This is from Jack Donato. I have been involved with the Mid-High Youth Group for the past two years (since we resurrected it). It certainly has been a pleasure to work with these youth and see them grow into the young men and women they now are. We started the youth group on the premise of showing the youth what it meant to be a good person and to serve others. This group has grown from a group that focused mostly upon fun and games to a group that has honest and direct discussions of topics that pertain to their age group coupled with service to others. When we started the group, it was comprised of all First Pres. youth. Now we have as many youth from other congregations as we have of our own. In a sense, our group went from a source of fellowship for youth to become a sort of mission serving youth.
To watch the Mid. Highs building picnic tables and benches in the pouring rain after having slept in leaky tents speaks most clearly about these youth. They clearly see what it means to be responsible for each other in the broadest sense - each person looked for ways to help the others. Between sharing tools or insights into solving problems, every youth served each other while serving the retreat center that we were working for. When all of the work was completed, there was a very distinct sense of accomplishment that was a joy to behold. These weren't individuals, they were a mission team, and, in truth, they were, and are, what we hope to be.
When we leave tomorrow, we will go our separate ways back into our separate worlds. However, this group will keep forever their bonds and the sense of service that comes from accomplishing a task of significance in the service of others. This outcome can be traced back to the specific efforts of a number of people, to all of whom, we in the youth group, owe a debt. At the same time, we should remember that you, the members of First Presbyterian Church, have also played a significant, yet less obvious role. It is you who welcome our youth at events, who provide them positive feedback, encouragement, and support, who look for new ways to integrate them into our church family. Your support of our programs makes possible the opportunity for those of us involved in youth programming to see lives change - change positively, change dramatically, and change forever. It is my hope that you, too, have the opportunity to see what we have seen.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
An Adult Perspective
Hi, this is Kim. It has been a pleasure to lead this trip. The youth did a great job working on the picnic tables and benches, while also clearing some brush, stacking some firewood and working on a fence. They worked well together, were patient with each other and stayed on task.
During our devotions time on Friday night, we had a good discussion. I think they all liked the labyrinth. It was interesting to hear the sound of our footsteps increase and then decrease as more and more people entered and then left the labyrinth.
They also played hard. Basketball and foosball were a hit. Now we'll have to figure out how we're going to take a foosball table with us on our next trip, wherever that may be.
During our devotions time on Friday night, we had a good discussion. I think they all liked the labyrinth. It was interesting to hear the sound of our footsteps increase and then decrease as more and more people entered and then left the labyrinth.
They also played hard. Basketball and foosball were a hit. Now we'll have to figure out how we're going to take a foosball table with us on our next trip, wherever that may be.
Promised Land work day
This is Alicia. Today we built 5 picnic tables and it was tough...I had to drill screws in boards for about 3 hours but I learned a new skill! After we finished around 3:00 = (we had been working for about 6 hours) we got to go swimming and it was really fun. I had a really good time, learned new skills and became closer to everyone in youth group.
This is Eric. Today was a really fun day. We all worked very hard but we got to have some fun too. I built tops for the picnic tables and then helped build benches. We all went swimming but the water was freezing so i got in a kayak and went to the other end of the lake and back. Now we are having a Foosball tournament and its really intense. Overall this trip was a very fun experience and I am glad had had the opportunity to enjoy it.
This is Adam. I got totally destroyed in foos ball, but its cool I let them win. Oh and Eric won some drill thing preetttty cool. Um this house is pretty tro-pic-all. The picnic tables were really fun. The shower was amazing.
This is Kaylin. Today was fun. We got to swim across the lake after building five picnic tables and worked very hard. We just had a foosball tournment and Adam and I lost very bad. This trip was fun overall and I'm happy i actually got to experience it.
This is Megan. Today we split into groups to build picnic tables and my group was most definitely the best group because we built the benches and finished first! After we finished the tables we got to go swimming and swam around and across the whole lake (and shaved our legs). Then we came back for ice cream and then just relaxed and talked which was pretty fun. This trip is really fun and gives us the chance to get to know each other and become closer friends while helping others.
