Mission to Vermont

American Falls with the Maid of the Mist

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Reading @ Kid's Club

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singing "Father Abraham" @ Kid's Club

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Play at kids club

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A moment of free time

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Working at camp

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Visiting the nursing home to share stories

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Riding the Niagara Parks Shuttle

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Chris and Tony: Looking for America!

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American Falls from the Maid of the Mist

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The Mighty Niagara! Canadian Falls

2009-07-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

2009-07-14T14:38:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody it’s Raelyn!! Well I really don’t know where to start! J I had one of the best experiences of my life on this trip!! I have learned so much from the people and the places. I met so many new friends that were SO hard to leave, and wish they all lived closer. It meant so much to me when we did our projects and saw all the people’s faces we helped light up. We got to do so many new things that I probably won’t get to do ever again also. For example; we got to go to Ben& Jerry’s ice cream in Vermont, we got to eat ice cream and dance to Thriller on Lake Erie, we dug a six feet hole in Pine Hill Park, and best of all we got to see a double rainbow on Niagara Falls with all of our friends!!!!! Yesterday we went to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. It was so scary when we had to go across the border! They asked so many questions and they were even worse on the way back! We went to see butterflies first, then we went on the Maid of the Mist, then we went to look at the white water rapids, and then we went to the journey behind the falls. We had dinner at a buffet, and then there was shopping!!! Shopping in Canada was so much fun.J Yesterday was probably one of the days of my life I will remember forever. I really hope I get a chance to go on a trip as good as this one!!!! J
Love<3,
~Raelyn~

2009-07-14T14:37:00.004-07:00

Hey everyone its Michelle. My first mission trip to Rutland, Vermont was so much fun! I have met a lot of people and it definitely changed my life. I can’t wait for our next trip in 2010! Yesterday when we went to Niagara Falls and it was beautiful. We got on the Maid of the Mist and I was in the front. It was so pretty. We also got to go shopping and I got a I <3 Canada t-shirt. I am kind of sad that our trip is over, but I also can’t wait to get home cuz my 14th birthday is in 9 more days!!! J Right now we are in Pennsylvania and we still have 8 hours to drive. And on our way home we are playing a game with a list of things that each van has to spot and the van with the most points by the time we reach the church wins. We are in 1st place with 140 points at this time! YAY! I will always remember my very first mission trip of ’09. Thanks to everyone who helped us go on this trip!!!
Love, Michelle Morgan <3

2009-07-14T14:37:00.003-07:00

HELLO people of America its Tara. Blogging about my trip to Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and CANADA. Canada was the best for sure. We got lucky at the border we got 2 nice people. The last one just didn’t want to deal with us! Vermont was beautiful as well I got to go before the battery dies on this laptop.

Love Tara Rose

2009-07-14T14:37:00.001-07:00

Sunday, July 12
We are driving on I-90, on our way back from NY. Yesterday we went to Niagara Falls, Canada. It was incredible. The best part was the behind the falls tour overlook. I got the best pictures down there. My total picture count is 377. I took over 175 yesterday. The mission trip was great. I made tons of friends and had a blast. I ended up painting every day I was there. The Open Door was my favorite jobsite. Its this thrift store/ homeless shelter that serves the best food. All in all it was one of the best times of my life.
-Noah

HOME!

2009-07-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

We arrived back in Jeffersonville, IN at 7:00 PM Sunday night. Thanks for the prayers - the trip was wonderful and without incident! More posts and pictures will come through the week as folks send me pictures and their final thoughts to share in this space. We are grateful for the generous spirit and commitment to our young people that made this trip possible. Special thanks to Rev Bev, Bev H, Mike, Brad, Katy, and Louise!

As it always works with God's economy, we received more than we gave. God is good!

Blessings,

Bruce

Saturday July 11

2009-07-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

We have just arrived back to the church (it's midnight) after a lovely day in Canada visiting Niagara Falls. It was a very good day. We head for home in the morning. We are way too tired to post anything from today - watch for updates Sunday night or sometime Monday. The kids were very impressed with the 1 million bath tubs full of water that drop over the 187 ft cataract every minute...who says you can't learn something new everyday!!

I am impressed that we all got back together and across the boarder as planned!

