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Mission Trip Slideshow

I hope you enjoy the video!! Thanks Everyone!

Day 7: Farewell to D.C.

It was hard to believe that today would be our last day, but our final day in DC ended on a high note. We all got up bright and early today to help out with the final day of "SonRock Kids Camp." The final day went very well from all stations. All of the kids wore their bright yellow shirts today. After a lunch at Grace, we headed back to our homes for the afternoon to get everything ready and clean before our early Saturday departure.

In the early evening, we got back to Grace Lutheran to make final preparations before the closing service later that night. Once the service began, the children got the opportunity to perform 3 of the songs they learned at camp to glorify their Savior. After the service, all of the children, teens, and parents headed outside to eat s'mores and enjoy some games. When the time came to leave, we said farewell to some of the friends we have made this week and headed home, preparing to leave Virginia after spending a week down here using our talents to glorify God.

Once again, thank you for all your support while we were on this mission trip. See you all soon.

Day 6: A Real Thriller in D.C.

Another busy morning for our mission crew. With the week winding towards its close, the children are still maintaining their high energy levels while the rest of us are feeling a tad sapped. It was all for a good cause, however, as the kids showed us yet another good time with their earnest desire to enjoy themselves.

A short game of basketball was followed by a trip into the heart of Washington D.C. to see the impressive architectural display that is the Capitol building. The wait to get inside, buffered by multiple security checks, was a little lengthy yet worthwhile as we explored three of the major areas of the capitol and saw the expressive busts and statues of many of our nations heroes. Later, we enjoyed a fine meal at the ESPN Zone along with a multitude of fun games in the arcade there. A ride on the metro back to the church's van concluded the day as we returned home in preparation for tomorrow's finale at Grace.

Day 5: Chill

Our trip is over half done already. The week has gone by fast. We have worked hard. We have seen a lot. Today, we decided to take it easy and just relax. No walking, no monuments, just chill. The pictures below hope to give you an idea of what SKC (SonRock Kids Camp) is like. Everyday starts off with a devotion/lesson held by Pastor Wattles. The front of their church is transformed in to a pier. The whole school and church are decorated like the outdoors. Music and dancing. Arts and Crafts. Games and water balloons. All are seen on a daily basis at the church. Great fun and excitement.

Today after camp, we were taken to the pool. The diving boards were a highlight. After the pool it was more relaxing with pizza and movies at the Ellermann's home. Now it is time for bed. The video below is of the kids going crazy during the song, "Father Abraham"

Day 4: From Sunrise to Sunset

Once again our day started bright and early at Grace Lutheran. Each of us returned ready to help share God's word with his children. Crafts were interesting, kids and super glue? Keeping 200+ kids on their colored lines and on task is no small feat. After the VBS, we had another "campfire" sing-a-long, followed by a delicious chicken lunch. In the early afternoon, we went next door to Mrs. Ellerman's house to play outside before heading out to sightsee. We also met Grace Lutheran's youth leader, Levi Nagel today, who was very nice and receptive.

We then boarded out to the Arlington National Cemetery. While we were there, we saw the thousands of tombstones, as well as renowned sites like the Kennedy's Grave and the Arlington House. We also saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, including a "Changing of the Guard" ceremony, which was very cool. Following that, we went to the grounds of the Iwo Jima Memorial to enjoy a nice picnic dinner before ending our day with a "sunset parade" presentation by the United States Marine Corps.

Prayers for D.C.

Just a quick note. As some of you may have seen on the news there was a deadly subway crash today in the D.C. area. Our group was on the Metro this afternoon, but we were no where near the crash site. As I write this the current count is six dead and over 70 injured in what is being called the deadliest crash in the Metro D.C. area in its history. Please include these families in your personal thoughts and prayers. God was watching over and protecting our group. Thank you for your prayers!!

Day 3: Camp Begins

We arrived at church this morning for pre-vbs setup running short on sleep. Lucky for us, the 200+ kids we were about to meet had endless amounts of energy. The young campers were divided into 5 groups of about 25 to 35 campers. Some of the various jobs to which we were assigned included classroom helpers, game leaders, craft assistants, and help with music. The day flew by swiftly and efficiently.

Following the camp, we had a short jam session around the "campfire." Then it was time for lunch at the church. After lunch, we took to the Metro from Falls Church into D.C. We all were a little anxious as we boarded and exited the subway. Once in downtown D.C., we visited the National Archives, where we saw the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution. We then took in the Natural History and American History Museums. Tired of being on our feet, we got back on the Metro and safely rode home.

Day 2: An Egg-cellent Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all fathers out there!! Our day started off going with Bible Study and Worship at Grace Lutheran. Bible study focused on I AM...(a mouse, a bathtub, a panther, awake) Seeing worship in a new church and in a different setting was refreshing as it gave us a new perspective on different ways to praise the LORD. The service was upbeat and the treats afterwards were just as good. Soon thereafter we undertook the task of completing all needed decorations for the incoming children tomorrow.

The days work ended with an outstanding cook out at the Ellermanns home. Good eats. Good games. Gentlemen dominated the lady foxes in a rousing game of volleyball. The event ended with an "eggtastic" event with Mr. C. (view video evidence below) We spent the rest of the night wandering about in D.C. flashing pictures of many memorable monuments.