This is Adam. We built 5 picnic tables today in the rain. it was really cold but it was really fun. After we were done we went swimming and the water was extremely cold. I was shivering but nobody else was. Its really fun working and having fun with all of these people.
This is Stephanie. We built picnic tables and benches. It was cold and wet, but we worked around the rain. It was really fun working with all of these people. I hope sometime we can do this again!!!!!!:)
I'm Skyler.......... I've learned that being sick with a painful headache and a raging sore throat on a retreat in the middle of the forest, is not fun. When I woke up this morning, the tent had leaked and I was cold and shivering. My sore throat was so bad that I flinched every time I swallowed anything, including drinking water. We came inside for breakfast and I took 2 ibuprofen and I was told to lay on the couch. As soon as I hit the couch I was out for about 3 hours while everyone worked. I woke up and worked still feeling like crap. Now I'm tired and going to sleep while everyone else walks the labyrinth. Bye...............
Hi I'm Taylor.I had to come to the promised land in some pretty scary conditions. Amber,Megan,Alicia,picked me up from my schools boat dance at 11:00 and got here at 12:00 midnight..in the middle of no-where...it was kind of scary being on the roads but we had some fun conversations.Tonight we walked the labyrinth. It was a good experience. We also were working very hard all day but it paid off in the end.
Promised Land project
This is Zac.
upon arrival, we were deciding where to go to find out where we were supposed to go. we figured when we hit a dead end we were there. we promptly decided to put up our tents. the men, of course, owned the women in tent building. after, we had to unload all of the picnic table equipment. we were all sweaty from that, so we decided to go swimming in the small lake.
This is Cassandra.
First of all, the men had more people than the women setting up tents, so it wasn't very fair. Also, when we were swimming, many people were being pushed into the moderate-temp water. Then we had dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. After, we had s'mores around a pretty big campfire. We also walked a labyrinth in silence lit up by torches at around 10:00. We then went to bed in the tents that were built in an unfair race.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Saturday's Mission Trip
Hey it's Jim!
I thought I'd give you a parental perspective. These kids are great, but don't tell them I said so. They work hard, they play hard, they shop hard, and they pray hard. This is an entirely different kind of mission trip from any previous ones I've gone on, but it is nice to be able to change things around a bit. Rev. Fred sent us with a nice reading describing four aspects of mission work, and what he sent helped clarify the mission aspect of fellowship and socialization for us all.
Things are going very well, no major mishaps or troubles. Thanks for sharing your kids with us.
And from Kathy: I just wanted to add that the kids have all been polite, respectful and helpful without being asked. They stay on the job until Pastor Alfonso says that we "have" to leave now. We are being well cared for and have been offered more food than we can possibly eat. Every precaution was lovingly taken by Pastor Alfonso's wife, Esther to make sure that we ate food that was safe for us and that we stayed in a safe hotel so that we could all have our own beds and be able to shower daily. This is a wonderful place to be physically and spiritually and we have gotten to know the people here so much more than any other place we have been. It iw warm here, but lovely in the shade. We almost hate to go back home.
Jim & Kathy
I thought I'd give you a parental perspective. These kids are great, but don't tell them I said so. They work hard, they play hard, they shop hard, and they pray hard. This is an entirely different kind of mission trip from any previous ones I've gone on, but it is nice to be able to change things around a bit. Rev. Fred sent us with a nice reading describing four aspects of mission work, and what he sent helped clarify the mission aspect of fellowship and socialization for us all.
Things are going very well, no major mishaps or troubles. Thanks for sharing your kids with us.
