Enjoy
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Road
Friday morning we woke up blearily, after the previous night's ghost stories on the porch and seniors' slumber party, to the sweet chorus of Eric's soprano range belting, "GOOD MORNING!" We packed and cleaned for a bit before being informed that Eduardo had our breakfast tacos ready downstairs. There was much rejoicing.
After breakfast we cleaned some more, took pictures with the other groups, had a round of hugs and goodbyes, boarded our trusty van, and departed. It had been a fantastic week- no one really wanted to leave, and no one would ever forget it.
There was some sparring over seating, but eventually we were settled in enough to fall fast asleep. We rolled unconsciously on to Fort Worth, where we roused for a sunny lunch on the patio at the same In-N-Out Burger from the drive in. After that, most of the afternoon was quiet and peaceful- I listened to music while I wrote the post for Wednesday. Amazingly, we made it through Oklahoma City at rush hour without a hitch.
After that, things livened up a bit. We played the song game, in which Eric would say a word and all of us would sing the first song that came to mind containing that word. This developed quickly into our youth group a cappella debut, a recording of which we will play in our mission trip recap on Sunday. Other events transpired which would certainly fall under the protection of the "what happens on the mission trip, stays on the mission trip" rule. Suffice it to say that Eric and Olivia deserve many, many thanks for their patience this week.
We got to Wichita and had dinner at TGI Friday's before driving north of town to the First Presbyterian Family Church Camp.
Let me begin by saying how grateful we all are to Wichita First Pres. for giving us a place to stay. It was very generous of them. I'm sure their camp is a fun place for all of their regular summer campers, and not the plywood-paneled Pandora's box of nightmares that it was for us.
Bare, musty, cobwebbed lodge in the middle of the prairie? Check. Howling wind and random booming sounds in the dead of night? Check. Infernal ventilation machine that made clattering noises like the scuttling of Satan's hermit crab across a chalkboard? Check.
The loft we slept in had two rooms- one with four beds and one with eight, but all but one of us slept in the small room anyway, as it had only one door through which the murderers could enter. We slept two and three to a bed despite the heat. Only Austin, who was either very brave or very determined to be the sole survivor of the Kansas Chainsaw massacre, slept alone in the adjoining room. Perhaps he had the right idea, because just as we were all bedding down and establishing our watch shifts, Eric came back from showering and shaving. He stood in the doorway with a disturbing grin on his face and said slowly, "Hello, children. There's candy in the van." His beard was gone, but he had left a thin, creepy, Steve Buscemi-esque mustache on his upper lip.
It was a sleepless night for some, but we were all grateful simply to be alive in the morning. We loaded the van and got the heaven out of there (or is it just Iowa?).
- Jake
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Expectations, Effects and Eyes Wide Open
At the beginning of our week, Eduardo, the program director for D.O.O.R. San Antonio, scattered us around the house in groups to discuss our expectations for the week and the effect we desired to have on those we served. At the end of the week, we were gathered again and invited to reflect upon these two questions: how were our expectations meant and did we have the effect we thought we would?
My single greatest expectation for every week away with students is the revealing of God's transforming presence in their lives and my own. However, these moments of grace are often fleeting and hard to capture. We are surely not in control of the living God, the great I AM. Nevertheless, God was present with us in profound and transforming ways. Here is one that stands out to me: Joel, reflecting upon our time at the Catholic Worker House, remarked that he had never felt closer to God than when he was sitting in the courtyard listening to the guests (homeless men and women) share their stories and lives. Joel, sensed God in the love and community found at the Catholic Worker House. It is truly a place where the thin veil separating the reign of God from our earthly sojourn is pealed back and we are able to taste and see how good God real is; how good God's new creation can really be. I am ever grateful for these precious glimpses of God's presence in our midst.
As with many trips of this nature, we desire to make an impact on the lives of those we go to serve for the better. Though, once we are elbow deep in the work, we realize in God's great mischief that we are not just effecting others but being effected by them. This shared effecting comes in many ways. We may realize joy and fulfillment are not connected to the things we previously attached them. We may be filled with a compelling indignation over the injustice of certain social systems. We may even notice new ways we are being prompted to follow Jesus; to be his disciples. One such experience this past week is captured in Jake's decision to pursue a volunteer year before venturing off to the hollowed halls of higher learning. I won't steal his thunder, but encourage you to ask him about his week and the effect it's having on his life.
