Alberta Bound!

We've almost made it! We are now across the boarder heading home! The grand trip is at it's end! See you soon :)

On Our Way Home

Traveling can be very very painful... Unless you take the lemons you are delt and make sweet, sweet lemonade. Now that we have three vans it gives us the opportunity to connect with specific students, listen to music and write jokes back and forth. As if that weren't enough you can add in license plate bingo and a scavenger hunt. Yes... Our time is being well spent! Oh ya I can't forget the sleepy heads... A week of service really takes it out of a person some are always the 'sleepyheads'. Everyone is grateful for the experience but the excitement for getting home and sharing the experience is definitely growing!

Jake Schellenberg

Hollywood!

We have just arrived at the Oasis Youth Center in Hollywood after our night experiencing near-homelessness on the roof of Union Rescue Mission. We head back there tonight to prep and serve supper and prep breakfast for the homeless. It's been such a great experience being in skid row doing ice cream socials, playing with kids in the gym and hosting an outdoor movie night on the roof! Thank The Lord for coffee!

Knots Berry Farm!

LA Baby!

Union Rescue Mission

This morning our team of 25 students and 7 leaders woke up on the rooftop of the Union Rescue Mission. It's was a little cold and fairly uncomfortable, but a great experience as we begin to wrap up our California 2013 Mission Experience.

Yesterday we were able to serve ice cream to many people living on skid row. We sang songs and smiled lots as we offered the simple joy of ice cream.

Sunday, March 24

Thoughts from Mary Eggink,

This morning we had the opportunity to go back to the Dream Centre for their church service at Angeles Temple. There was an incredible word spoken by Pastor Barnett on the theme of Easter approaching. He emphasized Jesus' focus as He went to fulfill His mission of dying on the cross for our sins, and how we should model this focus in our every day life. This message was good for us all to hear as we continue to serve people in the Los Angeles area.

Later today we drove to Long Beach, CA for an afternoon on the beach front. Fortunately no one got a severe sunburn... except for those who didn't put sun screen on as we strongly encouraged them to!! We had a very relaxing day and night, as we came back to the hotel to go out for dinner with our small groups. It's been a good day and many students are looking forward to Disney Land tomorrow! But now for some sleep....

The Adopt-A-Block Experience

Thoughts from Judah Knip and Durwin Blabey:

Today we went back to the Dream Centre to participate in the program Adopt-a-Block. This is a program where Dream Centre goes to the projects and go door to door and pretty much become servant for the people that live there. It could be taking out the trash to watering their grass or even doing their dishes for them. We strated out by going to the Dream Centre and took part in a service type thing and it was basically just a big party. It was so sweet. There was loud music playing and everyone was dancing and everyone was just comfortbale with each other. We then left and went the area where we were working. We got split up into 2 groups and got given different sections of the projects. We started going door to door. It was kinda sketchy at first because there were gangster looking people everywhere but after the first few houses things became more easy and got more comfortable. We ended up watering a mans lawn and taking another mans trash out to the dumpster. Most of the time people wouldn't answer their doors so we would just leave the fliers we received in their doors.Its so crazy to see the amount of poverty there is in such a famous city like LA. As kids in Canada we grow up scared of drugs, alcohol and crimes but kids here in LA are born into it. They dont think it's weird or strange because that's what is normal to them. Adopt-a-Block is such an amazing program that is building relationships with the people of LA and sharing Jesus with them and making a difference in the world and peoples lives. Most people would look down on these poverty striken people who may be caught up with drugs or alcohol but the people of Dream Center just love on these and shared that love with us which we transfered to the people of the projects. The saddest thing is that all these little children are born into this and are in a battle for their whole lives trying to get out of it. When we were done going door to door we met up with the rest of the group in a park and there was a basketball hoop and some boys playing. We asked if we could join in and they let us and we had a pretty competative game. It was a lot of fun. Adopt-a-Block gives the projects of LA hope and is truly making difference in the world.

A Dream Come True

Arriving in California after spending nearly 30 hours driving, was for many in our group ... a dream come true. The sun was shining and their is a relief to knowing we are staying here this week so we can settle in. However, after dropping our stuff off in our rooms and having a small group meeting time ... it was back in our vans to head for the Dream Center in downtown L.A. One of our leaders, Bethany Schumacher reflected on our time saying:

"Working with the Dream Center was amazing! Skid row was blessed tonight as we handed out socks, bags of cookies, chips, and invites to some amazing events for them... AND ended up taking in a new family to the center! God is good!"

