Imagine, if you will, 21 hours on a bus for 34 teens, 10 adults, and 2 bus drivers. It wasn't as bad as you imagined.
We slept a lot of the time (ride was from Friday 9p - Saturday 6p), watched some movies, played some games, read books and listened to music. Pretty pleasant really, when you're with friends who have become your second family. The students were great, there was no complaining and no "are we there yet?"!
We arrived safely in Memphis and our BBQ dinner arrived very shortly thereafter.
YUM!! Worship was really moving. Each of us shared what we had gotten out of the trip, whether we met the goals we set at the outset, and extinguished our personal candle. There were hugs and tears all around (I brought tissues to worship)
Then it was time to burn off some of the energy stored up from the bus ride. Lively races, basketball, and dodgeball were the order of the evening. Of course, there were those of us who preferred watching, reading, or writing postcards too.
Early bus call in the morning, we are supposed to leave by 7a.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Spirit Movement Tour 2010 Day 8
Having finished our work at Mosaic, we spent a day off at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. BEAUTIFUL mountain scenery, ancient Indian ruins, and an enjoyable time in God's wonderful creation.
Most of the group went on a hike, while the rest went on a scenic drive tour (drive, stop/pictures at ruins/overlook, repeat). A thunderstorm came up while we were exploring the park. No one was injured. Everyone got wet, but the hiking group got soaked!
After our day at the park, we had dinner and boarded the bus for our overnight drive. We started out about 9p, a little later than planned. Sleeping on a bus isn't so bad when you're exhausted from a week of work and a day of hiking!
Most of the group went on a hike, while the rest went on a scenic drive tour (drive, stop/pictures at ruins/overlook, repeat). A thunderstorm came up while we were exploring the park. No one was injured. Everyone got wet, but the hiking group got soaked!
After our day at the park, we had dinner and boarded the bus for our overnight drive. We started out about 9p, a little later than planned. Sleeping on a bus isn't so bad when you're exhausted from a week of work and a day of hiking!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Spirit Movement Tour 2010 Day 7
We finished the work at Mosaic today. They now have a fenced-in outdoor
recreation/garden area instead of a dirt lot, with planters and a bench we created. Their large rooms have been painted, cabinets replaced and organized. We are SO excited by what we have accomplished by the grace of God.
The folks at Mosaic are fantastic. They provided a great lunch for us - Navajo tacos with fried bread and ice cream to follow. They have been so appreciative of our efforts and it has been a pleasure to serve them. Kenny received some thank you cards they had made and we'll display them in the youth room. Amy from Mosaic joined us for worship tonite and brought each student and adult a small gift. As I've said before, there have been abundant blessings going around!
We had another wonderful meal at a local Mexican restaurant, then worship and small group time. Tomorrow we have our fun day at Mesa Verde.
recreation/garden area instead of a dirt lot, with planters and a bench we created. Their large rooms have been painted, cabinets replaced and organized. We are SO excited by what we have accomplished by the grace of God.
The folks at Mosaic are fantastic. They provided a great lunch for us - Navajo tacos with fried bread and ice cream to follow. They have been so appreciative of our efforts and it has been a pleasure to serve them. Kenny received some thank you cards they had made and we'll display them in the youth room. Amy from Mosaic joined us for worship tonite and brought each student and adult a small gift. As I've said before, there have been abundant blessings going around!
We had another wonderful meal at a local Mexican restaurant, then worship and small group time. Tomorrow we have our fun day at Mesa Verde.
smiles
My Mamma is an ocupational theropist, she works with kids that have disabilities. I've always wondered how she does it, because it seemed so difficult to work and work with someone who shows such tiny improvement. My goal on this mission trip was to one, make friends, and two, borrow my mother's strength to work and interact with the clients at Mosaic. In which both were acpomplished thanks to one thing. Smiles. While painting a busy doorway at Mosaic, a man in a wheelchair was behind me and i didn't notice. Feeling terribly embarassed when finally noticing he had been waiting behind me for quite a bit, i gave him a huge smile and waved the paintbrush as a hello and an apology. The man smiled. Not a normal smile, but a smile showing complete happiness. At that moment, i felt as if i were the grinch, and my heart grew four times the size of its original. I now know how my Mama does it. Her patients simply smile, and all her valliant efforts are more than worth it.