Finally, a word about having our eyes opened. At the end of our reflections this evening, Eduardo, encouraged us to consider who the invisible people were in our own communities and how might we learn to hear their voices and join with them in their journeys. He challenged us to recognize, to see, that all of the things we did in San Antonio can be done at home in our own community. It is my second greatest expectation that weeks like this one give our young people (and through them, our whole congregation) a vision for ministry and mission in our own community. The simplicity and intentional focus of mission trip weeks help to open our eyes to those we are called to love and welcome. But, in many ways these weeks are just the beginning of a greater trek. I think our real mission trip is just beginning--our real mission trip is the life we return to at home. The challenge is to take our new eyes and scan our own city for places of brokenness, injustice and pain. How can we offer welcome and wholeness to those near God's heart in our own context?
Perhaps, all you readers could do us one small favor? Ask the students about their week. Ask them who they think the strangers are in our own community. Ask them who in our own community needs to be welcomed. Ask them how we should welcome these people. But, before you do any of the asking, be sure you're ready to listen; listen and respond; listen and join us, as we all begin our real mission trip, the one God invites us to take each and every day.
Blessings--Eric
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
On Tuesday our group of Connor, Stephy, Eric, Tyler, and Joel had the privilege of working at the Catholic Worker House. This particular organization caters to the homeless in San Antonio. At first I was a little nervous about working with homeless, as I have never had any contact with them! As we started out our day Stephy and myself immediately started washing dishes after breakfast and preparing to serve another 120 people at lunch. As we were taking meat off the rib bones a man walked up and asked for the bones we were throwing away so that he could keep them because he didn't know when food would be available again. I was amazed and shocked that these people were actually willing to eat our trash because they were not able to afford food for themselves. Being able to talk and interact with these men and women really opened my eyes to the homeless and how fortunate I really am to never have to worry about when the next meal is gonna be or if I will have a place to stay the night. (Connor)
Last night we played a game called Starpower. We walked into the Mennonite church and there were three circles of chairs. One circle had comfy chairs, another tallish wooden
chairs, and the last had tiny wooden chairs. We were immediately told to pick a seat and no talking allowed. The game seemed pointless at first. Trading colored chips to get the highest point value, but how did this apply to anything we were doing this week? As the game progressed we continually heard Eduardo snap at us to stop talking and he gradually began to insult those who were falling behind in points. Pretty soon it all fell into place. The people with the most points sat in the circle with the comfy chairs, the next highest in the tallish wooden chairs, and the lowest in the tiny wooden chairs. Eduardo's behavior toward each group changed. To the lowest he was rude and began accusing them of cheating. The middle he simply treated respectfully. The highest he showed absolute mercy to from complementing them to forgiving every mistake they made. As the rounds went on, Eduardo's acting skills only improved. Each group began to notice something: nobody had switched groups in a while. We then realized that the availability to higher point value chips had been changed. The best group only had high value chips available, the middle had the moderately valued chips, and the lowest had only the lowest value chips available. After a few rounds, the highest point holders were allowed to change the rules of the game to whatever they wanted. No boundaries. In our reflection afterwards, we discussed how this game is a simulation of society. It shows the social, judicial, economical, and political injustices that exist in our world today. It also showed the opportunities that are denied to some people. We then talked about Illegal Immigrants. Why do they cross the border if it's illegal? Are they desperate or determined for something? I think these are all things we take for granted. We are so lucky to have all we have. The fact that we can come to San Antonio to help people says a lot about the opportunities that none of us have been denied. After this evening of intense competition from a game that felt so real and the uncomfortable, interesting reflection afterward, I felt truly blessed to have been able to experience this first hand. I had gone to the Catholic Worker House earlier that day and met with homeless people that seemed no different than myself. While playing the game, some of their faces and events of that day popped in and out of my head. What gives me the right to be sitting here playing a game when these people live this injustice in their lives everyday? Yesterday, as a whole, really put the world in perspective for me. I'm not claiming to be all knowing on how to solve the problems of the world after one enlightening day. I, simply, wish to express the magic that I felt working inside me that I hope was working in my fellow DOOR participants as well. (Stephanie)
For four of us, today started off at 5:30 with a trip to San Fernando cathedral for mass. Built in 1731 it is the oldest cathedral in the country and boy was it beautiful. Being the only Presbyterians there we already felt out of place but as the service started we realized that it was bilingual. This would have been fine if the priest's accent hadn't been so thick we couldn't understand his English. Nevertheless it was a beautiful service and church. (Connor)
This week has really reminded us to count our blessings and how lucky we are to have the lives we do!