Night!
Bruce

2009-07-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Woo Wee! It's been a busy week - lots of work, lots of play, lots of pray. And miraculously - no major fusses, fights, even disagreements that I'm aware of. Me and my crew have spent most of our time at the Parent/Child Center and the Open Door Shelter and Soup Kitchen. It was great meeting folks and getting work done. Tomorrow we're on the road again for Buffalo. The kids are excited about seeing Niagara Falls and I think some of the excitement is just going out of the country. continue to pray for us and a safe trip home. Blessings, Rev Bev

2009-07-09T19:29:00.001-07:00

As expected, Thursday was another great day. The evening cookout was fun and included a number of people who had worked with us (or whom we served) during the week. Our worship tonight was very powerful and filled with a few tears. The tradition is a foot washing - the YouthWorks people wash the group leaders feet, then we wash the kids feet. Once again as I did last year, when we were finished, I had the privilege of washing the YouthWorks leaders' feet. Special prayer is offered at this time and it is very meaningful for me to thank the leaders for the work that they do - week after week - all summer. They are wonderful college students who love God and are seeking to discern where God is calling them to go. They are not professionally or seminary trained, but their hearts are full of love for God and God's people and they are willing to share that with others - it is a blessing.

I confess that I never look forward to the hard parts of the trip - long drives, sleeping on the floor, working in unfamiliar places, showers at the "wrong" part of the day (and cold showers at that!) and eating food that I didn't choose!! -- But I am always amazed at how I am ready to go again when the trip is over. The kids and the other adults touch my lives in more ways than I can count - Thank you for sharing them with me and allowing me to be renewed in spirit. It continues to be a privilege to serve with you in the ministry of First Christian Church.

We have a long drive tomorrow and the kids are really looking forward to seeing Niagara Falls. Continue to pray for us and we have been praying for you.

Blessings from Vermont...

Bruce

2009-07-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Thursday came very quickly and the time has come to say good bye to everyone. This has been a wonderful experience, really I should say experiences because I have worked with children, visited a nursing and sang and sang to the residents and worked at the Open Door where people could come to eat, or stay. The Thrift Shop was one means of financing it but also provided clothes to those who were unable to afford them. We had a wonderful meal and there are those who come in on a regular basis but others who drop in. Then I pulled weeds and helped to landscape in a park. The most important thing you should know is that FCC and ST. Luke can be VERY PROUD of all the boys and girls. I can not say enough. Louise

2009-07-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have always loved Vermont. It is one of my favorite places. So when I heard that the mission trip was going to Rutland, I jumped at the chance. I have not been disappointed. The kids have been great. My group has done mainly outside work, first at a camp for physically challenged youth and adults, second at a city park in a run-down area. The work was hard but fun and was instantly appreciated by the people we were working for. It was fun to get out of our comfort zone for a few days (cold showers, no ice) and serve Christ in a different way. Parents, you should be proud of your kids, everyone!

Mike Callahan

2009-07-09T19:21:00.002-07:00

What a great week! I can’t tell you how fulfilling this week as been. I have never felt closer to God. The kids have been super and have worked very hard. Today was hard, we worked on some trails. I don’t think I have ever dug so much dirt. We’re off to the picnic. See you in a few days.

Bev Hennegan

2009-07-09T19:21:00.001-07:00

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Hello everyone! This is Jena Reinhardt! We are about to leave for a picnic in the park I worked on yesterday and today (so excited to let everyone see what my group did there. Everyone in the community is invited so I hoping more than three people will come like last week. =( sniff-ahhh (insider). This week I have done a variety of different things but I just wanted to tell people what has been going on. We head to Buffalo, New York tomorrow and I’m pretty sure most are excited about that. Pray for our safety in traveling.

Love,
Jena Reinhardt

2009-07-09T19:20:00.001-07:00

Hello to all my homies its Tara Rose again. So far I have had a lot of fun here. The first two days I was at camp Thorp. One day we painted the next I pulled up weeds around the pool. Then we went to work at a park .It was great to see the kids play on the swing set we redid. I got to drive this big thing .SNIFF-AHHHHHH!!!!!!!(in side joke)

2009-07-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone its Haylie ! we’ve had an awesome time this week so far and I cant wait till Niagara Falls ! I’ve made some awesome friends from the different churches here and this has been an amazing experience and I can not wait till next year ! I have so many things to tell everyone , so many pics , and inside jokes ! (: its gonna be short cuz I don’t have much time but I wanted to let everyone know what I did. The first day we went to camp Thorpe and painted a garage. That’s a camp for disabled children. Then the second day we were at the same place and dug up weeds around the pool area. Yesterday and today we did landscaping at a park and I met this amazing inspirational guy that ill talk more about when I get home. We are having a picnic tonight at the park and I cant wait ! ill talk to you guys later and I love you ! and remember when thunder roars go indoors ! and SNIFF – AHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!! (: (in side jokes)

