Smack a Skeeter!

Yesterday was our first full work day here at Beth-El. The entire group was very eager to start interacting with the community and learn about a different lifestyle. We started the day by listening to Dave Moore, the director at Beth-El who has also been on two Dominican Republic trips with Second Pres. (Photo: Dave Moore showing us the approximate size of a farm worker's bucket for picking)

He shared information about how migrant workers are paid (they must pick 150 small trash-can sized containers of fruit a day in order to make $45), their housing situations, and the importance of mission trips such as this one. Then Javier, our work leader, split us into two groups. One group worked to organize a sort of community closet which our group nicknamed “The Second Hands Store.” The store has well-stocked clothing sections for men, women and children. (Photo: Part of The Second Hands team)

(Photo: Kirby and her beautiful display of stuff animals) It is also filled with anything from children’s toys to holiday decorations to home improvement tools. All goods in the store are donations from people in the area. The other group worked outside, assembling boxes of rice and toiletry kits. By the end of the day we had packaged hundreds of bags including necessities such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. (Photo: Sidney and Alex packing kits for farm workers)

(Photo: Katie tying bags at the end of the assembly line) After a few hours, we took a lunch break and listened to Sister Sarah, who spends a great deal of time providing free health care for migrant workers. She talked about the workers’ traveling patterns, the long hours they work, and explained the many health risks of their jobs. Field workers are exposed to potentially harmful pesticides and herbicides, intense heat, and dangerous weather conditions. This combination of factors means that “no one grows old working in the fields.” Following Sister Sarah’s talk we returned to the kit assembly line and “The Second Hands Store.”

(Photo: Sister Sara shares her knowledge with our group and another group)

(Photo: Our group assembled all of these kits!) After the work day was over, we took a trip down the road to the La Tienda Mexicana, a convenience store that was stocked with many Hispanic treats as well as good old American sweets and cold ice cream for the extremely hot day. When we finished our snacks our adult leaders surprised us with a trip to the beach! Although the “real beach” was closed, we found a little cove, where we had fun splashing around and found a father-son fishing pair from Roanoke.

(Photo: Splashing around in Cockroach Bay - seriously, that is the name...though we saw no cockroaches)

(Photo: Sidney played her guitar for us during evening devotions) Then we conducted our evening devotions on the beach. Though this called for the invention of a new game, “Smack a Skeeter” the scenery was beautiful and we all returned home feeling energized and excited to work again tomorrow! We ended the night with a celebration for Anna and Cathy’s birthday that included delicious ice cream cake. -Anne Johnson, Caroline King, Ema Simpson

(Photo: We are so grateful that these two lovely ladies chose to spend their birthdays with us!) A few more photos from the day...

(Anne working away in the Second Hands Store)

(Susan diligently organizes items for the store)

(Looking down the assembly line)

(Our adult leaders!)

(Alex and Ema on the "beach")

(Legs devoured! The reason why "Smack a Skeeter" was invented...)

Father's Day at Beth-El

Hey, this is Alex Nordt and Olivia Smith! We’re just two of the large group of youth that have traveled here to Beth-El, and we would like to share our day’s experience with you! We woke up bright and early this morning, quickly throwing on our clothes and grabbing breakfast before packing up our belongings and stowing them to the side, making room for the crowd that would soon gather to join in for Beth-El’s Sunday Worship service. While most of us are familiar with the traditional pews, hymns, and George’s sermon told from a towering pulpit, Beth-El’s service was just the opposite. First of all, it was entirely spoken in Spanish, thus presenting a bit of a challenge for those of us who have either only used the language in a classroom setting, or aren’t familiar with it at all. However, with the help of Elizabeth and Ramiro Ros, we were able to piece together the message that Ramiro and others were preaching that morning. The service was incredibly different from our own; everyone joined in to sing loudly and sway to the music, clapping hands and tossing in the occasional ‘Gracias a Dios’ or ‘Amen’ when they felt moved. The energy of the people worshiping here is incredible, and, it’s always amazing to see people praising the Lord and expressing their faith in their own way.

(Photo: The Blessing of the Dads during the worship service) While some youth were experiencing the worship service, several youth went outside with the Sunday school class to meet some of the children that attend the church. While outside with the kids, the youth got to connect with some of the younger members of the community and learn about their lifestyle. The youth interacted with the children by teaching them new games and playing some of the kids favorite games.

