God. I have always gone through the motions of being a Christian but only after this trip have I felt the presence of a true friend that will always be there and listen to what I have to say. God along with other amazing people that I became close to will always be in my life and since after my senior year things will start to change…knowing them comforts me."
JASON ...
"This mission trip was just what I needed before heading off to college. My life has been chaotic towards the end of the year with AP tests, graduation, getting ready for college, and the list goes on and on. This trip got me to focus again on what I really love to do which is serving God and helping others less fortunate than I am. I feel refreshed and better off because of this trip. I have looked forward to mission trips every summer for quite some time now and even though this trip had its bumpy moments, I still loved it. I enjoy sleeping in my own bed ratherthan an air mattress, but I still miss Iowa and everything about it. Igot to strengthen relationships with old friends as well as make newones, but at the same time I strengthened my relationship with God.Grace mission trips have changed my life, given me so many greatmemories, and made me appreciate how blessed I am. I hope to do more mission work in the future."
JIM ... "I add my vote to the many voices saying the Youth in Mission trip was fantastic. It was mission trips like this that led me into ministry and it was good to get connected back with my roots. It was a joy to live and work with and get to know all the young people and the leaders of the trip. I am so proud of the young people, their hard work, compassion, intelligence, thoughtfulness and talent, especially my “family,” Chantal, Kellie, Lee and Alec. Another bright point for me was meeting all the folks from Ankeny Presbyterian Church, Mary and Doug, Alice and Dottie and the other inspiring people with we met along the way with the stories of how God has touched their lives, Noel from Sudan, Larry from Hope Iowa, and of course Teenah and David. Pay attention Grace Presbytery. As I have learned in my own family, mission is often the only thing that holds our kids connected to the church and it can change their lives. Don’t lose this."
Jim Reinarz First Presbyterian Church Grand Prairie, TX
The group is gathering with other Mission Trip alumni and friends for a Reunion and Celebration this coming Sunday. We will see if that gathering produces any Final "Final Thoughts". If not, this may be the final installment. Only God knows for sure.
The team continues to share their final thoughts. One of the posts is a little long, but it tells a great story. Take time to read all of it!
There are still more insights to come after this. Stay tuned, the stroytelling continues!
Jesse –
"My trip this year started with some extra baggage. First, there was so muchat work and some businesses had to wait 'til I came back and as I was walking out to go get the van they were still trying to get me to do some task. I was being pulled so many directions by this. Also to add to the mix was what the Presbytery had done to balance the budget. This weighed heavy on my heart.
"As we started to mesh as one team all those feelings went away and I was able to concentrate on the task at hand. The people of Ankeny opened their hearts and made us feel at home. I could not believe that people were actual living by the river and so many people were hungry. The meals that Hope Café provides are such blessings. Riding on the Salvation Army Canteen was also another blessing.
"There were a few speed bumps dealing with Habitat and The Children’s Center. I had to
keep reminding myself that even if were just cleaning, it was still part of God’s big plan. This was truly a test of faith to not whine and just believe. I will miss the family I made both on the trip and in Ankeny. To not see 31 other people at breakfast, lunch, and dinner is very strange. My life always changes for the better after these trips. Somehow I am more at peace than before I left. The trip was so great that I wanted to get in another van and head off to another site. There is a piece of everyone in my heart and that will go with me where ever I go. I will always feel each one of the team."
Kreig –
"So you ask me what this trip means to me, well this trip meant a lot to me. The only reason why I have gone on these trips was because this man named RRRICK, as I like to call him, begged me to go. I didn't want to go at first because I didn't want to waste 2 weeks of my summer to go on mission trips. That was 3 years ago. And if it wasn't for RRRICK I would've never known about these trips. The main reason why I went on this trip was to help more people. I have enjoyed my past mission trips. But I heard that this will be the last mission trip for RRRICK. And I wanted his last mission trip to be the best one, and the one that he will never forget. So this trip meant a lot not just for me but for RRRICK, and I will never forget him.
"There's only one thing that I brought back from Iowa, and it was the pink candle from our last worship together. This candle was given to all the up coming seniors, and the graduated seniors had maroon candles. And all the graduated seniors blew out their candles and they said,'we are passing the torch to y'all up coming seniors'. What I felt I can't explain. I just know I want this to never end. The work we do and the people we help. I like doing God's work. Now I have one more year for these trips and I will definitely go on my last one. Even though RRRICK won't be there, he will always be mot just in my heart, but in all the other people he touched in his life.Thanks RRRICK for everything. I will never forget you."