Love always and forever <3 ,

Haylie Marie (:

p.s HELLO ERICA ! WE MISS YOU AND WISH YOU WERE HERE WITH US AND I HOPE YOU SEE THIS BEFORE WE GET HOME ! AND MOMM DON’T FORGET TO GET ERICA WHEN YOU COME TO GET ME AND MALLORY !!!!!!!!! J

2009-07-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well Wednesday has come and gone and today marks the last of our work days. Everyone changed work sites yesterday, so that the kids get multiple experiences. The groups have gotten along better than most, with little conflict or “short tempers”. They are adjusting well to cold showers, long days, sleeping on the floor and eating food that is different from what they are used to getting at home.
Tonight will be emotional for many of the kids (and adults) as we conclude this part of the trip and say goodbye to new friends. The worship tonight will close with a foot washing service – very powerful. The battery light on the laptop says quit – so I will write again this evening, if there is time.
Continue to pray for our work, community, and travel. You have every right to be proud of these young people and adult leaders – they have represented you well.

Bruce

2009-07-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hey y ‘all! It’s been a great week! Today’s our last “working day.” I’ve made so many new friends and I’m going to miss everyone so much when we go home. Daddy, watch out because I’m going to text even more then usual when I get home, trying to stay in touch with everyoneJ Last night we went on a mountain hike. It was really muddy, but everyone had a blast on the trail. But when we got to the top…Chris says hi… it was SO beautiful. You all will just love to see the pictures when we get home(I left my camera in the car so Noah’s going to email them to me)! Tonight we’re going to have a cook-out with a bunch of people from the community. Yummy. Monday and Tuesday I worked with kids and elderly people. Yesterday we painted a room for the boys and girls club. It was a blast! Today, we’re working on the mountains. It’ll be my first physical activity. Anyways, we’re about to have devotions so I have to go.

Love yah,

ShelbyJ

2009-07-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

The morning we left for the mission trip I had to wake up before the sun to meet everyone. As, I drove to the church, I witnessed the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen. I drove over the bridge and watched the purple and pink clouds dance along the water and bridge. That’s when I knew I was doing the right thing for God by coming on this mission trip. Since then, I’ve witness so much beauty from the youth helping the community, to the community helping each other, all surrounded by the scenery given by God. We hiked up a mountain yesterday and watched the sunset; I believe it was the perfect end to a perfect day with God. The clouds danced along the mountains this time. The sun played with the clouds and trees while giving us the most beautiful masterpiece.
~ Katy Hume

2009-07-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Rutland, Vermont! This trip has been quite different than the others, but they all are different. The first thing is the 18 hour long drive, which I never had accomplished before. It had its high and lows but I won’t get into that. Erie, Pennsylvania was gorgeous and seeing the fireworks on the lake was breathtaking, so seeing that was a good start to the week. But being here in Vermont has been the best! We’ve had powerful club times, which are basically worship services, I’ve gotten to paint rooms for children, help a thrift store, and eat lunch with people who are homeless, war veterans, or just plain lonely. You could see how much they just enjoyed talking to someone. Not only have I gotten closer to God in that way, but I’ve gotten to climb what I was say a steep mountain to find the most breath taking view I’ve ever seen in my life. To see what God has done is so amazing, and it’s just an incredible thing. But that’s what’s up so far, and I’m going back to the thrift store today for my last mission. We leave tomorrow for Buffalo, and then Saturday Niagara Falls and I’m pumped! I can’t wait to talk more about it when I get home but for now, see ya!

Love,
Ellie <3

2009-07-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hi, it’s Mallory. Last night we went to the mountains. It was fun! But I slipped and fell about 5 feet! I almost fell off the mountain! I got the award for the most graceful fall. It was scary! But I was alright. We went to Ben and Jerry’s last night. I got ice cream it was called Imagine Swirled Peace. It was good! I had a good night sleep last night and I woke up to blog. I want to say I love you mom and dad! It has been a really great week and I can’t wait until Niagra falls. Love you! Bye,

Love,
Mallory O’Brien

A note from Bruce - she did not fall off of the mountain!