And from Kathy: I just wanted to add that the kids have all been polite, respectful and helpful without being asked. They stay on the job until Pastor Alfonso says that we "have" to leave now. We are being well cared for and have been offered more food than we can possibly eat. Every precaution was lovingly taken by Pastor Alfonso's wife, Esther to make sure that we ate food that was safe for us and that we stayed in a safe hotel so that we could all have our own beds and be able to shower daily. This is a wonderful place to be physically and spiritually and we have gotten to know the people here so much more than any other place we have been. It iw warm here, but lovely in the shade. We almost hate to go back home.
Jim & Kathy
Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday's Mission Trip
Hi it's Brynne!
Today we woke up earlier than usual so we didn't have to be out in the sweltering heat as much. Luckily there was an overcast so the sun was not a problem. The entire week our group has been getting the work done much faster than expected and this morning was no different. We finished the roof before lunch time which concluded our work on the home.
For lunch we had the traditional dish of Campeche, I don't recall what it's called but it is fish and it was delicious. On our way back to the hotel we had our driver "Alberto" stop at a road side store which was full of cheaper items than in the city.
Oh! I also forgot on our way back from the work site we were pulled aside by the Mexican police which is routine here I've discovered so it wasn't a big deal. Anyways by the end of it as we drove off one of the men referred to us as amigos.. so now I'm friends with the Mexican police.
Since we had extra time some of us went shopping, then we had dinner even though most of us are so full constantly that we never want to eat but it's so delicious you can't help it. After that we went to a light show which was sort of a history lesson about Campeche and some of the culture here. That's basically the day sooo goodnight.
Brynne
Today we woke up earlier than usual so we didn't have to be out in the sweltering heat as much. Luckily there was an overcast so the sun was not a problem. The entire week our group has been getting the work done much faster than expected and this morning was no different. We finished the roof before lunch time which concluded our work on the home.
For lunch we had the traditional dish of Campeche, I don't recall what it's called but it is fish and it was delicious. On our way back to the hotel we had our driver "Alberto" stop at a road side store which was full of cheaper items than in the city.
Oh! I also forgot on our way back from the work site we were pulled aside by the Mexican police which is routine here I've discovered so it wasn't a big deal. Anyways by the end of it as we drove off one of the men referred to us as amigos.. so now I'm friends with the Mexican police.
Since we had extra time some of us went shopping, then we had dinner even though most of us are so full constantly that we never want to eat but it's so delicious you can't help it. After that we went to a light show which was sort of a history lesson about Campeche and some of the culture here. That's basically the day sooo goodnight.
Brynne
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday's Mission Trip
Hey it's Zoe!
We've been here for four days now and it's been a blast thus far. Today was our cultural day. The day began at 7:30 this morning when we left the hotel to go to a church where we had a feast of a breakfast; veggie soup, rice, TONS of fruit and the most delicious chicken around.... twas delicious. Then we headed out for a city rendezvous where we toured the city fortresses, we got a lot of cool pictures. Then we went to Ester's ( the wife of Alfonzo the minister we've been working with) sister's husband's church for lunch. We had these hamburgers which consisted of a patty, bun, ham, pineapple and lettuce, suprisingly it was really good. I ate it all. Then it was the SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!! During our stay here I have been spending a lot of time with Ester, she has become my Mexican / mayan mama. I asked her if she would go shopping with me and find me some traditional clothing. It was sooooo much fun, i ended up getting this beautiful dress which i of course got on sale. Instead of paying 850 pesos i paid only 500 Ester was impressed with my haggling skills and the boys were jealous because they didnt know you could haggle in the stores :). Then we went to the Church we've been building the Mance for and had some time with the children. And ohhhh my goodness it was amazing. Oh course i had to make a foul of myself in front of everyone. I was in the small children's group and i was demonstrating duck duck goose and i was fake chasing Lolita (Alfonzo and Ester's youngest daughter) around the circle tripped, fell and broke my flip flop - all the moms were laughing and making fun of me it was soooooooo embarrassing. Being a klutz is a hard knock life. After we were done chilling with the 150 kids in the church we headed to Elizabeth and Luis' house where we've been eating most of our meals and had dinner. Fish. I am madly in love with the food here, it has ceased to amaze me. it was great :)