-Ann Hall
-Ann Hall
Perspective
If there is anything I have discovered on this trip, it is a new found appreciation for the adults, Kenny Champagne specifically, and all they do for Solid Rock. I found myself in a very difficult position this year on my last mission trip and about to be absent for essentially the next four years. I was and am a leader, conflicted and confused, doing his best to step back and hand the reigns to those ready to grab the bull by the horns to direct the youth group for the immediate future while simultaneously directing them in the right direction so they're not wandering blind. An oxymoronic goal to say the least.
For the first time in my life I came very close to understanding the point of view of the adults that work so hard at making sure we don't kill each other, set anything on fire, or other various forms of potential doom and damage. With literally the most students (34) ever attending any youth group event with less adults than expected due to conflictions, the leaders, young and old, steering wheel and adults, were at their wits end finding ways to maintain peace in the midst of controversy and disputes.
A challenge I wasn't expecting but nevertheless completely necessary was smacking me in the face. I am plenty accustomed to defending people when they are being attacked when absent, especially the adults that students may not always be pleased with, but I will be completely honest, there was legitimate difficulty when you agree with what your hearing. As tempting as it is to concur when not completely pleased, it was my responsibility to search for the alternative perspective. Once I accomplished this, the reason I was on this trip, and the way the Spirit was going to move through me, became very clear.
Comparing mission trips is a haphazard practice, but it is borderline unavoidable when you're not the only one realizing that things feel different than previous years. Were we working on a scorching roof to the brink of a necessary hospital visit? No. Were we working for people capable of expressing their gratitude? No. Did we all necessarily get that unnatural and almost unattainable high that for some reason can't be reached unless you're so far gone and exhausted from work you barely remember your name that somehow brings you closer to God? No. However, this is where the changed perspective becomes completely pertinent.
The work may not have been as strenuous, or nearly as abundant, but that made it no less important and impactful. Whenever a peer would mention the differences between previous years and now, I would remind them to look at it from a different angle. First of all, the mission trips are first and foremost about helping others, but they are also the most efficient tools in bringing all the youth together so WE can be more efficient tools as the hands and feet of God on other occasions. Second, the work we are performing is for people completely incapable of showing appreciation for our presence, but we will NEVER be capable of comprehending the impact we have on their lives.
This may not have been the most moving mission trip I've ever been on, but it was by far the most enlightening. I learned that what is needed is not always the most rewarding. I learned that understanding and concurring at two completely different things, but regardless you have to support people sometimes whether you always agree with them or not. I learned that a lot more goes into mission trips than anyone can fathom without experiencing it themselves. I learned how much the adults stress and worry and how badly they just need cooperation and respect even if it means biting your tongue sometimes. The Holy Spirit moved through me to change my outlook on the many situations that crop up in life. To notice that not everything is as it appears, and that not everything makes sense from your own point of view. That in order to truly understand almost anything... you have to alter your perspective...
-Ryan Traher
For the first time in my life I came very close to understanding the point of view of the adults that work so hard at making sure we don't kill each other, set anything on fire, or other various forms of potential doom and damage. With literally the most students (34) ever attending any youth group event with less adults than expected due to conflictions, the leaders, young and old, steering wheel and adults, were at their wits end finding ways to maintain peace in the midst of controversy and disputes.
A challenge I wasn't expecting but nevertheless completely necessary was smacking me in the face. I am plenty accustomed to defending people when they are being attacked when absent, especially the adults that students may not always be pleased with, but I will be completely honest, there was legitimate difficulty when you agree with what your hearing. As tempting as it is to concur when not completely pleased, it was my responsibility to search for the alternative perspective. Once I accomplished this, the reason I was on this trip, and the way the Spirit was going to move through me, became very clear.
Comparing mission trips is a haphazard practice, but it is borderline unavoidable when you're not the only one realizing that things feel different than previous years. Were we working on a scorching roof to the brink of a necessary hospital visit? No. Were we working for people capable of expressing their gratitude? No. Did we all necessarily get that unnatural and almost unattainable high that for some reason can't be reached unless you're so far gone and exhausted from work you barely remember your name that somehow brings you closer to God? No. However, this is where the changed perspective becomes completely pertinent.