It is so incredible to be a part of seeing a families dreams come true, as tonight, a family connected to the street ministry of our team and the Dream Center staff and officially entered into the Dream Center program for families. As a team we overcame the apprehension, and fear of entering into the lives of those in L.A. facing extreme poverty, to meet a simple, but tangible need in their lives ... socks. Our group of students collected and handed out over 1000 pairs of socks!!! Many students acknowledged how incredible it was to hear the appreciation as we handed out our socks. After numerous conversations, prayers, and gifts of socks, we headed back to the hotel to wind down. Now we prepare to do it all again, as tomorrow morning we go back to the Dream Center to participate in the Adopt-a-Block program.

In and Out of LA

We are at our second location in LA after a killer stop to the infamous burger joint In and Out! Just about to head out to the Dream Center to start our ministry! Halla!

Cedar City Baby!!

Arrived after a loooooong day driving from Helena, Montana to Cedar City, Utah! All is well and well in all! Just about to touch base in our small groups, have a swim and sleep like none other!

Another Day on the Road

We are well on our way, heading for Cedar City, UT. With lots of fun travel games and conversations ahead as we travel towards sunny California.

Helena, Montana

Through the border, over the mountain, and into Helena we went! The roads were good (other than an icy section near Red Deer) and we are looking forward to some fun times connecting as a team this evening. The regularity of posts here depends on Wi-Fi connections but we hope to have plenty of great stories and experiences to share.

We be drivin'!!

Passing Calgary heading south bound to Helena Montana! This is White Phoenix 2, over and out! -- Cali Team!

Vans, Coffee's, and Away We Go!

Wednesday, March 20 @ 7:00 AM the California 2013 Mission Experience officially begins! The first van full (yes van) will be leaving the Ponoka Youth Centre at 7:00 am and joining the other two vans in Lacombe for a Central Alberta departure of 7:45. So what happened to the bus? Great question ... Due to circumstances beyond our control, the bus company was denied access to travel in the USA ... quite a surprise to all parties involved, but we are so grateful that God had a plan in it all. Against natural odds we were able to find three 15-Passenger vans for our trip in the week leading up to our trip. Looking back now, it is so easy to see how God was in it all, right from the moment we started planning our trip, pretty cool to see!

For those not joining our trip, but still interested in the details ... follow our blog: missionsyu@blogspot.ca for all the latest details of our trip. We are away from March 20 - March 30. Please pray for our team of 25 students, and 7 leaders as we serve, play, and connect for the next 11 days.

3 Days until California 2013 - Introducing Gregg Lockhart

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. I have been a part of leading cross-cultural Mission's Trips to Mexico. 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 without the support of my amazing wife Char who also works for Youth Unlimited, son Caleb and daughters Kelly, Ellyana and Mattea. Team Lockhart is the best!

4 Days until California 2013 - Introducing 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!

Pre-Trip Journal

ONLY 5 days until we leave for California! Does this sound familiar? Don’t forget to go through your Pre-trip Journal (given out at our last meeting) before you leave!

Every day you will be asked a few questions to start thinking about your trip and to prepare you for what you might experience in the next week. We will also be talking about a few of these things throughout our small groups. Have fun and see you in a short few days!

California 2013 - Important Announcement

The bus is on its way ... in less than a week.  

The bus LEAVES Ponoka at 7:00 AM and LEAVES Lacombe at 7:45 AM ... You need to arrive at your departure location 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: You will not get on the bus for this trip if you do not have your Passport in hand - Not packed in your luggage, and not a photocopy - You must turn your passport in to the staff before boarding the bus. Not Negotiable!

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 :) 

Be on time and bring your passport!

CALIFORNIA 2013 SCHEDULE

7 Days until California 2013 - Introducing Melissa Kuipers

Hi my name is Melissa Kuipers. I just recently moved to Rimbey where I have been renovating a house for the past 7 months which makes going to California with all of you guys very exciting as then I get a holiday from house reno's and also from the messy house that comes along with it. A little bit about me: I like to drive, be creative, I like to laugh, you may notice me to be fairly loud on let's say a bus, I attempt to snowboard at times but usually am sitting on the hill while everybody's is going by. That's a little bit about me, I am excited to get to know you all a little bit better as the we embark to Cali together. Have fun packing.

8 Days until California 2013 - Introducing Bethany Schumacher

Hey Team! I am so stoked to head south to warmer climates, you have no idea! So, with that, let me introduce myself … I am Bethany Schumacher. I am a Youth Worker. I am a Photographer. I am a follower of Jesus – which is my first and foremost. I love adventure, so lets go and have one shall we?!