2009-07-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Who knew that working manual labor six straight hours, getting 6 hours of sleep on the hard, cold, tile floor, and not having a cell phone/iPod for 8 days could be so fun? I sure didn’t. Coming into this I was definitely worried that I wasn’t going to enjoy myself because it was my first mission trip. Now I realize that I was extremely wrong.
The first and second day I got manual labor. And almost died doing it. Ha ha. =) We were quite a ways up on a mountain digging up trails and rocks when a HAILSTORM came up out of nowhere and just blasted us. Literally. It felt like Airsoft. We had to clear out the worksite in pouring (freezing) hail, carrying tools halfway down, running and falling down a muddy, steep, trail. There was lightning, thunder, trees falling, people falling, the whole shah-bang. It was the funniest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Oh, and by the way, my name is Mia. =)

Bruce Posting mid-day??

2009-07-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

What gives with a mid-day post? Aren’t you too busy during the day to write and access the internet? Yes, normally that would be true! But today, after lunch, the work crews I was with were literally washed off the mountain! We had pea size hail, wind, lighting and thunder and buckets of rain – cold rain. Immediately, we became giant balls of mud and had to slog our way ½ mile back down the mountain.

I called our site director and had him bring large garbage bags for us to sit on in the vans. After he arrived we made our way to the shower site, for nice Vermont spring water showers (these are unbelievably cold!). Chris, the other adult male leader on our work site, joined me for an adventure to the world of “Laundry and Wi-fi” (That’s the name of the Laundromat we are currently sitting in).

We are washing all the kids wet clothes and currently running 19 pairs of tennis shoes in a monster size dryer. Six laundry sheets doesn’t seem to be enough to alter the smell each time I check for “doneness”. We will be here a while longer!!

Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures of the drown rat crew to show you – but I have to tell you the kids were real troopers. They have done very well and made the best of our current situation. They are getting a little extra (and well deserved free time) this afternoon.

Life is good – and no one ever said it would be easy. Keep on praying!

------------Bruce

Katy Hume writes Tuesday morning

2009-07-07T12:48:00.001-07:00

There are so many adventures that have already happened, and it’s only the second day. I worked at Pine Hill Park, moving boulders and ripping up roots so it would be easier for the community to walk through and enjoy the scenery. It was nice to see community members taking advantage of this incredible park while we tried to make it better for them; they had nothing but gratitude for us. Even with holes in the ground and torn up earth on some areas of the trail, they kept encouraging us. As an adult on the trip it was wonderful to hear that recognition for the youth. It was also a wonderful experience and witness “Gods fingerprints” on our world. He truly is an awesome god.
~Katy Hume

Janesse writes

2009-07-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a great time! We helped a man clean a mountain trail. We did all kinds of stuff like picking up huge rocks, digging, and putting dirt everywhere! It wasn’t so fun because there were no bathrooms!!! So if we had to go we had to go in the woods. After we did all of that we were so dirty!!! Then everyone went rock climbing. It was so fun! Some people went on the ceiling. The place was about 15 feet high. Thank you that nobody got hurt! We’re having a great time here!
-Janesse Brooner

From Bev Hennegam

2009-07-07T12:46:00.001-07:00

We had a great day at Kids Club. We had about 13 kids attend the camp and they really enjoyed having the youth help. We had a groups acting out the theme, singing songs, telling the story, crafts, and recreation. The youth were so good with the kids. I was able to see the youth bring out their talents with the little ones. After dinner we went rock climbing. We had a great time. Louise Ross was awesome and climbed to the very top. I understand Ben did some heavy labor on the trail. I have to say I was very exhausted last night during Club Time. The air mattress sounded very good. We are having a great time.
Bev Hennegan

2009-07-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Our first day of work was a success! There are seven work crews working at five different sites in the Rutland area. The people we encounter seem very appreciative of our presence and of our efforts. The work is noticed, as is the attitude that we do it with. The kids are making new friends and they are engaging in the spirit of the trip very well. Our adult leadership is awesome! Everyone is taking time to get to know the young people and taking appropriate supervision responsibilities. First Christian Church and St. Luke’s – you can be very proud of the team you have sent “east.” Vermont continues to amaze with its beauty.
Bruce

2009-07-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

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Getting our morning instructions before beginning our work at the park. 300 acres representing some of God's finest work!