Love from San Antonio!
--Stephanie and Connor
Last night we played a game called Starpower. We walked into the Mennonite church and there were three circles of chairs. One circle had comfy chairs, another tallish wooden
chairs, and the last had tiny wooden chairs. We were immediately told to pick a seat and no talking allowed. The game seemed pointless at first. Trading colored chips to get the highest point value, but how did this apply to anything we were doing this week? As the game progressed we continually heard Eduardo snap at us to stop talking and he gradually began to insult those who were falling behind in points. Pretty soon it all fell into place. The people with the most points sat in the circle with the comfy chairs, the next highest in the tallish wooden chairs, and the lowest in the tiny wooden chairs. Eduardo's behavior toward each group changed. To the lowest he was rude and began accusing them of cheating. The middle he simply treated respectfully. The highest he showed absolute mercy to from complementing them to forgiving every mistake they made. As the rounds went on, Eduardo's acting skills only improved. Each group began to notice something: nobody had switched groups in a while. We then realized that the availability to higher point value chips had been changed. The best group only had high value chips available, the middle had the moderately valued chips, and the lowest had only the lowest value chips available. After a few rounds, the highest point holders were allowed to change the rules of the game to whatever they wanted. No boundaries. In our reflection afterwards, we discussed how this game is a simulation of society. It shows the social, judicial, economical, and political injustices that exist in our world today. It also showed the opportunities that are denied to some people. We then talked about Illegal Immigrants. Why do they cross the border if it's illegal? Are they desperate or determined for something? I think these are all things we take for granted. We are so lucky to have all we have. The fact that we can come to San Antonio to help people says a lot about the opportunities that none of us have been denied. After this evening of intense competition from a game that felt so real and the uncomfortable, interesting reflection afterward, I felt truly blessed to have been able to experience this first hand. I had gone to the Catholic Worker House earlier that day and met with homeless people that seemed no different than myself. While playing the game, some of their faces and events of that day popped in and out of my head. What gives me the right to be sitting here playing a game when these people live this injustice in their lives everyday? Yesterday, as a whole, really put the world in perspective for me. I'm not claiming to be all knowing on how to solve the problems of the world after one enlightening day. I, simply, wish to express the magic that I felt working inside me that I hope was working in my fellow DOOR participants as well. (Stephanie)
For four of us, today started off at 5:30 with a trip to San Fernando cathedral for mass. Built in 1731 it is the oldest cathedral in the country and boy was it beautiful. Being the only Presbyterians there we already felt out of place but as the service started we realized that it was bilingual. This would have been fine if the priest's accent hadn't been so thick we couldn't understand his English. Nevertheless it was a beautiful service and church. (Connor)
This week has really reminded us to count our blessings and how lucky we are to have the lives we do!
Love from San Antonio!
--Stephanie and Connor
Monday, March 12, 2012
Cool stories from San antoni, BRO :Work day one
Just a fair warning to ya'll reading this we don't have the same wit or vocabulary jake has so please lower your expectations and BEAR with us.
After taking the scenic route we finally arrived at the beautiful city of San Antonio and the house we will be staying at for the week, La Casa de Maria y Marta. Surprisingly, we arrived early and were able to walk the river walk downtown for about an hour. It was a complete 180 degree turnaround from Iowa weather: 78 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze.
That night we returned to the house for orientation. The leader of the programs name is Eduardo and has an adorable daughter named either Mary Ella or Maria. There's still some debate. Staying in the house with us are two other college groups, one from San Antonio and the other from colona, Iowa. Yes, amish country. They're Mennonite and educated us on their religion and the fact that they're not really Amish. During orientation Eduardo explained to us all of the different activities we could be doing throughout the week and what to expect. Then we separated into two groups and received our assignments.