9 Days Until Cali 2013 - Packing Info

Packing:

•       A Passport!

•       Shorts, pants, t-shirts, swim wear, comfortable shoes / closed-toe shoes, beach towel, work clothes, suntan lotion, sunglasses, other appropriate clothing and personal items (modesty is the key). Only one suitcase, a carry-on bag and an overnight bag and a Sleeping Bag per person.

•       Over night bag is an asset with toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothes.  We will not be unpacking all of the large luggage when we are overnight traveling so be prepared.  It will also be used for at Union Rescue Mission and the Oasis.

•       A pillow, blanket and some games are suggested for the bus ride.  You will also need a sleeping bag for several nights throughout the trip.

•       Bring a water bottle.

CULTURE AWARENESS

Going to a different country calls for some awareness and sensitivity due to the differences in culture and way of life. Therefore, it is important to understand that when we go to different places – not only when we are going to serve, but even if we are visiting – we need to conduct our mannerism accordingly. This means we need to be aware in all that we say, act and wear for we are representing a group of Canadian youth serving other communities in need. With that, be very aware of your manners – how you act and what you say – and especially how you dress.

To continue further on our dress code, a lot of communication is body language. How you hold yourself, reflects on what you wear. Please be considerate when you pack your choice of clothing for what may not seem too revealing to you can cause others around you to stumble. This trip – although it may have many fun adventures – is centered around helping and focusing on others, not ourselves. If you think some of your clothes are inappropriate, then that is a good sign you shouldn’t bring it!

Leaders Note on Dress Code:

That means when we are serving at the mission's our clothing is to be in no way revealing, the organizations have asked us to wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes and long pants (no capris or crops). Volunteers may not wear shorts, miniskirts, shirts that expose the midriff, strapless, tank or sleeveless tops, clothing with drug, alcohol or sexual references, or any clothing that is tight or transparent. Please remember to pack accordingly. For all other times (such as Disneyland, the beach, the bus, and everywhere else) please remain respectful of our group and those around us in the way we act, speak, and dress. 

10 Days until California 2013 - Introducing Mary Eggink

Mary also ready for some warmer weather.

Wow, I cannot believe that there are only 10 days until we head south! .. My name is Mary Eggink. I have been working for Youth Unlimited for almost a year and a half now. My husband Travis and I moved west from Ontario to Alberta in the summer of 2011 after we got hitched. I have wanted to be involved in the lives of youth ever since my own high school experience. I believe that it's so important to have someone who will walk alongside you during the toughest and most formative years of your life. Several months after moving here, I found out about Youth Unlimited and their involvement in the high schools in Central Alberta. I was super stoked about what they do that I decided to join the team! I had the privilege to be a part of the California trip 2012 and it could not excite me any more to be going on this California 2013 trip as well! The thing I look forward to the most about this trip is getting to know you all and spending some time serving different missions around L.A.

11 Days until Cali 2013 - Introducing ... Catherine Lepage

I am teacher at Lacombe Composite High School where I teach French and English. I simply adore my job. Married since 1996, my husband and I enjoy traveling, swimming, skiing, hiking, animals, camping, and anything to do with nature. I also love to read in both English and French and am interested in public speaking, writing and theatre. I am very much looking forward to this mission trip in California!!

12 Days until California 2013 ... Introducing Jerel Peters

Hi, my name is Jerel Peters. I live in Ponoka and 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! My wife Katie and I have three beautiful children and one on the way that we can't wait to meet this summer. I love hockey, coffee, games, talking, and ... well, I love a lot of things actually. I am so excited to start our trip to California! Only 12 days until we leave!

The CONTEST Begins NOW!

The contest is officially on ... With just 13 days to go until our departure time is going to go by fast! Which means we need to get creative to bring in those socks donations before we have to go. Print off the poster ... find a class, a school, a store, a group, a Church ... anywhere you can and get those sock donations in before we leave. Sock donations can be brought on the day of departure. So, how do you win the contest? Well we have some special prizes (iTunes $, Fast Food $, Candy, and so much more) for the trip so:

1. Collect Socks.
2. Count the total number of socks.
3. Bring them with you on March 20 in a separate bag (not with your luggage)
4. Whoever brings the most socks wins a prize!

That's not all ... Send us something about you preparing for the trip and you also could win a prize. With the long bus drive, this will be a welcome reward! Email your thoughts, pictures, or comments to jerel@wcyu.org. It could be a picture of you packing or even a thought for the trip, maybe just something you are looking forward to. Share it with us and we will share it here with the team and you will be entered to win!