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Friday, 15 March 2013

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!











Thursday, 14 March 2013

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

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

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.

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

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?!

Monday, 11 March 2013

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. 


Sunday, 10 March 2013

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.

Saturday, 9 March 2013

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!!