Calgary

Were just going through Calgary now and are right on schedule. Get excited to see your kids in 2 hours. Pick up in Lacombe at 7. If you need to contact us call 403-877-9752.

Golden, BC

We are in Golden, BC and are on track for a 7:00pm arrival in Lacombe. A bit earlier than we had anticipated before so please plan to pick your students up at 7:00. We will keep you posted.

Larisa's Story

This week was one of a kind, something I will always remember, with

Despite me believing in God I had always been one to easily give into doubt, and I think every one feels the same some times, but then I would hear friends talk about how God showed them he was there and real and it changed how I looked at my doubt. So for three years I have been praying for an experience like that I watched it happen at the camp I went to, and the past mission tip I had attended and determination turn quickly and rapidly into frustration.  This had always been my biggest struggle, and I wanted I moment like this more than any thing. Eight months ago in Tijuana I promised myself, and God I wouldn’t stop trying to achieve this closeness and for eight months I prayed to God about it.  A week ago my prayer had started to be answered and I didn’t even know it

 Last Tuesday night I learned a song with the lyrics of “ set a fire down in my soul, that I cant control”. I learned it to sing with two of my friends on stage for an event called LA rock, the lyrics were beautiful and warmed me the seconded I heard them. That evening my friend and youth leader gave her testimony, with no previous planning between us she played that exact same song multiple times. At this time I wasn’t even sure I was going to Vancouver with the group, the trip was in four days and I had still to raise half the money, my friends, while this amazing melody was resounding in the back ground, prayed for each other. We would choose some one to sit in the middle , they would say their prayer request, and then we would pray out loud all at the same time. This in itself was an unforgettable experience but the second after they prayed for my fundraising dilemma Mary come up to us to say some one else just donated money for my trip.. While I was thinking of how amazing of a coincidence this was, a girl said to me “ that was God, people are going to try to get you to doubt that, but that was God.” The song still played in the background and I knew this trip was going to be huge.

Most of the week was exactly what I had expected, crazy emotions that would go from 0 to 100 in a matter of seconds. This is something that was to be expected when you go on a trip like this. You should expect moments that will effect your life and help change you into the person you are today, but what I didn’t expect were these crazy extreme, intense, overwhelming moments that don’t only change your perspective but essentially change your whole life in one quick rapid second. Where all you can do it sit there in awe of the epiphany that was just thrown at you. With the added bonus of learning some social skills I was defiantly lacking.

When the last night of the trip rolled around I thought that these social skills is what God wanted to teach me, and I was defiantly content with that, in fact I was kind of exited to go back and maybe actually talk to people at school but during worship , which I had always loved, something told the guy who was playing guitar and singing to play that song totally unexpectedly. “That was God, people are going to try to get you to doubt that but that was God.” I thought then started singing the all too familiar words. My eyes shut and I got sort of dizzy. My breathe quickened and out of no where I found myself lying on the floor crying, and laughing then crying, again just overwhelmed and in awe of something I couldn’t quite put my finger on, but undoubtedly I knew it was God. In that moment there wasn’t a single doubt that He existed. God answered my prayers. There are no other words for what happened than indescribable, because that’s what it was. Indescribable. I was at a loss for words just simply in awe. When the crying stopped uncontrollable smiling and the urged to just dance and sing replaced it. Indescribable, still now I am at a loss for words. God gave me certainty something I had been searching for, for years, and when the time was right I received it.

 - Larisa

And Away We Go!!!

It is EARLY! We were up at 5:00 and were blessed with a homemade breakfast before taking off thanks to some selfless Lifeteamers!!

Our last night in the house was an incredible one and I think it's safe to say we stood in awe as God worked in so many lives. We had a wonderful time of worship together and the family of God grew. It was AWESOME!!

Just like I promised there will be student stories uploaded through the day. We will also post real time updates of where we are in our trip and when pickups should take place. Please pray for our safety!!

A Student Perspective

Hi my names Jessica and I'm 17 and in Grade 12. I heard of the BC mission trip from a friend of mine who has taken part in many other mission trips. At first I didn't really know what to expect because I wasn't sure about my spirituality but after this trip I feel much more understanding about everything and it was just such an incredible experience. Not only do I know my spirituality I also know more about myself and I met so many amazing people who I have a lot in common with and all of the activities we did were so much fun, and it felt so good knowing we helped the less fortunate and made their days a little bit better. I would suggest this experience to anyone and EVERYONE !! So worth it!

- Jessica

That's a wrap on day #3

Well we had grand plans of sharing a student story with you all tonight. We even had a study ready to write, but our day got away on us so for tonight your stuck with just me. But tomorrow we promise you a student update, maybe even 2!!

It's incredible to think how fast the week is flying by. It has been so awesome to spend time with the students on the trip,to share life stories and to grow together. The group we have has been so faithful to serve well and pour their hearts into what they are doing. Even with short nights and long days they are really giving it their all.

Tomorrow is our last day of service before we head home and we anticipate what it will hold for us all. Stay tuned for some insight from our students and keep us in your thoughts and prayers!!

Some Reflections

We are on our way to our placements for day number 2.
We have been blessed so far to have some teaching on homelessness. We discussed stereotypes and engaged in conversation about people who struggle with homelessness. And then yesterday we put it to practice at some different missions in the area. Here's what some of the students had to say about the experience.

What impacted me was seeing how that one small place (the mission) brought so many people together and gave so many people a place to be. It was cool to hear their stories and realize they have families too.
- Jeremie

It's like God came into our hearts
- Cassidy

It was a new experience, it was definitely great to see how they lived. To hear their background story and to see how they are just like us.
- Shelby

The experience really puts life into perspective. Asking them to share their stories and hearing where they have come from and some of the difficult things they have gone through. It was really inspiring to hear them talk and see how even though they are in a tough spot they aren't giving up, they are trying to make things better.
- Celeste

We look forward to sharing more of our journey with you!

On our way!!

We are well into our drive to Vancouver. Our morning started early at 6:00am and we are excited for our arrival at the life house. Between then and now we look forward to getting to know each other better and perhaps a nap or two. We are seeing less and less snow out the window, a pleasant sight really. We have been blessed with decent road conditions and are on schedule. We will attempt to update our blog regularly to keep you posted on how our trip is going, what we learning and some of our highlights throughout the week. We hope you will stay tuned!

Vancouver 2012

The Vancouver 2012 Missions trip starts today! Stay tuned here for all the highlights and updates.