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