Sarah –
"This was my first Mission Trip in three years, and the first in which I participated as an advisor. After experiencing 2 years of college without the ever-refreshing Mission Trip during the summer break to, well- refresh my relationship with God, I came with high expectations. Having gone into situations before with expectations, I should have already known the outcome, but I once again failed to remember that going into something new with expectations is a recipe for disaster. It took until the last night of the trip for me to realize my purpose there. I learned a lot about myself, and made some new friends. It is my hope and prayer that this trip can happen again next summer, and that it will touch the lives of all those who are chosen to participate. Thank you for reading about our thoughts and experiences. I hope that
they have touched you. Thank you again, and God Bless."
Calvin –
"As a graduated senior, this trip was my final high school mission trip with Grace. However, this ending felt more like a promising beginning for my transition to college and my love for ministry and missionary work. I learned to be more accepting of things that were completed and tasks that I was given regardless of how much I completed or actually contributed. I left with God, 4 others, and sorrow about my future. I returned with 31 people, a greater sense of God’s steadfast love, and the ability to understand God’s intentions in my life."
Kody –
"This was my 3'rd consecutive mission trip, and every one of them have been on my birthday. I don't know about you, but hearing the birthday song sung to you every hour on the hour is just a little on the annoying side. But, to be honest with you I can't think of a better way to spend a birthday than on a mission trip doing God's work. All of the mission trips that i have been on have been wonderful. I get so close to God while on these mission trips. They keep my life on track and remind me of how fortunate I am. I'm not going to lie. I didn't think little old Iowa was going to rise to my expectations. At first I was scared that I wasn't going to get as close to God as I did on the previous trips. But this trip was full of surprises.
"On a previous blog during the trip I talked about a couple that we met. 'The friends' were a great inspiration and example of how great Gods love really is. their story truly touched me. I will never forget the day when we met them and they showed us the tent camps where they lived in before accepting Christ Jesus in their lives. The transition from tent to apartment complex within a year's time was truly amazing. I just wish more people who don't believe God makes miracles happen could hear this story. This trip was truly amazing and by far the best ever. Thank you Grace Presbytery, and thank you Rrrick."
Trish –
"Hope and Encouragement, WOW I never thought what those two words REALLY meant until I was lucky enough to be able to go out with 8 or 9 other people at 4:45am and help serve breakfast to many of Des Moines, Iowa's homeless, and also having the wonderful oppurtunity to help one very sweet couple move into their new apartment.
"My first REAL glance at Hope and Encouragement was on a LOVELY afternoon when we all met at Bethel Mission and were introduced to David and Tina. Dave (the man at Bethel) had told us this wonderful story of a Cinderella dream come true for one young lady and her Prince Charming! David and Tina had met years prior to this day and they by chance ran into each other again several months ago. They revived their friendship and fell in love and were wanting to get married. Well, neither of them had the means for a nice wedding, so they were going to go to the JP. They asked Dave if they could have their wedding at the Chapel at Bethel Mission and had asked Dave if he was a minister. Dave replied by saying YES you can have your wedding in the Chapel, but no I am not a minister. Dave thought for a moment and said 'I do have a friend who is a minister and I bet he would be willing to officiate the wedding'. About the same time all this was happening there happened to be a group of volunteers there and they asked if they could be part of the wedding and all parties agreed.
"Tina and David were both wondering what they should wear since neither of them really had anything 'nice enough' to wear for a wedding. SO Dave sent them to the Hope Bargain Store where there had just recently been donated wedding dresses and a BRAND NEW Suit. There was a dress that fit Tina perfectly and a suit that fit David, so NOW they were ready to be married. Suddenly it dawned on Dave that this lovely couple really didn't have anywhere to go to enjoy their first night of wedded bliss. However, once again through the GRACE of GOD there was a donation made for them to have a WONDERFUL night at a nice hotel and a VERY nice dinner.
"After their honeymoon night was over they went back to their tent camp on the river and found their home burned and their clothes ruined. NOW what will they do, they thought. But GOD was not done with them and there came an opportunity for them to move into an apartment. Again, everything came into place and action was taken and now they would get to move into a "REAL" home! As of the day we helped them move in, we were told that at least 3 months of rent were paid in full and both David and Tina had a job waiting for them!! God does amazing things for everyone!! The point of this story was to show how David and Tina received HOPE for the future & ENCOURAGEMENT for them to continue through life and help others as they had been helped!