(Photo: the youth taught their new friends one of their favorite games) Following the church service and the Sunday school class with the local kids, we all joined in with the community’s Father’s Day Fiesta. It was a celebration filled good food and good friends. As we sat down to eat, we were able to interact with many members of the community, sharing in a moment of their lives and taking the time to interact with a culture that was previously unfamiliar to us. We laughed and exchanged stories, and at the end of the fiesta, a pinata was brought out for the father’s to take a whack at! It was quiet entertaining, seeing the locals having fun and inviting our leader and father himself Phillip to join in!

(Photo: Phillip/Felipe taking a whack at the pinata)

(Photo: Our group enjoys watching the dads taking turns hitting the pinata)

(Photo: Our team dads!) After learning about the community from Romiro Ros, we traveled to Cedarkirk camp where some of the community’s kids would later be visiting to play, work, and have fun with other kids there age outside the community. When we returned to the church we had an in-depth discussion about the community and its members and how the church has helped so many of the people living in the community.

(Photo: Pastor Romiro Ros talks to the group about the Beth-El community) We wrapped up our day with a slight change of agenda, eating dinner at a Pizza Hut instead of our original plan. Dinner went well all the same, and when we returned, we had time to spend showering in the incredibly refreshing plywood-and-hose shower that the people here have so graciously built for us! We closed our evening in a special moment lead by Cathy Shoulders and Mary Beth Robinson, helping us connect to God and Jesus through a careful prayer of thought and meditation.

(Photo: Running in the afternoon rain!)

(Photo: Happy faces after a dash through the rain!) We’re looking forward to an exciting rest of the week! See you when we get back!
 ~Alex and Olivia

Welcome to Wimauma!

Last night our team of 19 youth and 7 adults arrived in Wimauma, Florida! Our arrival brought cheers from the group and we were immediately greeted by Pastor Romiro Ros, who was equally excited to see us. A quick tour of the facilities was all we needed before dragging in our things and plopping them down in the sanctuary, our new home for the week. Earlier in the week, Elizabeth Smith learned that the shower situation at Beth-El was going to be a little interesting. The shower facilities down the road typically used by visiting groups would not be available to us, so the nervous question, "What will our showers be like?" was on all of our minds as we drove from Virginia to Florida. There was talk of sink showers, bathing with baby wipes, etc. for miles and miles...but none of these creative ideas were necessary in the end! When we arrived we were greeted by a newly built (just for us!) outdoor shower, complete with two shower heads, one "inside" and one outside. (see picture below) Though not terribly dirty from our trip down, everyone eagerly put on their bathing suits and took turns in the "Shampoo Salon." It was a happy way to end a happy day.

Before bed we reflected on the day, commenting on the beautiful things we saw on the trip from Savannah, GA, where we slept Friday night. "The Spanish Moss," several people said. "The hospitality we received at Henry's!" "The cute shower they built just for us!" "The river and sights in Savannah!" It was clear beauty was all around us and that everyone was paying attention. : ) Oh, and did I mention the free, DELICIOUS fresh squeezed OJ that the state of Florida hands out at the Welcome Center?! What a treat.

(Picture: Outside of FPC Savannah, ready for another day!) Now that we have regular wi-fi, we will be blogging each evening about our day. Stay tuned for a post later on tonight as Alex and Olivia reflect on our first full day with the Beth-El community. Here are a few more pics from our trip down to Florida...