2009-07-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today the group Bruce works with went to Pine Mountain Park to work on the trail system. This park is a community treasure that was almost lost to development in the 1990's. Now it trails are enjoyed by mountain bikers and hikers of all ages. Our job was clearing rocks and roots from the trail, adding "banking" to the switchback turns, and creating drainage areas to preserve the trail. The pictures of us working in the woods are from Monday's work. The man with the passion and the dream to make this a reality addresses us in this photo, telling us the story of the park and preparing us for our work.

2009-07-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

This is Louise Ross - the hero of most everyone on the trip! Tonight (Monday) Louise joined us at the indoor climbing facility and she climbed up the entire wall! We hope to get pictures of that posted tomorrow! She is having a blast - and making friends everywhere she goes. Not bad for a woman who defines her self as "diamond plus" regarding her age.

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A few scenes from Erie on July 4, 2009.

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We had to "improvise" showers on Saturday night.

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We Are HERE!

2009-07-06T05:02:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in beautiful Vermont - the Green Mountain State!
The trip across New York state was lovely - and we moved through (all-be-it very slowly!) several resort towns in the Adirondack Mountains. The young people are having a wonderful time seeing the wonder of creation in new ways. They are eagerly anticipating the work sites today. They will do very well. Louise Ross continues to be our inspiration as she is a trooper - we have paired her with Katie Hume, our youngest adult, and they are quite the twosome.

I am grateful for the safe travel, the cooperative spirit, the willingness of our adults and the generosity of our congregation. I actually slept pretty well last night - I am also thankful for that as well.

Today our group mixes kids from New Jersey and Maryland as they head for their work sites. Kids Club, a nursing home, a camp for handicapped adults and children, a state recreation area, an "inner city" park, and a place that feeds the hungry. We will post later today, as we are able.

Keep us in your prayers.

Bruce

2009-07-06T05:01:00.003-07:00

Hey! It’s Mallory O’Brien! My favorite color is orange! We are in the van number 1! Because we are number one! We are sleeping and making honk signs. Everyone doesn’t honk and some people just wave but it’s okay cause I’m ssooo excited to get to Vermont! We are in New York and we just stopped at McDonalds and they weren’t prepared for us and it took them forever to serve us and I got a cheeseburger but it cost way too much! And I had a sip of Brad’s tea and I had to spit it out! It was soo disgusting! But I got my medium coke… even though I did order a large! Oh well it was good and I am filled up! I slept this morning in the car for 2 hours! But I didn’t sleep at all yesterday! Shelby has slept every second of the car ride! Realyn and I got the whole back seat to ourselves and it is ssooo comfortable! About the “honk” thing we got 20 people to honk at us yesterday. It was soo fun! And we got 54 people so far to honk at us! We are shooting for 50 honks until we get to Vermont! It’s fun because people laugh at us! Yesterday we were at a stoplight and we saw this person who looked like Mike from twilight! We put up the honk sign and he honked and he yelled, “What are you doing this for??” And we held up the sign that said we are on a mission! And he yelled okay! But today when we were loading up a man that was obviously homeless and needed food and only three people said good morning or anything to him. I felt bad but you know most people wouldn’t talk to him because he was very dirty and scary. But I want to say I love you to my parents and that I hope my dad had a great time in California! I love you and I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Bye!

