There Is One Thing That Will Always Be True!

Here is a video from the final night. Sorry, my phone died half way through the night. It is so great to hear the kids singing with everything they have.

God Cares About Me

Also, I did a word cloud from our blog this year. See how it turned out! We can see where our focus was, and should always be.

My Experience - Chris

For a little change of scenery this year, Mr. C asked us if we'd be willing to each type up a little 'rememberance' about the trip, highlighting things that stuck out to each of us. Here goes:

Over the past four summers, I have had the privilege of helping out with Grace Lutheran's VBS. From SonRock Kids Camp to A Vast Voyage to Jungle Adventure to Adventures on Promise Island -the t-shirt colors have changed, the hallway seceneries have come and gone, but the message and theme of the camp has always been the same - Jesus is the way.

This year instead of helping out in the music room (as I had done each of my other 3 trips), I was asked by the camp coordinator, Mrs. Julie Crain - to co-teach a class of 5-7 year olds. At first, I was a bit uncomfortable by the thought of it, as it would be a step out of my comfort zone. But after trying it this year, I am beyond thankful that I was given the opportunity. The kids were awesome, and getting to try this gave me a different outlook on this camp and how all of us teen helpers had come and grown throughout the years. It's crazy to think how we (everyone that helps with the VBS) have such a strong hand in the spiritual futures of these little children. What better feeling is there? Or what better way to help make a difference in someone's life? The entire camp was a great success. Great turnout, great weather, fun songs, many memories. And too, getting to sightsee around DC was mega fun.

Every year I get back from this trip, I say: "This was the best week of my life". And this past week now holds that title. I met so many great people on all of my times out here (especially this one) and I want to take a sec and thank them. From my first time out in 2009 until now, THANK YOU - from the bottom of my heart to every single person who gave me the opportunity to be apart of this great trip and Bible camp. It has changed my life =.

A song I've grown quite familiar with this past year (mainly because of the whole graduation experience) is the song "Closing Time" by the band Semisonic. You've probably heard it before. One of the lyrics from that song is "Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end". Due to my age, this is the final DC trip that I will be a part of for the foreseeable future. This mission trip has come and gone in my life, and there are many things to look forward to as I continue on the journey of life. But I will never forget these 4 weeks I've spent in Washington DC.

One of those things to look forward to is college starting this fall.

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end"

UWGB was a beginning at one time.

MLC, here I come.

Coming Home - Saying Goodbye

Sitting here in the airport, the end of our journey is now a reality. It was been a busy, yet very rewarding trip. The pictures below show our new "extended" family. Look for more posts to come when we get back in "the Motherland"

No Power = No Blog

Two million people have no power in the D.C. area today after last night's storm. Just wanted to share that everyone is fine. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers as we head back to Wisconsin today.

As you can see below we are just trying to live off the essentials.

Day Four: John 3:16

We all knew day four would bring a big change. The weather. It went from mid 80s to upper 90s. This meant water balloons in games. The kids are really attaching themselves to the teens. Constant chasing and hugging are now common place. Tomorrow will bring an end to Summer Bible Camp with a program in the evening.

In the afternoon today, we crossed another state off the list by traveling to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. On a guided tour we learned about the history and tradition of the academy (and did a few pushups). Katie was even selected to try and land a penny on a statue to help with her grades in school by the guide. She......missed. It was Induction Day at the academy which brought in a whole new bunch of students and nervous families.

Our evening concluded with supper in Annapolis and an intense game of volleyball in the Ellermann's backyard.



Our group photo is in front of the Chesapeake Day.

Day 3: I Will Give You What You Need

That was the theme for day three. It is difficult to believe that we are already more than half way through the Bible Camp. Today, I (Mr. C) was able to get around and take some picture of the group interacting with their group. Enjoy those below. Tomorrow will started out climb into the upper 90's and triple digits.

Our afternoon consisted of seeing the Washington Monument up close (not close enough for some), the White House, and a few museums on the National Mall. Our evening concluded with a great "thank you" dinner at a Hibachi grill. All of our group even tried a little sushi. We are treated very well and are the ones who should be saying "thank you" to Grace.