William

My second trip to Pine Ridge Reservation consisted of many similarities and differences with my first trip. Many of the same faces, like my sister and my very old friend, Katie, and many new, like the rising freshmen and my best friend Joe. Part of what made this trip special was the fact that I thought I knew what to expect. Since I went last year, I thought that all last year's surprises would not surprise me anymore but I was wrong. This year brought just as many new surprises as last year. It was much more hectic at the camp due to wakes taking place where we were supposed to eat and sleep. There were only two church groups at the camp as opposed to four last year, and our church group was also much bigger than it was last year. Aside from the differences it was very refreshing to experience the thrill of Kids Club and the satisfaction of painting a house once more. As always, the highlight of the week was the foot washing ceremony on Thursday night. Though I have been to ceremonies like this on other occasions, there is always something about this particular one that continually gets to me. Being with people who have seen the same things and felt the same things as I have completely changes the mood and has now twice brought me to tears. There was one point where I was hugging my two oldest friends, Katie and Joe, that I realized that this was where I was meant to be. God was so potent in that room that you could just about reach out and touch Him. To amplify the sadness ofthe situation, I also then realized this was the last trip I would experience with our fabulous youth leaders, Willy and Angela, who have become so much more than just advisors. Yet amidst all the tears and crying, there was pure untainted joy. We weren't crying because we were sad, but because we felt God's presence in ways that we had never felt it before. We realized that being Christian is not just going to church and staying awake through the sermon, but serving others. In the Gospel ofLuke, it says that the Kingdom of God is in all men, not just ones who live in our town or next to us, but all the people who live on the earth. It was during this embrace with my two best friends that I realized that I had been blessed. I had been blessed with a home, food, water, a family that loves and cares for me, and friends that do the same. On the reservation, there are people who have none of these, and I felt, and still feel, that it is my duty to spread God's love to them through service. So as I sit on the bus, writing this by the light of my cell phone while speeding home, I wonder what it is that I truly want to share with whoever is reading this. I suppose that it is that this mission trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is extremely close to my heart and I pray that it can continue for many years to come so that others can experience what I have experienced and feel what I have felt.

Sidney

It felt like a home last year, but returning magnified that. This week in South Dakota we served physically by painting, scraping, and playing soccer with kids; emotionally by being listening ears and loving arms; and spiritually by living for and loving for God in every moment. Second Presbyterian's youth group is one of the most God-filled places I've ever witnessed. I'm truly blessed to be a part of it. No matter how far my family goes from Roanoke, I will always feel like I belong with and love this group of God's children. They truly reflect the unity Christ wanted int he church. Going on this trip brought me back to reality (God), but more like forward. I felt God again like I did in the past but at the same time discovered Him in a new hope. Being plucked from this group of people and being thrown into a sea of new faces with no geographically near safety net was overwhelming. I blocked God out a lot this year and was hurting. This trip reaffirmed that love and hope exist and that these things aren't just some distant memory in a far away place. Being on this trip gave me hope in reality. I'm not scared anymore and I don't dread the future and long for the past. No longer will a cover up smile be what I show the world. No longer will I pretend to be happy because now it's true joy from God and I thank Him and the 2PC youth group for reminding me that exists and that it's mine. You have made me stronger to return to Purcellville, God, and showed me home is where You are.

Emily

This was my third year going to the reservation on the same trip, but this year proved to be much different. There were many obstacles that took place at our site. There was moving, lack of kitchen supplies, a varying form of the daily schedule, and lastly a makeshift evening activity after going to the cross was not an option. This makeshift evening activity was called the game of "Life." At first it seemed like the basic game we all knew and loved using money to pay for housing, taxes, food, and hospital services. However the money had to be rationed and my group had to actually refuse to take hospital services for some food. The game seemed playful at first, but quickly turned to a very serious and eye-opening discussion. Poverty became the main topic. We discussed how this game for us was actually reality for over 95% on the reservation. The statistic was shocking. After two previous years of making trips to the rez I had noticed widespread poverty but over 95% under the poverty line that is not what I expected. I could not imagine having to choose between food and housing. Poverty quickly revealed itself to be one of those facts that when it doesn't affect you, you choose to believe it doesn't exist. The most eye-opening part of the conversation was the definition of poverty which is generally associated with monetary standing. However one of the leaders for the week, Neil, ended the stereotype and expanded the definition to being purely a lack of something , psychologically, physically, emotionally, or monetarily. This discussion ended up playing into the theme of unity for the day, showing how God gives every person a different asset that can help the group of humanity as a whole and by coming together everyone's lack can be filled by another's asset. What I just described was just one of many fantastic experiences that I have had the privilege of having on my trips to South Dakota. I would not trade these experiences for anything else in the world. I am going to miss the group this year so much and our adult leaders more so. I have and will continue to change through my experiences on this trip. I pray for the future of everyone that was on this trip and hope they get to go on another one of these Youthworks trips that have been absolutely amazing for myself.