Zoe
We've been here for four days now and it's been a blast thus far. Today was our cultural day. The day began at 7:30 this morning when we left the hotel to go to a church where we had a feast of a breakfast; veggie soup, rice, TONS of fruit and the most delicious chicken around.... twas delicious. Then we headed out for a city rendezvous where we toured the city fortresses, we got a lot of cool pictures. Then we went to Ester's ( the wife of Alfonzo the minister we've been working with) sister's husband's church for lunch. We had these hamburgers which consisted of a patty, bun, ham, pineapple and lettuce, suprisingly it was really good. I ate it all. Then it was the SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!! During our stay here I have been spending a lot of time with Ester, she has become my Mexican / mayan mama. I asked her if she would go shopping with me and find me some traditional clothing. It was sooooo much fun, i ended up getting this beautiful dress which i of course got on sale. Instead of paying 850 pesos i paid only 500 Ester was impressed with my haggling skills and the boys were jealous because they didnt know you could haggle in the stores :). Then we went to the Church we've been building the Mance for and had some time with the children. And ohhhh my goodness it was amazing. Oh course i had to make a foul of myself in front of everyone. I was in the small children's group and i was demonstrating duck duck goose and i was fake chasing Lolita (Alfonzo and Ester's youngest daughter) around the circle tripped, fell and broke my flip flop - all the moms were laughing and making fun of me it was soooooooo embarrassing. Being a klutz is a hard knock life. After we were done chilling with the 150 kids in the church we headed to Elizabeth and Luis' house where we've been eating most of our meals and had dinner. Fish. I am madly in love with the food here, it has ceased to amaze me. it was great :)
Zoe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday's Mission Trip
Hey it's Emily!
Today we woke up bright and early for breakfast which was toast, coffee and their form of orange juice. Around 8 we got in the vans to go to Tenabo which is where our work site is (this where the Mance is - the Mance is the house where the pastor lives.) Our group and the men from Tenabo completed the base of the roof today which we had started yesterday. The speed at which our group was able to complete tasks on the work site amazed the locals.
During some down time at the site we had the chance to walk around the community, stopped in some shops, and was able to visit a traditional cemetery. I don't think I've ever seen something quite like this; there were literally whole bodies caged in cement blocks on open display. While it is their culture, it was definitely an eye opener based on how we bury our dead.
We were fed an amazing lunch once again by Esther (who is married to Alfonso, the pastor we have been working with.) The meal consisted of toastados with chicken, lettuce, a bean dip, avacado and of course we got to try more exotic fruits.
After lunch we went back to the work site to complete the roof which took about an hour. Then it was back to our beautiful hotel in Campeche where we quickly rinsed off and headed to the beach. The water was so warm (and there were barely any people there). We were truly blessed with a perfect day for experiencing the Gulf Coast. The families (Alfonso's and his brother's) joined us at the beach and fed us a meal of spaghetti and meat balls. Needless to say, it was another delicious meal.
After the beach we quickly rinsed off again because the leaders (Jim, Kathy, Eric, and Ken) had been told that the sunset in Campeche is one for the books. We took a couple of group pictures and then Collin tripped and cut his leg. It looked like a lot more blood than it should have but Kathy came to the rescue with a couple of band aids while Eric tended to his wound - he was fine. When the sun finally set, it was time to go back to the hotel to talk about our experiences so far and how our expectations compared to the actuality. Everyone agreed that this was not only a mission trip based on emotions like past Mexico trips, or spiritual ones for that matter like New Orleans, but Campeche fulfilled a much more cultural one as well.
Afterward some of the group went out to see the town at night as a few shops were still open. We got the chance to have freshly made churros and to see the amazing architecture of Campeche.
It was another gorgeous day, filled with new learning experiences and unforgettable moments. We miss and love you all!