The work may not have been as strenuous, or nearly as abundant, but that made it no less important and impactful. Whenever a peer would mention the differences between previous years and now, I would remind them to look at it from a different angle. First of all, the mission trips are first and foremost about helping others, but they are also the most efficient tools in bringing all the youth together so WE can be more efficient tools as the hands and feet of God on other occasions. Second, the work we are performing is for people completely incapable of showing appreciation for our presence, but we will NEVER be capable of comprehending the impact we have on their lives.
This may not have been the most moving mission trip I've ever been on, but it was by far the most enlightening. I learned that what is needed is not always the most rewarding. I learned that understanding and concurring at two completely different things, but regardless you have to support people sometimes whether you always agree with them or not. I learned that a lot more goes into mission trips than anyone can fathom without experiencing it themselves. I learned how much the adults stress and worry and how badly they just need cooperation and respect even if it means biting your tongue sometimes. The Holy Spirit moved through me to change my outlook on the many situations that crop up in life. To notice that not everything is as it appears, and that not everything makes sense from your own point of view. That in order to truly understand almost anything... you have to alter your perspective...
-Ryan Traher
a life changing experience that will last a life time
Helping out at Mosaic has made me realize the better side of life. The autistic people are really cool. They are like us really smart, love to learn new things, love to have fun, and espically never let anything bring them down no matter what the situation might be exactly. Seeing the smiles on their faces each and every day has made me wanna work harder and that I'm working to help change there live. They have changed my life almost as I changed there. I will never forget them for as long as I can remember. Just knowing i made a difference in someones life has made look at life totally different. Since day 1 working here has been really life changing and hopefully some time in the future i can work with more people like the people in Mosaic. Kenny ( not the youth minster kenny) but the guy who is in charge Dayhab at Mosaic he is a really cool guy. We both had a serious talk about life and many different things. I would really love to come back in a few years and see how everyone is doing.
Spencer "Pablo" Charles
Spencer "Pablo" Charles
Humbled
On this last work day of the mission trip, words can not describe how thankful I am for being able to be a part of all the wonderful things going on here in Farmington. When I first heard of the trip it was around November when I first started going to Solid Rock. I was disappointed that I had only just found out about the trip then because it sounded like something I would love to be apart of. Amazingly enough, after only going to Solid Rock for three months or so I was asked if I would like for my entire trip to be paid for by a sponsor. My initial reaction was that I didn't deserve such a wonderful offer. I told them (with much sadness) that even though I appreciated the wonderful offer, I had to decline because there would be someone else that would need this much more than I did. There would be more mission trips I could go to in the future. Although, without much convincing, I was persuaded that I should accept the offer and go. I can't thank them enough. Every second of this has been amazing! So many wonderful things happen every day. Whether I was helping here at Mosaic, staring out into the beautiful scenery, raving in the boys bedroom hallway, or even exploding red cream soda ALL OVER myself; I was having fun and so was everyone else. There have been so many amazing experiences. Going through all these states that some of us have never been to was awesome. Staying in these churches along the way was great too. The love these people showed us was incredible. Especially the people at the church in Farmington. Another great thing was going to this wonderful lake on the first day. Most of us were able to climb up this part of a Mountain and just look out and see the water and amazing scenery. The fact that us Floridians could even go up that high was amazing enough in its own, but I truly believe I could feel God's pr essence in the silence and solitude. That is something I can say I have never felt before and it was wonderful. From then on I could see him acting on everyone individually. Everyone was filled with motivation. All of us just wanted to make sure that we could truly do our best for these people in need. We all did what we could, and if we didn't know how then we would make sure to learn. I also could tell that we were slowly learning to accept each other and embrace our differences, which can truly be defined as a miracle sometimes. My head is filled with so many thoughts that I just can't express it all. What I can say though is that this trip has easily changed my life. I have learned about myself, the Solid Rock Family, and the people here. We all have been humbled. I love it.
-Josh Owens
-Josh Owens
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Spirit Movement Tour 2010 Day 6
Day 3 at the worksite. By the end of the day inside and outside projects are nearing the finishing phase. The fence is done, the planters are done, the sun shades are in process. The replacement cabinets were delivered and assembled today and the materials moved from the old cabinets and organized. Then the old cabinets were taken apart as they were falling down anyway. The dark blue wall is painted, but some areas need touch up/second coat.