Alex

This was my second year venturing out with the Second Pres Youth Group/Senior High trip to South Dakota, and the trip was just as amazing this year as it was the last.Once again, our journey to the Pine Ridge Reservation was a jam-packed bus/van ride filled with plenty of incredible sights and stops (St. Louis Arch, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse...to name a few). However, while the ride out there was an awesome way to spend time with my fellow youth, the real fun didn't begin until we arrived at the Crazy Horse School in Wanblee, South Dakota. Just like last year, we met youth from elsewhere in the country (Minnesota this time), divided into diffrent crews, and were led by four college students spending their entire summer at the site. In short, the week was filled with brown and pink paint, crazy (yet loving) kids, FREEZING showers, adorable puppies, incredible sunsets, jagged Badlands, hot (yet sometimes bipolar) weather, moving songs, plenty of laughs, and, of course, little sleep. And, while all of this was fun (lots and lots of fun) there were two events that stood out to me above the rest. The first was getting the chance to learn about the Lakota culture from Willard, whose house we were painting (and who had all the puppies!). Thursday afternoon, he took my group (the Rez Dogs)aside and explained to us the similarities and differences between his way of life and our Christian religion. He learned at a young age that we were all from one Creator (who their culture calls Thunkasila, excuse my possible misspelling). He told us how women were sacred to them as the nurturers of the sickly, and why the eagle was sacred to them because of the Great Flood, when instead of an ark, his people fled to peaks and muntains. We learned about sweat lodges and their way of prayer, and so much more that my quick summary is not near enough to do it justice. In short, it was incredibly wonderful to get the chance to learn of a culture so often misunderstood yet so similar to ours in many ways, despite the apparent differences. Second was the foot washing on Thursday. Although I knew what to expect because of last year, it didn't lessen the impact I felt. Our leaders have their feet washed by the counselors, and have a prayer said to them. Then the leaders do the same to us. It is not easy to describe the swell of emotion and how incredibly humbled you feel. But it brought almost every single one of us to a cascade of tears. The trip in itself brings us close to God, renewing and strengthening faith, but the foot washing is powerful, and helps to wash away doubts and fears. I'm sure we could all feel God's presence in that small, crowded room. Following the foot washing (which is still something that requires experience rather than explanation to fully understand) our church group gathered together to share our "roses, buds, and thorns" of the day and the week. Our highlights, what we were looking forward to, and what gave us difficulty. As it had been for the earlier part of the week, and last year, this was one of my favorite times as it draws all of us closer together as a group. By the end of the week, I was once again in awe of all we could accomplish. The bonds with the children were incredibly strong, and it means so much to me to know that we've helped to make a difference in their lives simply by showing love and compassion. The smiling faces of the homeowners as we place the last bruh strokes on their house are humbling, as you realize how thankful they are for the little things. Both years I've been, I've left feeling like a changed person. The things that I've touched on in writing this can't compare to the actual experience. The amazing sense of togetherness and the knowledge that I can actually make a difference in someone's life, no matter how small. Now, riding in a van after departing the Reservation for possibly the last time, I can look out the window and see God's beauty everywhere, and feel God's love for all people stirring in each of my 2nd Pres companions. Though I know that change is coming to our youth group, no matter what happens, these two summers in South Dakota will remain as some of my best high school memories, and thinking of the summers spent here will help me keep my faith strong and full.

Madison

This was my first ever mission trip and it was such an amazing experience. This trip really opened my eyes and made me so grateful for everything I've been blessed with. The drive to South Dakota was long but so much fun. On the trip there I really bonded with everyone from 2PC, and I got to know everyone a lot better. I loved getting to see a lot of the country, and go to all the fun places we went to. Once we got to the reservation I was excited for the week, but had no idea what to expect. We were divided into different groups, and told where we would be working and when. The first two days my group worked at Kids Club, which is kind of like a day care. Playing with the kids was so much fun. I felt like I really bonded with them, especially through the countless piggy-back rides. Seeing them happy was a great feeling, since they have so lottle. The second two days my group painted Willard and Rachel's house. At first I thought I wouldn't like painting, but it was actually really enjoyable. It is an awesome feeling knowing that you are helping people out, especially when they really need it. I really enjoyed hearing Willard's Aunt Katherine's stories. I learned a lot about the Lakota culture from her stories. Willard and Rachel were so kind and appreciative, it made the experience at their house more enjoyable. I also really enjoyed getting to play with their 10 puppies who were only a few weeks old. This was such an eye-opening trip, and I feel like my relationship with God was really strengthened. The Youthworks staff was amazing, and they made the experience so enjoyable. The last night was very emotional. During Club we had the washing of the feet ceremony. Everyone in our church was crying at some point. I feel like we grew so much as individuals, and as a church, this week. I loved every second of it, and I am so grateful I got to go!

