HOME ON SUNDAY!!

Just a correction--the schedule says we arrive home Saturday--it should say SUNDAY. Sorry for the typo!!

On Our Way Home!

We have spent a lot of time on our bus! We are in Dillon, Montana for a quick break before we continue on to Great Falls, Montana. Last night we stayed in Cedar City, Utah for a very short but much needed sleep.

Slept on the Roof

Lots of sirens, hard ground, but a nice warm sleeping bag. Last night we had a small taste of homelessness. A little tired but everyone is good.

Conquering Hate With Love

A Story from a member of our team:

"On Monday we made our way to the Union Rescue Mission building for the first time. I have to admit I was a bit worried about what I would see. Our team separated into groups, and I went and talked with a woman. When we walked in to talk with them they were just starting their Church service. I got more out of that service I think than any other service. The Pastor put a whole new twist on the saying "walk by faith not by sight," with two stories: Job and the story of Peter walking on water. He taught me that God can take everything away and give it back, and that if you take your eyes off Him you will sink. Later on, me and another girl went and talked with a lady named Shannon. She goes to the URM for lunch but lives at a different shelter. When I inquired about how long she had lived there, she couldn't put a number of years on it. My heart went out to her when she practically relived her old life through words in front of me. She moved into what she thought was a good apartment. A short time after she moved in she noticed that kids were breaking in while she was teaching. they ruined her carpets, at least 20 different pairs of shoes, tore her clothes and stuck heroin needles in the floor so that she wouldn't see them but would step on them. The whole time she explained this she laughed. She was so passionate when she explained why. She said that these kids came from parents or broken homes who didn't care about them, didn't rein them in and let them do what they wanted. Further more she knew they were still children of God and she loved them. the one thing that she said that made me want to live my life differently was that the only way to conquer hate was with love. I was so amazed that through all the grief and pain these kids had caused her, causing her to move out of her home and to the streets, she still loved them! It made me stop and do a major look over of my life and I realized that I needed to make that my motto. I need to love the people I hate the most. To look beyond our differences and the pain they have caused me and love them because they are children of God no matter what. A verse came to mind after this, one about turning the other cheek and another about doing unto others as you would do unto me (God). This trip has changed my life. People say that a lot, but it's true. Many other experiences have happened that theres not room to talk about, but regardless of who it involved, pastors, the kids, even watching from a distance, they have all opened my heart and eyes and made me want to create a better life and to look and definitely think about things differently. From now on I'm going to try and remind myself that the only way to conquer hate is with love and walk by faith not by sight."

Megan Valstar

Union Rescue Mission Pictures

The cutest little girl whose family lives at Union Rescue Mission ... She did have a lot of attitude, this is her "leading" the girls in a game, one that she just so happened to make up herself :)

Long Beach Rescue Mission

On Tuesday we spent most of our day at Long Beach Rescue Mission, here is the story from our team:

"We went to Long Beach Rescue Mission and painted four big rooms (dormitory's). It was really cool that we were able to come together as a team and paint these four big rooms with over 40 of us ... it was a little crazy but lots of fun. We also went to Seal Beach which was windy and the water was kind of cold, but the sun was shining so it was nice. We helped lead the chapel service for Long Beach Rescue Mission. We sang some songs with Cody, Haley, and Megan and Jerel shared a message, and Cody gave his testimony. It was a fantabulous day."

Kara Casper

Our Day at Union Rescue Mission

To describe all that Union Rescue Mission does to alleviate poverty in downtown LA is a difficult task. They provide services for men, women, and even families. They have a clinic and a dentist office, they offer a banking system, mental health, and legal aid as well as their housing and rehabilitation ... It is incredibly comprehensive. As we served food, toured the facility, visited and played we witnessed hope in the midst of incredible hardship. 

A story from our team:

"Even though I have witnessed people doing drugs and living in the streets before this trip, I was still unsure of what the Union Rescue Mission would bring. I was greatly impressed that most of the people we met were extremely nice, generally happy, and willing to share their stories. What affected me the most was the children. Their unconditional love and trust gives me hope that there is a better life ahead of them as they and their families get the help they need."