Don't Stop Believing with Boom Whackers

Enjoy!!

Just Pictures of Day 2

More about day two will come tomorrow. It was a long day, and this blogger is tired. Just a sneak peek that today involved 1 Peter 5:7, perfect weather, a YouTube sensation, sunset parade, and a squirrel attack! How's that for a hook?

Day 1 SBC: I am with you.

Day 1 was built up to be "organized crazy," but I would say it was just organized with a side of crazy. 200 kids = a little crazy. Ashley and Chris taught their "Toucan" group of five and six year olds, Carolyn assisted with the pre-teen group (This group doesn't have a classroom, but meets outside under some well constructed tents.), Katie and Erin helped in the little three and four year or rooms. About 200 kids heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach and, Abednego. The theme for today was "I am with you."

Our afternoon was spent at the pool and watching a movie. Now for some much needed rest, because 200 kids will be coming back tomorrow for a little more crazy.

Promises

After set up and learning as a group how to spell "P-R-O-M-I-S-E-S, we headed do to see a few sights of Washington D.C.

We saw the Martin Luther King Jr., FDR, and Jefferson Memorials. It was a quiet night tonight, before the storm of kids that is expected tomorrow. Time for some rest before day one of VBS.

Turning Grace into Promise Island

The majority of our afternoon has been changing Grace Lutheran Church into Promise Island. It is complete with a volcano, beach balls, the lockers covered in beach theme, and more.

Everyone has been working very hard. Tonight's plan is to visit some sights of Washington D.C. at night. More to come later.

Learning to Lean as One Body

Three groups - St. Paul, Grace, and Luther Prep - are starting to work together and lean on each other. Our devotion tonight centered around 1 Corinthians 12 and working as the body of Christ. We also enjoyed a cookout. Volleyball. Hamburgers. Rootbeer floats.

The church is being decorated in a beach theme. We haven't seen it yet, but will work on finishing it up tomorrow. Tomorrow is also church and "In Word Reflection" - Teen Bible Class. Have a great night!

Safely in D.C.

Thank you to everyone who checks this blog regularly for updates. We will try to do a couple each day. Just a quick post to say that we have just safely landed at Reagan Int. Airport. Now it is off to Grace for work.

A Prayer for Boldness and Bubbles?

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

We are on our way and spirits are high. Already there are thoughts of the kids and our future "Adventure on Promise Island" Who knew there would be bubbles? Falls Church, here we come.

I Will Be With You

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. - Isaiah 41:13

In the past couple of months, I have given out alot of information about our trip. The flight times. What to bring. What NOT to bring. Contact Numbers. The list could go on and on. However, none of those things are a sure thing. Our flight could be delayed. We could pack twice - or three times - the amount of  clothes and supplies the you will actually need. The person you are trying to contact may not answer their phone. But we know one thing is sure as we leave for Virginia. Our God will go with us!!

And that God who will be with us is the one of whom we will share once we are down there. I look forward to this trip. I am excited to share its experiences with all of you. Connecting or reconnecting with Grace Lutheran and its peoples. God will go with us, and bless us. See you on Saturday!!

Finalized Plans?

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Much planning and preparation has gone in the past couple of months to make our mission trip a reality. However, hearing God's Word in Jeremiah, makes me realize that even though we make plans, it is God who is in charge. It is God - who will protect us our trip. It is God - who will bless our efforts. It is God - who prospers us through trials. It is God - who forgives our failures. It is God - who speaks a message of saving grace.

Months of planning leads us to this week ahead. Thanks be to God that we were already in HIS plan.

A True Partnership

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now - Philippians 1:4-5

In two weeks, we will help kids see "God's Life-saving Love." Five teens and I are excited to continue our partnership in the gospel with Grace Lutheran in Falls Church, VA.  The apostle Paul's words truly share our teen group's thoughts on our fourth mission trip out to Virginia.

We plan on blogging about our trip here daily during our trip to Washington D.C. You will see pictures of the camp, read first hand accounts from members of our youth group, and see some of the wonderful sights of Washington D.C.

God's Blessings. See you in TWO WEEKS!!