Kyra

This past Thursday I showed up at 2PC for my first mission trip. To be completely honest, I didn't know what to expect and was definitely not excited for the excruciating 3 and a half day drive to the all-exciting South Dakota. Everyone had said how fun the trip would be so I tried to stay optimistic with a smile on my face. As we drove along stopping for potty, food breaks, and sleeping in the extravagant Super 8s we slowly but surely made our way to South Dakota. We made some cool detours in St. Louis, Missouri to see the Gateway Arch and Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse in South Dakota, which otherwise I may have never seen. A little before we arrived in Wanblee to the reservation our electronics were taken, which as a teenager I was less than thrilled about, but finally we arrived at the school we were staying at and saw our Minnesotan counterparts. It took us a while to warm up to them and introduce ourselves. Right off the bat, we saw and got to play with some young children from the reservation at the school playground. After that first afternoon, I had more hope for the rest of the trip, but wasn't totally convinced ofits amazing standards to live up to. As the week went on and I grew closer to God, the Lakota, the Minnesotans, and my fellow 2PC peers I realized that it was a great trip. I looked forward to painting or playing with young kids at Kids Club each day. By the end of the week I wanted to stay much longer. It was a really spectacular experience and I hope to be blessed with another mission trip next year.

Caroline

Trying to describe this mission trip in words is nearly impossible. I had heard stories from people who have gone on this trip and I was looking frward to a fun trip across the country to help people in need. Never did I imagine being changed by this trip. I arrived at Second Presbyterian on the 14th of June knowing about 5 of the Senior Highs. Needless to say, I was nervous to walk on a bus of 15 acquaintances and only 5 friends. But after a few hours, I was closer to so many different people. We drove for 24 hours, but it really only felt like 7 or so, stopping at tourist places like the St. Louis Arch, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and finally arriving in South Dakota. I stepped off our church bus into what almost felt like a different world. It's not really describable, the feelings that rushed through my body when seeing the homes in Wanblee. Sunday afternoon my week-long journey with God began. There are so many stories I'd love to share and things I'd like to describe...for me, the most important thing to discuss is how the amazing people in Wanblee changed me. Kids Club was my project for the first two days. I got to meet the wonderful kids in the community. Giving endless piggy-back rides and seeing all the love in the kids' hearts. However, it was particularly hard for me to see kids younger than my 3-year-old brother in the care of a 5-year-old cousin, or watching 6-year-olds scream curse words. But, it opened my eyes to the hurt and pain in Wanblee. Some of the kids have been through way more obstacles in 5 years than my 3 times that. But despite all else God is still present in their lives, and they're still wonderful loving kids, and let me tell you...you get attached to every beautiful smile. The other project I got to be a part of was painting Willard's home. If painting and helping out wasn't enough fn, the family had 10 precious puppies and 2 little boys. I was lucky enough to hear Katherine's stories about Lakota culture. One other task I was given was cleaning every dead bug out of the lights at the food bank...it wasn't the most enjoyable experience getting up close and personal with a bunch of dead bugs, but if it helped those workers, I'm glad I did it. On this trip I realized just how blessed I am to have 3 meals, loving parents, and a roof over my head...not every kid in Wanblee can say that. Despite the struggles there's always a smile on their faces, even though they have a ton of reasons not to. One thing we discussed was physical poverty and emotional poverty. Most of the people in Wanblee regardless of their living conditions have a loving and positive attitude. The people ofWanblee taught me so much. They did so much more for me than I did for them. Lastly, being in Wanblee, South Dakota surrounded by all the beauty, along with the wonderful people, I felt closer to God than ever. This trip has strengthened my relationship with God in so many ways. It's easy to get distanced from God by the hectic activities and days called "reality" but just taking this week and focusing on the most important thing in my life...God, I can honestly say I'm a different person and I have Second Presbyterian to thank for that. So, thank you to everyone who made this possible. It opened my eyes, my mind, and most importantly my heart. I will never forget this amazing, life-changing mission trip.