The family of one of the clients brought us pizzas for lunch! The mom wrote us a wonderful card, which I’ll transcribe here:
The family of one of the clients brought us pizzas for lunch! The mom wrote us a wonderful card, which I’ll transcribe here:
Because of your hearts, the work of your hands; the efforts that you have exhibited we Thank You! We pray a special blessing upon each one of you. Know that you have made a difference. You are His hand extended.
God Bless
Sincere Thanks
Luke 9:24
If you try to hang onto your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.
Matt read it aloud to the students after lunch and they were touched as well.
A bit of fun was had on the worksite as well – the students ganged up on Kenny and “mudded” him. We had to hose him off. Good thing we had the water all ready from washing the back of our bus.
After work we went to a large indoor pool facility for some wet fun. They had a water slide and diving boards. The students and adults really enjoyed it! THEN we came back to home base for some AMAZING lasagne & garlic bread. And our "usual" two desserts. Berry cobbler after dinner and ice cream later. It was “dress up” night – which doesn’t mean formal, but rather goofy/fun. The students are VERY creative!
Our worship tonight was about “The Journey” and we used some songs from the band Journey. Fun! During their free time, the students had a “rave” (so I guess they weren’t tooooo tired...) But they were tired enough to cooperate and go to bed on time. Thanks be to God!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Spirit Movement Tour Day 5
Day two at the worksite. A TON of progress was made. All the fence posts are up, we got most of the long side with cross-pieces and slats done. Several of the planter boxes have been completed.
The large room paint is done!!!!!!! We had some great detail painters doing trim work. The darker color in the kitchen area is mostly done and tomorrow we will finish it. We bought cabinets to replace the rickety crafts cabinets they had bolted to the wall. Those will be put together tomorrow.
A couple of interesting side projects sprang up. A group of girls made wooden “holders” for the small oxygen cylinders that were stacked in a corner. And another couple of students helped with a project of setting up binders in which client records will eventually be stored.
MANY students are discovering gifts and talents they didn’t know they possessed and learning new skills. They are learning teamwork, perseverance, improvising, and empathy in addition to physical skills.
The large room paint is done!!!!!!! We had some great detail painters doing trim work. The darker color in the kitchen area is mostly done and tomorrow we will finish it. We bought cabinets to replace the rickety crafts cabinets they had bolted to the wall. Those will be put together tomorrow.
A couple of interesting side projects sprang up. A group of girls made wooden “holders” for the small oxygen cylinders that were stacked in a corner. And another couple of students helped with a project of setting up binders in which client records will eventually be stored.
MANY students are discovering gifts and talents they didn’t know they possessed and learning new skills. They are learning teamwork, perseverance, improvising, and empathy in addition to physical skills.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Spirit Movement Tour 2010 Day 4
Wow what a day! Our first day on the job site. We had an orientation and met some of the Mosaic residents while things were being setup. We had part of our crew outside (with shade avail), preparing to build a fence. This crew dug postholes, first with a manual posthole digger and then moving on to an electric auger. Still there were challenges of lots of rocks! Boards had to be sawed and measured. Most of the fence posts are now up. We got a start on the planter boxes as well. The second group was inside, painting a large open activity room and kitchen. We had to move equipment and shelves from the walls, mask the edges and paint. One 5 gallon bucket of paint was used and we aren't done. The kitchen was also cleaned, with everything removed from cabinets/shelves, washed, and organized. Our groups demonstrated teamwork and enthusiasm and did a fantastic job.
The students really worked well together, even those who had not been as outgoing. Several learned new skills. One of the things that impressed me was that at lunch, before the adults finished eating, some of the students were already back to work. AND we are loving worship and small groups every night. The Spirit is definitely working in us and through us.
The staff was SO impressed at the amount of work accomplished. Both they and we felt blessed!!!!!!
The students really worked well together, even those who had not been as outgoing. Several learned new skills. One of the things that impressed me was that at lunch, before the adults finished eating, some of the students were already back to work. AND we are loving worship and small groups every night. The Spirit is definitely working in us and through us.