Love you,
Mallory O’Brien

2009-07-06T05:01:00.001-07:00

Hello again! It’s Jena Reinhardt. My absolute favorite food…well like drinkish thing is a chocolate milkshake. We just got back from a McDonald’s at some service station in New York. I am in van number one (the best one of all) and we are sleeping and putting “honk” signs in the windows again! So far we have gotten 54 today and 20 yesterday. People do not understand when we put “honk, we’re on a mission trip,” in the van, not to wave but honk. If we had counted the number of people who waved to us instead we would have probably had 50 today alone waving. (haha) The McDonald’s we went to was over priced and VERY crowded. It was like 8 dollars for a value meal! Bruce just announced we have drove 700 miles since Jeffersonville and only 200 left to go!! Oh, yeah! Last night we stayed at a beautiful church in Pennsylvania. We walked about 10 blocks down to Lake Erie to watch fireworks. It was beautiful but a little chilly. The fireworks were nice and calming (with the Fourth of July music playing with the show) but not loud and obnoxious like thunder. You could really tell the people enjoyed it and it was something special. Like thunder it was crowded…but not crowded like we know…like a few hundred people. This morning we had a very big lesson. While we were packing the vans a homeless man came and took a seat on the ground outside the church doors as we were going in and out of while carrying our super-duper heavy luggage out to the vans. I noticed he had just one bag-which was very small and not filled up very much and was slightly opened. He just set there minding his business watching us. I, personally heard Brad, an adult leader say “hello,” and he said,” good morning” back and continued sitting there. Later as I was walking back inside the church I noticed his bag was filled a little more with some breakfast food that we also had. It was very touching and now looking back on it I wish I would of took that time to say “hello.” We talked about him before we hit the road and how we are driving 900 miles to do good things when we could of took four steps out the door and did the same. Even if we did drive all the way to that church…we have the very same in our community which we look down on. The road we are on is very crowded with the construction. Lots of tolls and lots of cars. Our vans keep splitting up and so we are thankful for the walky talkies. The GPS Bruce has in our van is very helpful and is saying we should arrive by 5:30-without anymore stops. Good luck with that! We are close to the border line of Vermont and New York! Yeaa! =]

Love,
Jena Reinhardt <3

2009-07-06T05:00:00.001-07:00

HEY YA’LL! It’s your fearless youth pastor here. So far, so good. We’re making good time and everyone’s behaving. Saw the fireworks last night and had wonderful hosts at St. Paul’s UCC. Of course we do nothing quickly, like meals, breaks, getting packed and dressed, that sort of thing, but we’re moving. And for many this is their first trip this far north. Beautiful weather and cool nights. I love it! Vermont, here we come!
Bev

2009-07-06T04:59:00.003-07:00

This is Darnell. We are the cool kids in the red van. All we do in here is sleep and play wit our Wooly Willy. Brad is always the only one awake, reading Star Wars. Bens mouth is always wide open while he sleeps. (SNIFF AHHH) Chris complains about Michael Jackson. Tony tut tuts. Austin plays rubrix cube. Evan tells HILARIOUS jokes. Lindsay stays squished in the seat between big boys. Mom buys socks for silly boys. Mike drives and tells us where we are. And Lauren is writing this blog. See you later =)

Love, Darnell

2009-07-06T04:59:00.001-07:00

Hey y’all! This is ShelbyJ we’ve all had so much fun along the way. It’s about 10:30am right now. We just stopped at some bathroom place, so everybody’s out of the van right now. The church we stayed at was real nice. I got to sleep on a couch, so not having an air mattress hasn’t bothered me so far. The people from the church were very nice and made sure we felt welcome. Last night there was a 4th of July firework show and it was really nice. It’s not as great as Thunder, but it’s still good. Well I’m still tired. So bye!

Love ya, Shelby

2009-07-06T04:58:00.002-07:00

Hey everybody!! This is Raelyn and I have had so much fun so far!!!!! We are in New York right now and are headed for Vermont. We went to Lake Erie last night and watched some fireworks and there was a beautiful lighthouse there too!! Why we were down there, there was a big party and we were dancing to the music, it was soo much fun!!!!!! There also was an awesome ice cream truck there too. We just passed the exit for Canada and the van is so quiet today because we stayed up so late and then we had to get up at 6:30!!!! But, overall we are having a blast, and we are looking forward to get to Vermont. We have gotten 54 people to honk for us so far we made like 20 signs that said HONK and WE ARE ON A MISSION TRIP. One thing that was so awesome about getting people to honk yesterday was when we got to PA there was this guy that looked just like Mike Newton off of Twilight and everybody was freaking out!!! It was awesome!!!!!!!!! We have been singing to the radio and to all of our ipods. Now we are in the mountains and things are so much more expensive here!!! We went to this McDonalds that had a store attached to it and it had all this I <3 NY stuff and I got a I <3 NY t-shirt, a Syracuse postcard, and a NY Yankees pen!!! I can already tell that this week is going to be a blast, so I’m really looking forward to it!!!!!! I love you mom, dad, buddy, fred, zoe, and poe!!! GtgJJJ
~Raelyn Cardwell <3

2009-07-06T04:58:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! We are on our way to Vermont right now. We went to Lake Erie to watch the fire works show last night. It can’t compare to Thunder though but it was cool. When we were down town we saw a hip-hop ice cream truck. Here is a pick of it.