"My other 'eye opening' experience was the VERY early in the morning Salvation Army Breakfast Truck. We went through the city of Des Moines and helped serve breakfast and pass out food for many of the city's homeless. I realized that this opportunity offered a chance, again, for us to give HOPE & ENCOURAGEMENT to all we had served by giving them a friendly smile, nourishment for them and their families, and a God loves you to help them through their day.
"This year's trip was one of the MOST AMAZING ones I have been on and I am glad that God has helped me realize that this is what I LOVE to do and would LOVE to do it all the time."
This morning, fourteen members of Youth in Mission 2009 were together at First Presbyterian Church in Bonham. The reason for this gathering was that three of our mission trip friends, Kameron, Taylor, and Jake, were leading the Sunday morning worship. Kameron was the scripture reader, while Jake and Taylor shared the morning's message. Taylor and Jake shared the "Amazing Grace" message that was part of our time in Ankeny, each one of them adding their own conclusions to the message, sharing stories of God's amazing grace in their lives. It was a great day as the cheering section listened to their colleagues share their witness. What a terrific day. We wish you all could have been there!
At lunch after church, Wes commented that we should have picked a better picture for his entry in yesterday's blog. So, in fairness to brother Wes, here are some of the other choices that I had available to me. You are invited to vote for your favorite and make comments as necessary! So, here they are ...
(1) -- Saturday at Wal-mart -- Wes and his Spiderman towel
(2) -- Sunday before church -- "Rabbit-ears Wes"
(3) -- Tuesday at the Freedom Center -- "Mr. Wes being attentive!"
(4) -- Friday -- WES, "The License Plate"
(5) -- Wes, "The Water Guy"
(6) Not Wes ... just our friendly neighborhood woodchuck!
Greetings!
In the last posting, I promised to share the final reflections of our group members. The story of Grace Presbytery's Youth in Mission Trip, "Hope and Encouragement", is best told by those who were the heart of the experience -- the 25 incredible young people and their seven leaders! So, as promised, here is the first installment -- seven responses. More yet to come!
Taylor ..."The mission trip in Iowa was absolutely amazing. It changed the lives of the people we were helping, and it changed the lives of the people doing the helping! It was a unique experience and God works in awesome ways!"
Kevin ... "It has been 6 days since mission trip ended and I still haven’t been able to let the feelings go. Although I love getting to sleep in my nice bed and not waking up super early, I feel like I’d give it all away just to go back to Iowa again. Looking back at the trip, I loved the people that we served in Iowa, the small community with a big heart. I loved the people that accompanied me during the 11 days, and all of the wonderful fellowships. IfI had one regret, it is that I wish I could do more; but this trip has truly changed my life. Words can’t express what this trip truly meant to me, but I’ve gained a unbelievable relationship with God, great friends, and a passion to do more mission work in the future."
Marianne ... "This trip has really meant a lot to me. Especially ALL the friends I have made! I never thought I would be a part of a group that was younger than me and that has a love for the Lord the way these kids do and shared with us! I see mighty things happening in their futures!!! God is blessing them and especially me!!!! (Through them!!!) What I have brought back with me is an even greater and deeper love for the Lord and His People!!! He is Mighty and Awesome and Worthy of Praise!!! Thanks for ALL the memories!!! "
Jake ... "It’s good to be back in Texas, but I already miss Iowa. As weird as it sound’s, I’m homesick for a place that I’ve only spent a few days at. I suppose that it’s due to the amazing experiences and the great bonds of friendship I made while I was there. I learned that there’s a time to have fun and be silly, and there’s a time to be serious. I’ve also learned to never hesitate to help someone in need. It doesn’t matter if they look strange or different. They are a child of God and they are loved by Him just as much as you are."
Wes ... "After being a part of 17 mission trips, giving to those in need is in my blood! I return refreshed and in receipt of so much more of God’s grace that I could ever give. This year was particularly enlightening due to the amount of contact with those we served. We heard stories of men going from multiple six-figure incomes to losing everything within a matter of months. I pray every day for the strength to not make the same bad decisions they did and thank God every day for all I have and all those around me that offer me unconditional love. One day I hope mission work replaces my “real jobs” so I can work in an area of my true passion while serving the Lord!"