Katie Driver

More Pictures of our Trip

Scavenger Hunt ... Hiding in store to get out of the rain.

Scavenger Hunt Objective - Find a  Cross. Do we look cold and wet?

Union Rescue Mission

Pictures ...

We are spending the day at Union Rescue Mission. It is an amazing organization that meets the needs of the homeless in LA. Many stories coming on this, but for now, here are some pictures to highlight our experiences leading up to today.

Breakfast at our Hotel (in the Lobby) ... A small amount of organized chaos, but everyone is making it work great!

A few kids getting a little ... Goofy. 

Uh ... No Comment.

Hanging out at "The Oasis" after our rain shower tour of Hollywood.

So Early!

The looks on the faces of our group say it all ... It's early, yesterday was big, and we are tired. In the next 30 minutes we will be on the bus heading for the Dream Centre to experience the Church that never sleeps. I imagine the hour long bus drive to L.A. will be a quiet one.

After Church it's off to the Oasis for a Hollywood Scavenger Hunt. One more good day of team building before we get to work.

California 2012 - Schedule

Time to Sleep

We are back at our hotel and ready to go to bed. It was a very big and very exciting day, but since we have to be awake and ready for a 6:30 AM breakfast ... Ugh ... everyone is quickly heading off to sleep. Tomorrow we get to go to the "Dream Centre" in Los Angeles for Church and then off to "The Oasis" in Hollywood to see a Youth Center and even take part in a little Hollywood Scavenger Hunt.

In the meantime, still waiting on some photos of all this crazy good fun. Coming Soon.

Disneyland

Not exactly our hardest day here in California but definitely a lot of fun! We spent the first half a day going on rides and hanging out. It was great. At 2:30 we headed back to the bus to go for a break at our hotel. We ate some delicious pizza outside by the pool and in 10 minutes we go back to Disneyland to wrap up the rides before the fireworks.

Hopefully there will be a chance to add some pictures of our day later.

Anaheim, California

We made it! Megan G. Says, "the bathroom smell didnt kill us!" It is true. We have persevered and survived. The team is great and we are so happy that we are off the bus. Kelly O. Says "Hallelujah." We collectively agree.

This picture is our group settling in to for a connect time before we relax and unwind from the drive.

Ogden, Utah

After a short 4-5 hour sleep and a conveniently yummy breakfast we are getting ready to go back to our home on wheels. Destination? Anaheim, California. Hoping for sunshine, sleep, and maybe even some pool time.

Check out this picture ... Coffee in a water bottle ... Yup it's a good idea.

Dillon Montana

Ahhh ... Wi-Fi, McDonalds, bathroom breaks, and of course ... Coffee. :) we are a little behind on our 10:00 pm arrival time at Ogden, Utah but everyone is doing great and putting up with the drive. As a special bonus ... The boys beat the girls in a thrilling bus game of verbal pictionary. Way to go boys.

In the USA

We are through the border and on our way. :) we will check back around supper.

USA - Border Crossing

We are back on the road and just going through the border crossing. Praying for a smooth and easy process.

Power Steering

The importance of power steering can be forgotten ... Unless of course you need to replace a hose essential to its use. So here we sit. In Lethbridge. In front of Princess Auto. One photo scavenger hunt, a sandwich lunch, and some repair time later ... We are hoping to be on the road soon!

The Winner Is ...

Congrats to Jen S. for sending in this photo ... she is our winner in the send in a picture and win contest!! Goodbye Canada, Hello Sunny California. Well said!

Last Minute Packing Instruction!!!

So you are all packed and ready to go. Check that luggage over ... is it going to fit on the bus??? One small carry-on, one small overnight bag, and one reasonably sized bag for your luggage. That is it. :)

1 Day Until California 2012 - Melissa Kuipers

As I look at the calendar and see that California Breakaway is only a day away, it makes me very excited. 