Jane

This was my first time going on the journey to South Dakota, and it was definitely one of the best experiences of my life! When I arrived at church last Thursday, I had no idea how life-changing this adventure would be. Within the first few hours of the trip, I was already having the best time. We traveled through West Virginia, and continued on to Missouri. We stopped in St. Louis to see the arch, where I sent my first postcard! The ride to the top of the arch was my favorite part, other than the amazing view. We continued on, seeing many beautiful views and watching the mountains slowly disappear. We eventually arrived in South Dakota, visiting Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Later on, we traveled through the Badlands and arrived at the reservation, which would be our new home for the next week. We were welcomed with all of the smiles of the Youthworks staff. We unpacked our things, and did some activities to get to know the other group from Minnesota. The next day, we were split into groups, and some were sent off to work projects, and others to Kids Club. I was in the Prairie Dog group, and we were with Kids Club the first two days. I had no idea what I was in for! The kids arrived running out of the bus with smiles on their faces. All the energy of the kids made two hour Kids Club fel like it could have been a day! I learned so much with those kids! I learned how to love. Some of those kids have nothing, but their smiles did not show it! I dropped them off to their neighborhoods and saw where they really came from. I'm not going to lie, it was sad for me, but it taught me to be thankful. We might get mad about not geting a pair of shoes, but som of these kids have to go through coming home to a house with no food, no place to go to the bathroom, and no loving family. We don't have to worry about where our next meal will be, but some of these kids do. Kids Club is a place for them to go and feel safe and be loved! The next two days my group worked on a man named Willard's house. Willard and his family had a lot to give. They told us many stories about the Lakota culture, and showed us the sweat lodge. The sweat lodge is a little round lodge that you go in to pray and cleanse yourself of sins. It gets very hot, but while you're suffering for 20 minutes in the hotness, you have to think about those who are suffering for their entire life. We finished painting Willard's house the second day. His family as well as many other people came to the cookout that night. We all ate together, and later on when the community members left, we all went to club. We sang together, and read a Bible verse. When the youth leaders washed our feet and gave us prayers in our ears, I began to think about how much closer I had become to God through devos, club, and the whole experience. We all cried through both happiness for being together and helping out, and sadness because it was ending. This has been an experience of a lifetime, and I am so thankful to have received such a special opportunity.

Anna

This was my third year going to South Dakota. I think that makes it evident that I can't get enough of this life-changing experience. I feel deeply blessed to be a part of such an incredible unity that was formed between the kids and the adults who went on this trip. It has been a blessing to get to go with my fellow travelers to South Dakota. The relationships formed on this trip will forever be held close to my heart. I would like to thank 2nd Presbyterian Church and Willy and Angela for opening their hearts and arms to me. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family. It has truly been an honor.

