They're off again

Had to sneak a photo ... They hate that I even bring my camera!

Well, Meg and Suze are off again. This time it's WPC's annual mission trip with the Sr. High Youth Group. They left about 8 this morning for Marvell, Arkansas. They're driving for about 10 hours today, landing at  Sikeston, Missouri, where they'll spend the night at St. Paul's Episcopal church. On Sunday morning they'll get up and drive another five hours or so to the YouthWorks mission site in Marvell and stay until next Friday.

Leaders, kids, parents "circle up" for announcements and prayer before leaving.

No cushy jet travel this trip -- the youth group takes 16-passenger vans wherever they go. This time, nine adult leaders will take turns driving four vans filled with 36 high schoolers. No restaurant eating for the most part either. They stop roadside where assigned groups take their turn fixing meals for the bunch: bagels and fruit for breakfast; peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (I'm not kidding!) for lunch; BBQ, tacos or something like that for dinner. In fact, the kids had to bring only enough money to buy three meals for the entire week.
In Marvell the kids will work on local home-improvement projects and run a week-long YouthWorks Kids Club. Two years ago they worked at the YouthWorks site in Brooklyn, NY. This time around they'll be in a more rural setting.
Click photos to enlarge.

Comments

[nancy trussell]

i saw the blog thing - i don't really know how this all works but i do want to say HI to Dan Johnson. I've not seen him for a month and we miss him very much. We have moved to Kansas City and I am having a very tough time with this move. ANYWAY... thanks to all of you for making this trip to Marvel and we will be praying that it all goes smoothly. DAN - I MISS YOU. mom

[kathleen]

Hi Nancy
All the kids miss Dan, too! Meg and Suze are so glad he went on this trip.

I left Susan a phone message telling her that you'd commented here, so she can tell Dan about it.

I admire your courage in moving out to Kansas after all that time in Michigan -- good luck to you!

[Randy Flood]

I was apart of seeing the clan off. There was excitement in the air. The circle of parents, kids and leaders was sacred, even though it was on pavement that will eventually be resurfaced. I love that our children have this opportunity to serve. They serve the people of Marvell by painting, talking, sharing, and just being a smiling presence. This serventhood is reciprocal in that when they give to others, they, in effect, give to themselves. And lastly, they give to each other by being together in this journey. There are kids that need a hand, and kids that need to give a hand. It is truly a mission trip, and I pray that all involved will be blessed.

[jennie murray]

This is our kids first mission trip (Emily and Joey Murray from Cherry Valley Presbyterian Church). It was very emotional for me sending my two oldest children away for a week and not being able to be in contact with them but I have strong belief in what they are doing and pray for everyones safe travel to and from. I hope they make new friends along the way and have their faith become ever stronger. God Bless

[kathleen]

So well said, Randy! (That's him in the yellow jacket standing by the van above). This is truly a special group of kids. What they do is a blessing and their blessings I'm sure are many in return!

I know the group will welcome Emily and Joey, too. They'll make a lot of good friends this week!

kathy

[sandy avis]

If the kids and chaperones are reading this, the Avis Family is thinking hard about them every hour! We miss our boys terribly(Elliot and Mackie) even their little brother Gabe is missing them. We love you very much and can't wait to hear all about the wonderful memories and friends you are making this week! Things are quiet up here in Empire- Bob and Ashlea can hardly wait for you guys to get back to work! xoxo, mom