My name is Melissa Kuipers and this will be my first trip with Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited, like many of you. I only started working in September, but I do like to travel so I've got my passport ready. A few things you might notice about me is that I can't spell at all, I tend to like to hear myself talk, I love to learn, but more importantly I love what I do because you as youth have the power to change the world and I want to be part of that. 

Lately people have been asking me about California and what we will be doing there. After I tell them about it,  most of their responses are something like 'doesn't sound like much of a holiday with that many youth along'. My response to them is, youth the are what make trips like this come alive. You guys bring so much character and I am excited to get to know you guys better. 

Melissa with her Sister Katie

Melissa Kuipers - Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited/YFC Rimbey Area Director & Lacombe Campus Life

The Bus Is LEAVING!

Planning to make it on the Bus for a super awesome trip to California? Well don't be late!! The bus leaves Ponoka at 5:30 AM and leaves Lacombe at 6:00 AM ... That is right it is leaving. You need to arrive at your departure location 25 minutes before your scheduled departure time!! In Ponoka the bus will be leaving from the Ponoka Youth Centre (Vehicles can NOT be parked over Spring Break). In Lacombe the bus will be leaving from YU Turn. See you bright and early :)

2 Days Until California 2012 - Greg Lamy

I do what I do because when I was a student there was someone that was willing to invest time in my life. That person believed in me and helped me through a tough time.


With this trip my prayer is for the people we meet, that the students can learn from them and be able to teach at the same time. I'm looking forward to seeing what the differences are between the programs in Canada to the US and how they compare and how they impact homelessness.

Greg Lamy - Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited/YFC Lacombe Campus Life & YU Turn

3 Days Until California 2012 - Haley Brochu

I do what I do because there is great need in the lives of youth in Ponoka. I know the only one who can truly fix the brokenness, hurt and pain that is caused by that need is Christ. Youth need to know that, and doing what I do gives me the chance to share that with them. What a wonderful blessing to be given that opportunity!

One thing that I am really looking forward to on this trip is the conversations! These trips always bring about engaging things to talk about, different ways to look at things and I love hearing other peoples thoughts on those intriguing moments. I LOVE conversation and this trip promises to offer ample opportunity for them to happen! I look forward to learning more about each of you through conversation . . . 3 days and counting.

Brendan & Haley Brochu

Haley Brochu - Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited/YFC Ponoka Campus Life

4 Days Until California 2012 - Travis & Mary Eggink

Only a few more days until we board the bus and head south!

Hello! We are Travis and Mary Eggink. Just this past November, Mary joined the team at Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited. What brought her there? Well, this past year has been BIG for both of us. In May, we graduated from University in Ontario. In June, we got married. And in August, we packed our bags, said goodbye to our loved ones and moved to Lacombe, Alberta. Our experience so far has been incredible. We couldn’t imagine God bringing us anywhere else, nor doing anything else. We feel that there is no greater gift than to have influence on the lives of this next generation and that there is no greater importance than to bring them hope.

One thing that Travis is most excited about is the bus ride... if you get a chance, you should make sure you ask him about it! J What really excites us about this trip is to not only be able to serve the less fortunate, but to serve them as a group; learning about each other and learning about the people of California. We look forward to getting to know everyone and creating life-changing memories! See you very soon!

Picture: Our big trip to Alberta at the top of Powder River Pass (elevation 9666). We look forward to more adventures and memories together with you!

Mary Eggink - Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited/YFC Admin & Lacombe Campus Life

Travis Eggink - CACHS Teaching Staff

5 Days Until California 2012 - Jake Schellenberg

There are many important times in our lives and those important moments shape all of us for the future and determine the trajectory of our lives! There is no tougher time in history to be a teen than today and so I am honored to have the opportunity to create significant moments for students because our community and culture depends on it. The last time I counted I have been a part of leading 9 cross-cultural Mission's Trips and 8 within Canada. The experience of seeing students serving and becoming a part of making our world a better place never gets old and this trip to California is no exception. I look forward to making awesome life changing memories with you all. I could never be able to do this with out the support of my amazing wife Melanie who is a nurse, sons Skylar and Liam and daughter Cady! Team Schellenberg is the best!