The staff was SO impressed at the amount of work accomplished. Both they and we felt blessed!!!!!!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Spirit Movement Tour 2010 Day 3
We are in Farmington, NM and really glad to be off the bus and in one location till the end of the week! We went to Navajo Lake this afternoon. We saw the beauty of God's creation in a much different setting than we are used to. And Monday we start work at Mosaic!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Spirit Movement Tour 2010 Day 2
Cooler day on the bus!!!! We saw cows and drinking water by hand pump at an Oklahoma rest stop. Oklahoma has terribly bumpy roads! No bus-sick yet though. We're looking forward to a more "normal" night tonite in Amarillo...pizza for dinner, worship, and a little bit of free time before lights out.
Start of the Spirit Movement 2010 Tour - Day 1
The start of our 2010 mission trip to Farmington, NM! We head out from St Stephen to Memphis, TN.
It was a LONG day on the bus. The students spent time getting to know each other better. We had some problems with the bus being hot, but the students dealt with it pretty well.
In Memphis we had delicious bbq, great worship, and a good night's sleep.
It was a LONG day on the bus. The students spent time getting to know each other better. We had some problems with the bus being hot, but the students dealt with it pretty well.
In Memphis we had delicious bbq, great worship, and a good night's sleep.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Spirit Movement Tour: The Day Before
Well according to the "offical" count down on our website we have t-minus 14hours till we depart for Farmington, NM. I will admit I have gone through the full range of emotions this week. I woke up Monday morning and was unbelievably excited. Tuesday came and I pretty much had a mental break down. It seemed like everything was going wrong and I was completely freaking out. Wednesday came and I was exhausted. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through this week let alone the 10 day trip that is right around the corner. And then I woke up this morning... This morning I woke up and felt a sense of pride, not for myself, but for our students. I'm so proud of our students, that they would want to spend 32hours on a bus, driving cross country to go to a small town in the mountain desert during the summer time to serve a bunch of people they don't know and will probably never see again. I am proud because they WANT to do this and they WANT their friends to do this. I'm proud because they are telling their friends about what they are doing this coming week, they are telling their co-workers and bosses about it. They are posting it all over facebook and telling the world that they are disciples of the risen Jesus and they are going out to do His work! This pride brings so much joy to my heart and hope for the future.
I already know that this trip is going to be a tough trip. It is going to be physically and emotionally draining. It's going to be emotional, high energy, and impactful and I can't wait for all of it! Our theme this year is how the Spirit moves in you. It's all about letting the Spirit lead us and knowing that God is present and will take care of us. Already, I have had to let my gaurd down and trust fully in God that he will provide and the trip hasn't even begun. We all will need to do this throughout the next ten days and it is going to be a challenge. But it is a challenge that I know our students WILL meet. They will experience Jesus first hand and they will see him working through them. They will feel him giving them the energy and strength to do things they didn't think they could do. I can't wait for all of this to happen and I am excited for you all to be a part of this journey! I encourage you all to follow us each day on the website, www.SolidRockYM.com. You can use the same devotions we will use each night during worship. Comment on this blog and respond to our students who will be writing here each day their thoughts and telling stories from the day. Interact with us and join us on this journey!
May the Spirit move in you this week as He will in us. May you be blessed by those you serve in the name of Jesus. May you be His hands and feet each and every day of your life, bringing love, joy, hope, peace, and grace to ALL!
We are changing the world, one small piece at a time, are you?
Peace,
Kenny
I already know that this trip is going to be a tough trip. It is going to be physically and emotionally draining. It's going to be emotional, high energy, and impactful and I can't wait for all of it! Our theme this year is how the Spirit moves in you. It's all about letting the Spirit lead us and knowing that God is present and will take care of us. Already, I have had to let my gaurd down and trust fully in God that he will provide and the trip hasn't even begun. We all will need to do this throughout the next ten days and it is going to be a challenge. But it is a challenge that I know our students WILL meet. They will experience Jesus first hand and they will see him working through them. They will feel him giving them the energy and strength to do things they didn't think they could do. I can't wait for all of this to happen and I am excited for you all to be a part of this journey! I encourage you all to follow us each day on the website, www.SolidRockYM.com. You can use the same devotions we will use each night during worship. Comment on this blog and respond to our students who will be writing here each day their thoughts and telling stories from the day. Interact with us and join us on this journey!
May the Spirit move in you this week as He will in us. May you be blessed by those you serve in the name of Jesus. May you be His hands and feet each and every day of your life, bringing love, joy, hope, peace, and grace to ALL!
We are changing the world, one small piece at a time, are you?
Peace,
Kenny
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)