Everyone is really tired today since we woke up at 6:30am. Five people are asleep right now and everyone else is looking out the window and listening to the radio. We hope everyone back in Jeff had a great fourth of July and we miss our family and friends very much. J
Love, Michelle Morgan <3

2009-07-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

Day 2
We arrived in Erie PA yesterday. Once we all got unpacked and settled, we went to see the fireworks show. This morning we packed up and headed out. I almost left Bruce enough room to see out the back. (Only my mom will get that, its kind of an inside thing) so we headed out about 7:00. The scenery here is incredible.
I’ve never seen so many vineyards in one place.
-Noah

2009-07-06T04:56:00.001-07:00

Hello again this is Tara Rose it’s now the second day of this trip and are van now has a name its bob whoosh. The ‘fire work show’ last night was really small. They set off like one fire work at a time. After the show we ran and got ice cream from a hip hop ice cream truck. It played a remix to the original ice cream song. Downtown Erie was great. It was really old and cute.
p.s Thanks to the church who let us stay the night.
Love Tara Rose

Meet the Adult leadership

2009-07-04T17:22:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about my FIRST mission trip. I've heard about all the jobs and activities that have taken place during the mission trips my kids have been on and I can't wait to get a similar experience. I'm excited about meeting new people: people from a different region of our country, people from First Christian Church, people from other organizations, and most importantly getting to help people in need. I want to be able to put a smile on a little child's face or possibly talk to an elderly person who just needs a few minutes of someone's time. I get butterfies just thinking about this mission trip that I'm about to face in just a few hours. I'm ready to see a new part of the country. Here we come VERMONT!

The other 'Bev'
Bev Hennegan
(I need a new name this week and I'm sure I'll get it soon)

2009-07-04T17:19:00.001-07:00

I’m Noah Kelso, 14 I’m going into freshman year and plan to go to the U.S. Naval academy for college. So far we’ve been in the car for 6 hours. Having driven to WDW every year, 6 hours isn’t a big deal to me. I hope to be able to go to the habitat site, since I wasn’t old enough last year. But even if I don’t it’ll be a blast anyway.

- Noah Kelso

2009-07-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well my parents are in Greece . While they are there I’m on mission trip to Vermont with the youth. In the van Bruce was telling us that we were in Cincinnati, and I thought that it was a state because nobody said anything about Ohio. So I thought that we were almost to Ohio. Then I finally said,” Are we almost to Ohio???”. It was quiet and then everyone started laughing. So that’s what has happened so far. I hope that everyone’s doing great in Jeff!

Love, Janesse Brooner J

A note from Bruce - today we had a geography lesson!

2009-07-04T17:15:00.001-07:00

Happy fourth of July everyone!!! Its Michelle Morgan. I am going to be in 8th grade at River Valley Middle. Anyways we are half way to Erie, Pennsylvania and there is 10 people in the van. 2 guys and 8 girls. We are having so much fun! We have been playing Mad Libs and laughing a whole lot. We will be stopping at a church to stay the night tonight and when we wake up in the morning we will hit the road for Rutland, Vermont!!! YAY.
Love, Michelle Morgan <3

2009-07-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hello homies its Tara Rose I went to Parkview middle school I will soon start at Jeff. High. Right now I’m in a van with 8 girls and 2guys(hee hee hee hee).oh and on our way out of McDonalds after taking pics. With a huge Ronald McDonald head. After lunch this five year old came up to me and told me I was hot then growled at me .It was funny but weird. Now were in the van looking at pics.. I cant wait until the fire work show to night.
*love Tara Rose

2009-07-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hey, guys! It’s Jena Reinhardt. =) I’m going into the 8th grade at Parkview Middle. I swim and play volleyball, even though I prefer volleyball much more. My favorite color is pink and I love puppys! We are about halfway to Erie, Pennsylvania-which we will be staying the night at a local church and then we will be back on the road in the morning (yaaah, not!). Right now we are having a blast! Our van is the best of the 4! We just got two truck drivers to honk their horn (ha ha). We stopped at the Ronald McDonald statue and took tons of photos. Raelyn, Maddie, Shelby, Mallory, Tara, Michelle, Janesse, and I took pictures! Everyone has pretty much been awake the whole car ride-a few naps here and there-except Shelby! She went to sleep all morning. So while Shelby was asleep we were all thinking of our “car song.” Last year it was ten chicks and a rooster…while this year we are remixing the theme song on What I Like About You. So far though it’s not going so well. The only people we have mentioned in the song are Shelby and Mallory. So wish us luck on that. We have a whole day left plus the rest of today. Everybody is very excited to find out what mission work we will be doing this week. Our car has mainly people who have never been on mission before. The only who have are of course Bruce, then Noah, Mallory, Shelby and I. I’m excited for the firework show tonight and really anxious to get out of this van! Thanks so much to the people who donated to get us to where we are right now!