This morning we woke up reallllllly early at seven o'clock to get ready to depart for the day. My group went to Mission Road, a center for children and adults with development disorders. In the morning we worked with the kids. We split into three groups, gym, education, and crafts. For crafts we helped the children make tissue paper shamrocks. In gym they played basketball and in education they helped the kids out with their worksheets. The kids ranged from very high functioning to low functioning. We had some kids who could engage in conversation with us and one named joseph who when asked what day tomorrow was exclaimed with great excitement, Easter! There were also kids who had very little verbal skills, if any at all. It was an amazing experience and a major shock to all of us. It made us more grateful for the blessed lives we all have.
After lunch there we helped out at Mission Road again, helping them paint a train shipping car used for storage in the beaming sun. It would explain why Chris, Olivia, Jake, and Austin are all lobsters now. Never forget sun screen people.
We all came home absolutely exhausted from a long days work. We hung out around the house until dinner. We had delicious homemade chalupas and everyone's stomach was well satisfied after. Then our group cleaned up dishes after and jake and I discovered an irrational fear to add to the list: floaters. You know those gross food chunks that get stuck in the water when you're washing dishes? Yeah those. Ew.
After dinner we had the director from the catholic workhouse talk to us and share how she ended up in her job, her upbringing, what the group does, and the experiences she has had so far. I won't go into much detail for our group will work there later in the week and explain.
After a nice walk down the river we went to sleep and day one ended. Thanks so much to all of you reading this and keeping us in your prayers.
Makayla and Jayne
After taking the scenic route we finally arrived at the beautiful city of San Antonio and the house we will be staying at for the week, La Casa de Maria y Marta. Surprisingly, we arrived early and were able to walk the river walk downtown for about an hour. It was a complete 180 degree turnaround from Iowa weather: 78 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze.
That night we returned to the house for orientation. The leader of the programs name is Eduardo and has an adorable daughter named either Mary Ella or Maria. There's still some debate. Staying in the house with us are two other college groups, one from San Antonio and the other from colona, Iowa. Yes, amish country. They're Mennonite and educated us on their religion and the fact that they're not really Amish. During orientation Eduardo explained to us all of the different activities we could be doing throughout the week and what to expect. Then we separated into two groups and received our assignments.
This morning we woke up reallllllly early at seven o'clock to get ready to depart for the day. My group went to Mission Road, a center for children and adults with development disorders. In the morning we worked with the kids. We split into three groups, gym, education, and crafts. For crafts we helped the children make tissue paper shamrocks. In gym they played basketball and in education they helped the kids out with their worksheets. The kids ranged from very high functioning to low functioning. We had some kids who could engage in conversation with us and one named joseph who when asked what day tomorrow was exclaimed with great excitement, Easter! There were also kids who had very little verbal skills, if any at all. It was an amazing experience and a major shock to all of us. It made us more grateful for the blessed lives we all have.
After lunch there we helped out at Mission Road again, helping them paint a train shipping car used for storage in the beaming sun. It would explain why Chris, Olivia, Jake, and Austin are all lobsters now. Never forget sun screen people.
We all came home absolutely exhausted from a long days work. We hung out around the house until dinner. We had delicious homemade chalupas and everyone's stomach was well satisfied after. Then our group cleaned up dishes after and jake and I discovered an irrational fear to add to the list: floaters. You know those gross food chunks that get stuck in the water when you're washing dishes? Yeah those. Ew.
After dinner we had the director from the catholic workhouse talk to us and share how she ended up in her job, her upbringing, what the group does, and the experiences she has had so far. I won't go into much detail for our group will work there later in the week and explain.
After a nice walk down the river we went to sleep and day one ended. Thanks so much to all of you reading this and keeping us in your prayers.
Makayla and Jayne
Greetings from Sunny San Antonio!
It is the third day of our journey and we are rolling like the blazing storm of Iowan thunder we are into the heart of Texas. It has been a cramped and jostled drive, but we have kept our spirits up, laughed off our roadblocks, and preserved what's left of Eric's sanity.
We kicked off at approximately 4 PM on Friday afternoon after loading the van, praying, taking pictures, and saying our goodbyes. After a brief pit stop at Dan Deery's to fortify the van's tires against the very full load riding on them, we set off on the highway. Dinner was at Subway ("Crab- it's like soft candy fish!" - Joel) and before we knew it we were in Kansas City. That night we slept soundly in the youth room of the lovely bluffside Parkville Presbyterian Church, after playing sardines with the lights off, war-painting ourselves, and developing an irrational fear of organist's shoes.