Olivia ... "Saying that this trip was perfect is a lie. But through the bumps, grumbles and lazy moments I believe we all learned more about ourselves and about the patience we
have with others and with God. Although spiritually I lacked a connection with God, the friendships that I made on this trip really helped me more than I could have ever asked. Sharing fellowship, van rides, meandering around the job sites, and sharing similar stories in the most random of places, I felt a bond that only God could have helped create between our discordant group. I love you all. Peace, Love and Grace"
Christine... "This trip has really meant the world to me. It helped me to understand the true value of helping God's people and it brought me down to earth to understand that I am no greater than anyone else. I also was able to experience the unity of the group which was incredible because so many of us come from different cliques and we all live different lives but we were all put there by God to serve His people. This trip brought me SO much closer to God and the entire time I felt his awesome presence surrounding everything that we did. I started to understand that being independent and trying to do things on my own will not be worth my time. I now know that I need to allow God to work through me. All of the people that I met will always be in my heart and I know that I can count on them to help me out with anything. This trip was an escape from the world for me and I believe that everyone needs that every once in a while. God worked through all of us in 11 days and He taught me many life lessons that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. "
This concludes this installment. In the next post, you will get to hear from Kody, Kreig, Calvin, Trish (she wrote a book), Sarah, Jesse, and hopefully some of the others who've yet to share their reflections!
The Grace Youth in Mission team returned to Trinity Pres in The Colony at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday night, July 5. We are home from our excursion to the land of Cyclones and Hawkeyes, but definitely not finished. The experience of 11 days in the summer of 2009 will last for some time.
Our collective memories will remember people:
The Friends from Ankeny Pres, including Mary and Doug, Jay, Jeff, Cooper, the Praise Team and others
The Children from Hope Ministries' Family Shelter
The Staff at Bethel Mission and Door of Faith -- David, Larry, Matt, Tom, Bud, and those courageous men, engaged in treatment programs, who have stories of faith and hope to share will anyone who will listen.
The countless folks who come to Hope Cafe to received both physical and spiritual nourishment and shelter.
The newlyweds -- David and Teenah
The Staff and Kids at the Freedom Center -- especially Mark, who ran over Rick, Trish and Company's bricks, and Gary who has a real passion for that ministry.
The Habitat Folks
We will also remember happenings:
"Spirit Midwest"
Worship on Sunday at Ankeny Pres -- especially the messages delivered by Taylor, Calvin, Kevin, and Sarah; also the way that Jake said, "Children of God ... Welcome Home"!
Trekking 2.5 miles round trip from the picnic shelter to the beach at Saylorville Lake -- Jesse doing the return uphill trip barefoot, having blown out a sandal
Visiting a homeless camp on the Raccoon River
Riding the Salvation Army Breakfast Truck at 5:00 a.m.
Moving a young couple into a new apartment, and the Air National Guard jets that flew over in formation during our house blessing.
Making "We Care" kits -- and the Wal-Mart clerk who rang up each of 463 items individually. The receipt was taller than Taylor!
Taking a group of very hyper 4-12 year olds miniature golfing at Sleepy Hollow.
Playing "Capture the Flag" with the Ankeny youth -- and the walking wounded that the game produced.
The Senior-led last night worship in Wichita -- with Olivia and Jason sharing communion leadership with Rick.
We will remember the work and the effect that it will have on the Des Moines community in big and small ways.
Finally, we will remember each other...
Nine Graduated Seniors -- a very gifted group who brought spirit and leadership in diverse and special ways -- Alec, Ainsley, Chantal, Fulton, Olivia, Calvin, Kevin, Jason, and Leanna. They will be missed, but they will have new opportunities to carry on the mission trip spirit in such far-flung places as New Haven, CT; Evanston, IL; Liberty, MO; Maryville, TN; and places across Texas.
Sixteen Young People who hopefully will be back for more in 2010 -- Kody, Kreig, Chelsea A., Audra, Kameron, Jake, Kellie -- the next group of Seniors; plus Christine, Chelsea M., Paige, Taylor, Racheal, Mary, Randy, Lee, and Eric.
Our Leadership Team -- Marianne, Jim, Trish, Wes, Jesse, Sarah, and of course this author.
We were quite a sight travelling through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. We tried hard to reflect the way of our Lord and be his hands, feet, head, and heart along the way. Some days were better than others, but we kept on trying.
The journey may have ended, but there will be stories to share. "Hope and Encouragement" will have more to share. Stay tuned!! We are not done!!
Sorry for not having an entry on Thursday, but there was a good reason for it.
One of the things that comes with living in a group like this is that things don't always go as planned. The group gets tired and loses focus, leading to those moments when you have to step back and take stock of who we are as individuals and a team. We had one of those days on Thursday. We needed to step back and make a mid course correction. The result was an early night for the whole group and no time for blogging.
The group entered into this day better rested and with an improved focus, which was important on this, our last day in Des Moines.