Jake Schellenberg - Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited/YFC Executive Director

6 Days Until California 2012 - Jerel Peters

In just under one week we will be headed for sunny California ... Hi, my name is Jerel Peters. I have been working with Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited since 2003. I never wrote a book, starred in a movie, or sang a song in tune, but I love my family, my God, and seeing the hope and potential in youth! I do what I do because I can’t imagine doing anything else. I actually get to spend my time hanging out with youth and being a part of their increasingly challenging and incredible lives!

One thing that I am most looking forward to on this trip would have to be waking up early and working hard all day long ... I'm just kidding. I can't wait for stories. I love to hear stories of life. I love to discover the lives and adventures of our youth. Those who know me well would say that I am also looking forward to telling stories. I do love to talk ... California Team 2012, see you soon.

This is my family. Three crazy cool children, my beautiful wife, and me! This is at Daytona Beach in Florida ... Huntington Beach, sounds good to me.

Jerel Peters - Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited Ponoka Area Director

7 Days Until California 2012 - Huntington Beach

Welcome to Huntington Beach where you will be spending several hours basking in the sun. In order to be a prepared beach bum and not end up looking like a lobster here are a few things that you might want to make sure you have in you suitcase … · Flip flops · SUNSCREEN · Sunglasses · Beach towel · Modest bathing suit · Hat · Lots of energy … because you are going to need it! 7 days and counting…

Huntington Beach

By: Jake Schellenberg - Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited Executive Director

8 Days Until California 2012 - Picture Contest

The contest is officially on ... send me something about you preparing for the trip and you could win a prize. With the long bus drive, this will be a welcome reward! Email me your thoughts, pictures, or comments at jerel@wolfcreekyfc.com. It could be a picture of you packing or even a quote from you about something you are looking forward to. Share it with me and I will share it here with the team and you could win!

By: Jerel Peters - Wolf Creek Youth Unlimited Ponoka Area Director

9 Days until Claifornia 2012 . . . A few Reminders

Are you counting the days yet? We are! It’s almost time to embark on an amazing journey that should prove to be super fun and impactful to all of us. I would like to officially invite you to connect with us through our blog so you can stay up to date with information and events. In fact, I would like to start our blogging fun with a competition for each of our Californians for nothing less than beautiful chocolate! You don’t even have to share, but it’s a pretty long trip so you might want to… email jerel@wolfcreekyfc.com a picture and short comment about you preparing for the trip and you are entered! Let the fun begin.
All of our staff are working very hard trying to get some of the final details of the trip ironed out and so throughout this next week, we will have several postings about details or things to remember so you’ll want to stay connected.
Here are a few things to keep in mind…

Sleeping bags – Help us reduce the amount of packing space needed by purchasing instead of packing a sleeping bag. For only $15 we will purchase you a new sleeping bag that you will donate to Union Rescue Mission while we are in Southern California. info@wolfcreekyfc.com can help you will all the details. Please let us know by Thursday March 15th.

What to bring on board- When you put 52 people on a bus, there is only so much space to go around. Feel free to bring a backpack size carry on, blanket (if you want one), pillow and snacks with you on to the bus. Your overnight backpack and your medium size luggage will go underneath the bus. Hockey bags are much too big! You will be able to refill you water bottle on the bus so make sure you pack one.

Small groups – Each participant has been placed in a small group and I just wanted to let you know that this is not a sentence… There are specific times during the trip where we will break off into these groups to connect. These are not the people you will be forced to be with all the time. We have also split each student up into hotel rooms as well but please don’t stress it. All of our rooms are on a block of the hotel so you will be able to see the people you know almost all the time. When we are facilitating this many people, there always needs to be some give and take so we ask that you be flexible.

That’s it for now but please stay tuned for more details as we get closer to March 22nd @ 5:30 am in Ponoka and 6:00 am for you in Lacombe. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.