Happy Independence Day
Jena Reinhardt <3

2009-07-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hey this is Raelyn!! I’m going into 8th grade and my favorite color is Lime Green. Well, I am having so much fun on this trip!!! We tried to make a song for our van but we haven’t gotten very far. . .we have: what I like about this trip we’re having tons of fun, the van’s going up, down, all around hoping nobody gets sick, YEAH! Keep on messing with Shelby’s fingers, Mal’s singing all these random songs out loud cuz its true, that’s what I like about this trip. We took pics with this HUGE Ronald McDonald statue, too. We are having a blast in this van, and we even get to watch fireworks tonight!!! This is going to so much fun!!
~Raelyn

2009-07-04T17:08:00.001-07:00

Hey. It’s Shelby Moore. I’m going into 8th grade at Parkview and my favorite sport is volleyball! But right now we’re halfway to Erie, Pennsylvania. We’re going to stay the night at a local church then get back on the road. We’re scheduled to reach the mission site around 4:30. Our whole van is bouncing with excitement! We just made a quick pit stop at McDonald’s/Wendy’s. All the middle school girls went out and took a ton of photos with a Ronald McDonald statue. Mallory, Realyn, Jena, Maddie, Tara, Michelle, Janesse, Noah, Bruce, and I. I’ve been sleeping most of the time, but everyone else has been giggling and writing songs. Our vans song is a remix of What I Like About You. Everybody is anxious to find out what jobs we’ll be doing this week and we’re very thankful to everyone who donated to help us get here! Thanks so much!

-Shelby

Getting to Know You (and us)

2009-07-04T17:06:00.001-07:00

Hey! It’s Mallory! I’m going into eigth grade and my favorite sports are basketball and volleyball! We are on our way to Rutland Vermont…… finally!!! I’m in a van with Shelby, Realyn, Jena, Maddie, Janesse, Michelle, Tara, Noah, and Bruce! We have been trying to make up a song like ten chicks and a rooster. But it’s not really working out! Shelby isn’t cooperating and she’s not helping! We were singing some songs and I sang the climb and it was BEAUTIFUL!!! (Not really). Lol. But I’m having the time of my life and I can’t wait to get to Rutland! And then out to Niagara Falls! I want to say hi to my mom and dad! I hope you, dad, had a great time in California! I can’t wait to hear about it all! Man I sound like my mom! Lol. I love you mommy and daddy and M.J.! I can’t wait to tell you all about it! Love you guys!!!!
-Mallory

2009-07-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

Early this morning -

Jena, Raelyn, Mallory, and Nancy O'Brien getting set for "further instructions".

We have arrived in Erie!

2009-07-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

We pulled into our host congregation's parking lot around 5:00 PM July 4. We unpacked the vans and settled into our overnight digs while Brad, Katie, Bruce and one our hosts headed for KFC - Buckets of Chicken (both original recipe and the new "Grilled Side of KFC" with side of slaw, beans, mashed potatoes (and plenty of gravy!) biscuits and sodas (known here in PA as "pop"). They set us up just right and it was (forgive me) finger licking good!

We will be walking about 10 blocks toward Lake Erie in a few minutes to celebrate our nation's birthday with fireworks. Then back here to bed down for a short night. Up at 6:30 and on the road to Rutland.

Everyone traveled well and there are no problems to report. New friendships are being made and stories from previous years' are being told (often with much embellishment).

We stopped to pray as a group after lunch when we heard the news about Jeremy Cheser, class valedictorian whose family was involved in a traffic accident - according to the reports we have received, Jeremy's father was killed and others sustained serious injuries. Life can change so quickly. Our thoughts are with this family and those who love them.

We will post pictures later as well as some comments from riders in "Chalice One" (the lead van).

Keep us in your prayers for safety and plenty of relationship lubrication in very close quarters so we all get along!

Bruce