To recap our activities:
Thursday -- Group 1 (those old enough to work with Habitat) spent another day with Habitat in the north central part of Des Moines. They were engaged in a landscaping project at a home that would be occupied by a family of Sudanese refugees. Group 2 (the younger folks) did a triple-header: work projects at Door of Faith (a men's recovery center) -- building a limestone stairway, washing windows, and clearing brush; serving lunch at the Hope Cafe in the Bethel Mission (a men's shelter), and finally hosting a group of children from the family shelter on a mini-golf adventure. The evening saw the Grace group and the Ankeny Pres folks playing Capture the Flag in the back yard of the church. Whew!
Today -- Group 1 finished two landscaping projects at Habitat in the morning, and in the afternoon, they completed the garden project at Freedom for Youth. Group 2 started the day working a the Central United Men's Shelter in Des Moines, before doing the lunch shift and assorted cleanup projects at Hope Cafe. Tonight was "Clean Out the Fridge Night" followed by some fellowship and reflection time, as well as saying goodbye to our Ankeny friends, the Kohldorf's and the Rodman's.
Tomorrow we begin the two day trek home. I don't know if we will have internet, so this may be our last blog until we do a wrap up after return to Texas.
A group entry from Alec, Ainsley, Sarah, Eric and Leanna: A mere ten days ago we were a loosely knit group of diverse individuals. After what now seems like a confusing blur of a journey, we have emerged as a family.
This is not to say that the past ten days have been free of petty drama. In fact quite the opposite is true. There certainly was a fair amount of bickering – standard teen fare. A small rift divided the “West Virginia” gang and the “Colorado” group. Immature alliances formed, feelings were hurt, and names were called. But notice how this is all in past tense. On this last night in Iowa, we remain imperfect and flawed, but touched and transformed by Christ’s love. Pranks and gossip are things of the past. The profound work that we have done over the past days has allowed us to focus our attention to the things that matter: love and kindness, humility and grace, and (as our trip scripture reminds us) hope and encouragement. We cannot claim perfection. But we can claim profound and sincere friendship. The cement that we mixed will crack, the closets we cleaned will clutter, the trees that we planted will wither with age, but the bonds we have formed will remain.
Hopefully you have been vicariously touched by our experiences. Thank you for reading about our travels.
ting to go, but unexpecting as in the events that took place during the trip. This 
set me on the right path as I headed to A&M. As it turns out, this trip did so much more for me than I expected. Not only did we help people, but during all of the work I learned how to look at what we accomplished, no matter how big or small, and realize it was all for God. The best part of the realization was that I knew God appreciated any and every step we took along this trip, even though at times it felt like no one else did. I came back with stronger relationships with my already best friends, and created relationships with many others as well! This is not to say that my last trip was perfect, but I can't see it going any other way. The most important friendships, memories, and favorite God moments are all thanks to Rick Carus and these Youth in 
ission trips always make me happy after a year of going to school and dealing with crazy people, but this particular trip was even more special than all the others: it changed my life. I was so excited when I found out that we were going to help out people less fortunate than us because that is what I try to be about. Not only did this trip help me decide what I wanted to do with my life but it also helped me to truly feel the presence of God. I have always gone through the motions of being a Christian but only after this trip have I felt the presence of a true friend that will always be there and listen to what I have to say. God along with other amazing people that I became close to will always be in my life and since after my senior year things will start to change…knowing them comforts me."
es on and on. This trip got me to focus again on what I really love to do which is serving God and helping others less fortunate than I am. I feel refreshed and better off because of this trip. I have looked forward to mission trips every summer for quite some time now and even though this trip had its bumpy moments, I still loved it. I enjoy sleeping in my own bed rather than an air mattress, but I still miss Iowa and everything about it. I got to strengthen relationships with old friends as well as make new ones, but at the same time I strengthened my relationship with God. Grace mission trips have changed my life, given me so many great memories, and made me appreciate how blessed I am. I hope to do more
my roots. It was a joy to live and work with and get to know all the young people and the leaders of the trip. I am so proud of the young people, their hard work, compassion, intelligence, thoughtfulness and talent, especially my “family,” Chantal, Kellie, Lee and Alec. Another bright point for me was meeting all the folks from Ankeny Presbyterian Church, Mary and Doug, Alice and Dottie and the other inspiring people with we met along the way with the stories of how God has touched their lives, Noel from Sudan, Larry from Hope Iowa, and of course Teenah and David. Pay attention Grace Presbytery. As I have learned in my own family, mission is often the only thing that holds our kids connected to the church and it can change their lives. Don’t lose this."