Emily
Today we woke up bright and early for breakfast which was toast, coffee and their form of orange juice. Around 8 we got in the vans to go to Tenabo which is where our work site is (this where the Mance is - the Mance is the house where the pastor lives.) Our group and the men from Tenabo completed the base of the roof today which we had started yesterday. The speed at which our group was able to complete tasks on the work site amazed the locals.
During some down time at the site we had the chance to walk around the community, stopped in some shops, and was able to visit a traditional cemetery. I don't think I've ever seen something quite like this; there were literally whole bodies caged in cement blocks on open display. While it is their culture, it was definitely an eye opener based on how we bury our dead.
We were fed an amazing lunch once again by Esther (who is married to Alfonso, the pastor we have been working with.) The meal consisted of toastados with chicken, lettuce, a bean dip, avacado and of course we got to try more exotic fruits.
After lunch we went back to the work site to complete the roof which took about an hour. Then it was back to our beautiful hotel in Campeche where we quickly rinsed off and headed to the beach. The water was so warm (and there were barely any people there). We were truly blessed with a perfect day for experiencing the Gulf Coast. The families (Alfonso's and his brother's) joined us at the beach and fed us a meal of spaghetti and meat balls. Needless to say, it was another delicious meal.
After the beach we quickly rinsed off again because the leaders (Jim, Kathy, Eric, and Ken) had been told that the sunset in Campeche is one for the books. We took a couple of group pictures and then Collin tripped and cut his leg. It looked like a lot more blood than it should have but Kathy came to the rescue with a couple of band aids while Eric tended to his wound - he was fine. When the sun finally set, it was time to go back to the hotel to talk about our experiences so far and how our expectations compared to the actuality. Everyone agreed that this was not only a mission trip based on emotions like past Mexico trips, or spiritual ones for that matter like New Orleans, but Campeche fulfilled a much more cultural one as well.
Afterward some of the group went out to see the town at night as a few shops were still open. We got the chance to have freshly made churros and to see the amazing architecture of Campeche.
It was another gorgeous day, filled with new learning experiences and unforgettable moments. We miss and love you all!
Emily
Quick update
Hello!
We arrived, but the internet has been sporadic so we haven't been able to update. We had a eight hour drive after our plane arrived in cancun. When we finially arrived around 9, we ate at Esther and Alfanso's home. The food was delicious, but many of us were unable to finish the meal due to our exhaustion. Our hotel is incredible. The floors surround a patio, creating a little skylight.
The next day we woke up at 7:00, ate toast and juice for breakfast and headed for the worksite. We first stood around unsure of how to help. The lack of saws to saw rebar the size of a nail from the concrete beams. We then carried the 200-250 lb beams into the house, 4 people on each beam. When the power saw arrived, the work began to speed up. Once the beams were in place, the professional workers began spacing them out, and we began to transport the massive pile of concreate blocks into the house.
We then walked to the house we were having lunch at. We had delicious fish tacos with salsa (sorry pastor fred). Then the jabenareos came out fresh off the plant. Mitesh chomped into one, not realizing he wasn't suppose to eat the seeds and finished off the whole pepper in one bite. 15 seconds later, sweat was dripping down his face. Sarah, Brett and John also tried a bit the pepper being careful not to eat the seeds. Ester brought out limes and sugar to take away the sting.
After lunch we went to nearby ruins at De Kanki These ruins were resently discovered and are still being excavated. We saw huge storage holes in the ground, a temple, sacrificial blocks, and a mayan game field.
We then showered. Several of us assisted making tortillas over an open fire with our chefs. We were also taught how to play a board game that is a cross between tic-tac-toe and checkers. Beef, potatoes and tortillas with soupy bean paste. After dinner we went to the worship service at the church. The pastor wrote his sermon to us thanking us for what we were doing here. We introduced ourselves infornt of the congregation, and were treated to several spanish worship hymns. After the service, the people shook all our hands. The whole church congregated outside for the tamales prepared to celebrate us coming. Wrapped in corn husks, a few of us didn't quite know how to eat the tamale. After some laughter from the children at our expense, they showed us how. We drank juice from pouches biting a small piece off the corner. We play, attempted our spanish, and took photos with all the curious children.