We set off bright and early Saturday morning, ate breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts (exotic!), and settled in for our longest driving day. As the Kansas landscape grew monotonous we occupied ourselves with sleep, reading, movies, and the occasional tickle fight.
We took our luncheon at an exceedingly sketchy Oklahoma City Taco Bell, charmingly situated between two strip clubs and apparently run by the Russian mob. The tacos, at least, we're palatable. Eric the Fresno boy chalked it up to a "life experience" and attempted to convince us that his own upbringing was this rough. We're not buying it.
We crossed the border into the Lone Star state, and soon found ourselves in the fair city of Fort Worth, where Eric restored our faith in his gourmet sensibilities by taking us to an In-N-Out Burger. Delicious.
We then went to find our lodging for the night, and we were beyond thrilled to discover that St. Stephen's Presbyterian, the church in which we were to stay, looked exactly like Hogwarts. We dropped off our things, and then a few of us went to clean the van and pick up some supplies. In the process, Connor and I found a pretty fantastic deal on popcorn tops at Walgreen's. It was too good to pass up. Photos by special request only, please.
We returned, washed our hair family-style in the sink, and then went exploring. We discovered an underground tunnel that led to the sanctuary building, which was without a doubt haunted. We adventured around looking for a way into the bell tower until a marauding bat loose in the sanctuary cut short our plans. We then watched Harry Potter 7 in the church theatre (yes, Hogwarts has a theatre, although it may have been the Room of Requirement) until it was time for bed. At long last, we took our slumber in the Great Hall, on mattresses from the church's homeless ministry. A peaceful night was had by all.
We all hope you're holding down the fort in Iowa. Thanks for your support and prayers!
The CHCPC Mission Team (post by Jake)
We kicked off at approximately 4 PM on Friday afternoon after loading the van, praying, taking pictures, and saying our goodbyes. After a brief pit stop at Dan Deery's to fortify the van's tires against the very full load riding on them, we set off on the highway. Dinner was at Subway ("Crab- it's like soft candy fish!" - Joel) and before we knew it we were in Kansas City. That night we slept soundly in the youth room of the lovely bluffside Parkville Presbyterian Church, after playing sardines with the lights off, war-painting ourselves, and developing an irrational fear of organist's shoes.
We set off bright and early Saturday morning, ate breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts (exotic!), and settled in for our longest driving day. As the Kansas landscape grew monotonous we occupied ourselves with sleep, reading, movies, and the occasional tickle fight.
We took our luncheon at an exceedingly sketchy Oklahoma City Taco Bell, charmingly situated between two strip clubs and apparently run by the Russian mob. The tacos, at least, we're palatable. Eric the Fresno boy chalked it up to a "life experience" and attempted to convince us that his own upbringing was this rough. We're not buying it.
We crossed the border into the Lone Star state, and soon found ourselves in the fair city of Fort Worth, where Eric restored our faith in his gourmet sensibilities by taking us to an In-N-Out Burger. Delicious.
We then went to find our lodging for the night, and we were beyond thrilled to discover that St. Stephen's Presbyterian, the church in which we were to stay, looked exactly like Hogwarts. We dropped off our things, and then a few of us went to clean the van and pick up some supplies. In the process, Connor and I found a pretty fantastic deal on popcorn tops at Walgreen's. It was too good to pass up. Photos by special request only, please.
We returned, washed our hair family-style in the sink, and then went exploring. We discovered an underground tunnel that led to the sanctuary building, which was without a doubt haunted. We adventured around looking for a way into the bell tower until a marauding bat loose in the sanctuary cut short our plans. We then watched Harry Potter 7 in the church theatre (yes, Hogwarts has a theatre, although it may have been the Room of Requirement) until it was time for bed. At long last, we took our slumber in the Great Hall, on mattresses from the church's homeless ministry. A peaceful night was had by all.
We all hope you're holding down the fort in Iowa. Thanks for your support and prayers!
The CHCPC Mission Team (post by Jake)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
WELCOME AND A WORD ABOUT OUR BLOG
Welcome! On this blog, you will encounter stories, reflections, and general musings about the experiences of our 2012 Spring Break Mission Team. We will be traveling to San Antonio, TX to work with Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (D.O.O.R.). Throughout the week, various team members will post brief updates on our experience. Please join us, as together we discover all God has waiting for us.
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