Caroline Nordt

As soon as I got back from South Dakota last year, I knew I wanted to come back. Little did I know it would be so different. Over the past year, I got closer to God after this trip. Last year coming back wasn't certain. The church wanted the youth to go someplace else. But to us South Dakota is the only place for us. This year we had more than ever before and still had a waiting list. So after we all packed onto the vehicles we set off on an amazing journey. We listen to awesome, wild, zany music and shared stories and laughs. Hotels were full of late nights and more laughs only to leave us more exhausted in the morning. Once we got to South Dakota we somehow managed to get all of our stuff off the bus. We stayed at Crazy Horse School the first two nights then later moved to the TNT center. We ate dinner and mainly stayed with our church instead of eating with the Minnesotans as I called them. That was one thing different from this year and last. This year I didn't get very close with the other church as last. We mainly kept to ourselves and talked when necessary. I was in the group named Rez Dogs. We had building clean up the first day which meant I had to clean the bathroom. After we had rientation for Kids Club. Kids Club has always been a favorite of mine. Seeing that thes kids only need simple thiings to be happy showed me that all these kids wanted was love and I gave it. After Kids Club we had free time. That afternoon we couldn't get to the showers due to a wake going on. After dinner we went to Club. After, we had church group time where we started doing the rose, bud, and thorn of our day. After we finally got to shower we walked over to the TNT Center for the coldest showers ever. Well, it wasn't that bad. But from others there were lots of screams. I calmly washed my hair and got out. Then we went to bed. The next day started by moving all of our stuff to the TNT Center. After that the day went on like the day before. Except instead of orientation we got to clean the boys and girls bathrooms. And the girls did both while the boys "mopped" the gym. The next day we went to paint houses. My group got Stan and Sandra's house. The best is the fact that we painted it pink! Stan wanted to paint his house pink for breast cancer. We didn't get the chance to really talk with either of them but it was still a lot of fun. We finished up and the day continued like normal. The next day was the last day of work. Oddly enough Stan thought we had finished and threw out the paint. We still had a good hour of work left. We found the paint and finished the house. We then went to Willard's with all of the other groups. Willard had the cutest puppies in the whole world. I put one in a somewhat of a sling at the bottom of my shirt and painted at the same time. Willard took us out to his sweat lodge and talked about the culture and traditions of the Lakota people.He talked about how sacred women were to them. I found it to be very interesting. After we rushed back to the TNT for dinner prep, because it was the night of the community picnic. We all ate then ran around acting crazy. That night in club was the footwashing. Ths night is one that last year and this year made me cry so hard. The only words to describe it is that it felt like you could almost se God. After we all went to bed. Then the next morning we packed, cleaned up, and left. I am writing this as we are in the van on the way home. This trip has bonded me with these people. Many people question the long drive and whether it is worth it. To me, that is what makes this trip so special. We bond with the others around us. We love each other and that's amazing. There is talk of this trip ending after this year. This is a mistake. This trip shows us how to love. Before this trip I felt self-conscious about talking with people about religion, but after God is my life. When you go out to the middle of nowhere you can see God in the fullest. You make friends with those you wouldn't have thought of before.

Joe

My trip this year can be summed up in a few words: service, unity, compassion, culture, and experiences. However, these terms mean so much more than their literal definitions. Each of them is backed by people or places that make them unforgettable. Service - the act of doing something for another. This trip, I had the pleasure of serving the community of Wanblee on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Between painting and playing/taking care of kids, the work felt great. Sure, it was hot and kids could be frustrating, but it was satisfying and the looks of gratitude and joy easily compensated for it. Unity - the state of being together. I never truly grasped the full connotation of that word until this trip. I felt so connected to my youth group friends, God, and the community in a way I hadn't before. Togetherness in service to God is stronger than any glue, tape, or even personal differences. Compassion - love and emotional connection to people and God. The amount of love that we, and God through us, poured into Wanblee was unmatched by anything in my life. Culture - the beliefs, customs, and way of life for a group of people. I felt so ignorant of these people that I couldn't even put words to my questions about their culture. Fortunately, they were willing to talk and just let me listen, so now I know more, but certainly not enough of their culture. By experiences, I mostly mean sights, both of people and places. Seeing as how roughly half of the trip is driving, we saw a lot of the country. We visited the St. Louis Arch, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the Badlands, Wall Drug, and nine states. Equally memorable though, was the look of delight on the children's faces at Kids Club. This trip was my first mission trip and it had been talked about, but nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of God's love that I felt in South Dakota.

Ali

My favorite experience of the trip was being able to play with the children at Kids Club. I went to pick up the kids for Kids Club on Wednesday with my friend Meg and it was a very memorable experience. We drove into a neighborhood and yelled "Kids Club" and kids came pouring out of houses screaming and chanting, "Yay it's Kids Club time!" We picked up many kids and drove them back to the school on the reservation. When we unloaded the kids, one little girl came up to me and asked me if she could have a piggyback ride. I ended up giving her one for an hour and a half! We also read books and played tag. The next day she came back and when she saw me she ran up to me and hugged me. I grew so close to her in those two short days. She did more for me than I could have ever done for her. She taught me that you can be happy in any situation and that you should be grateful for what you have. As the last day came and I had to say goodbye I started crying because I was going to miss her so much! She made such an impact on my life!