After returning to the hotel, a group of us walked along the gulf of mexico enjoying the breeze, and beautiful view.
We arrived, but the internet has been sporadic so we haven't been able to update. We had a eight hour drive after our plane arrived in cancun. When we finially arrived around 9, we ate at Esther and Alfanso's home. The food was delicious, but many of us were unable to finish the meal due to our exhaustion. Our hotel is incredible. The floors surround a patio, creating a little skylight.
The next day we woke up at 7:00, ate toast and juice for breakfast and headed for the worksite. We first stood around unsure of how to help. The lack of saws to saw rebar the size of a nail from the concrete beams. We then carried the 200-250 lb beams into the house, 4 people on each beam. When the power saw arrived, the work began to speed up. Once the beams were in place, the professional workers began spacing them out, and we began to transport the massive pile of concreate blocks into the house.
We then walked to the house we were having lunch at. We had delicious fish tacos with salsa (sorry pastor fred). Then the jabenareos came out fresh off the plant. Mitesh chomped into one, not realizing he wasn't suppose to eat the seeds and finished off the whole pepper in one bite. 15 seconds later, sweat was dripping down his face. Sarah, Brett and John also tried a bit the pepper being careful not to eat the seeds. Ester brought out limes and sugar to take away the sting.
After lunch we went to nearby ruins at De Kanki These ruins were resently discovered and are still being excavated. We saw huge storage holes in the ground, a temple, sacrificial blocks, and a mayan game field.
We then showered. Several of us assisted making tortillas over an open fire with our chefs. We were also taught how to play a board game that is a cross between tic-tac-toe and checkers. Beef, potatoes and tortillas with soupy bean paste. After dinner we went to the worship service at the church. The pastor wrote his sermon to us thanking us for what we were doing here. We introduced ourselves infornt of the congregation, and were treated to several spanish worship hymns. After the service, the people shook all our hands. The whole church congregated outside for the tamales prepared to celebrate us coming. Wrapped in corn husks, a few of us didn't quite know how to eat the tamale. After some laughter from the children at our expense, they showed us how. We drank juice from pouches biting a small piece off the corner. We play, attempted our spanish, and took photos with all the curious children.
After returning to the hotel, a group of us walked along the gulf of mexico enjoying the breeze, and beautiful view.
Updates through the Grapevine
Hi all, I received this e-mail from Ken Reed's wife today:
Hi Amber,
I got a call from Ken Monday night and they had arrived at the hotel around 10(central time) that night, and all went well with the trip. The connection was pretty bad, and I couldn't get much info. He said he'd call again when he had a change and we hope the connection will be better. I'll let you know if I hear from him again.
Ruthann
Eric Kendrew also updated his facebook about the 8-10 hour drive to
Campeche:
In Campeche Mexico - wow what a long trip that was - after a 2, 3 hour flights and a 8-10 hour drive - whoooo, we are here
Hi Amber,
I got a call from Ken Monday night and they had arrived at the hotel around 10(central time) that night, and all went well with the trip. The connection was pretty bad, and I couldn't get much info. He said he'd call again when he had a change and we hope the connection will be better. I'll let you know if I hear from him again.
Ruthann
Eric Kendrew also updated his facebook about the 8-10 hour drive to
Campeche:
In Campeche Mexico - wow what a long trip that was - after a 2, 3 hour flights and a 8-10 hour drive - whoooo, we are here
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ready To Go!
Hi All,
So the group leaves tonight.. well tomorrow at 2:30am. They have been commisioned and have their T-shirts in hand! They will update daily from Camepche on how things are going and here is where to find their latest updates!
-Amber Roy
So the group leaves tonight.. well tomorrow at 2:30am. They have been commisioned and have their T-shirts in hand! They will update daily from Camepche on how things are going and here is where to find their latest updates!
-Amber Roy
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