Father's Day in Chicago

Our first stop after getting off the train in Chicago was to head over to the Shedd Aquarium. I thought it would be as easy as getting bus passes and catching a ride over there. However, I didn't take into account that some of the Walgreens and CVS stores would be closed on Sunday. Nevertheless, after a few tries we found one that was open and took a bus to the Shedd. Our excitement for the Shedd had to wait again, because of THE LINE. We were told the wait to get into the Shedd would be 1 1/2 hours. (YIKES) We killed some time Geocaching and enjoy the waterfront while Mrs. Carlovsky patiently waited in line. Luckily, the wait only turned out to be about an hour.

Inside the Shedd is almost beyond words. All of the different things that you can see. I will let the pictures do the talking.

After the Shedd, we decided on a real Chicago supper. Chicago style hotdogs, burgers, and hot beef sandwiches at Portillo's. Great food. At supper though, we are all in agreement that Chicago is a great place to visit, but living in the city doesn't fit our group's style.

The clock seemed to fly by, so we only had time left to see Millenium park. This turned out to be a GREAT stop. After a long day, playing in the waterfall, and see "The Bean" seemed hilarious. Mrs. Carlovsky and Jordan led the craziness by being the first to go in the water.

From there we headed back to the train station to catch the 8:30 train back to Crystal Lake. Here I type this about a "Shedd Aquarium wait" away from the start of VBS at Lord and Savior. Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Father's Day

Surely, I am with you always. These words we heard in today's gospel. It is great encouragement for us on our trip.

As I type this we are on the train heading into Chicago for the day.

Green Bay meet Chicago

After our three hour car ride down to Crystal Lake and lunch, it was time to hit the streets again. Only on foot. All afternoon, we canvassed various neighborhoods of Crystal Lake and Woodstock publicizing this week's VBS. MOST people were very friendly as we came to their doors. Only one yelled at me (Mr. Carlovsky). It was a hot and humid afternoon, but it was great to help out this church.

In the evening, we had a cookout with the youth group from Lord and Savior. One of the kids from CL even had a Packers' Superbowl championship t-shirt on...however; one also had a Chicago Bears shirt. Who ever we root for, the kids had a great time getting to know each other. Playing volleyball, boche ball, and ladder golf.

Tomorrow will bring worship. After worship, we will explore what Chicago has to offer. Tonight, we are tired. See you tomorrow!

The Crystal Lake Mission Trip Crew

Happy to announce that we made it safe down to Illinois. We are about to canvass the streets of Crystal Lake.

Gone in 24 Hours

"Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10

With the excitement of the first mission trip now less than 24 hours away. Before we pack our bags and leave the comforts of Green Bay for Chicago, don't forget to pray. Whoever reads this blog in the next couple of weeks, pray. Pray for the teens. Pray for the congregations that we will be working with. As we are reminded in the psalm, keep our focus on God.

We hope you enjoy following along. Comments are always encouraged!

Teens - SEE YOU IN 24 HOURS!!

Application Deadline EXTENDED

I have decided to extend the deadline for returning mission trip applications to Friday, March 18. The deadline will not be extended again.

The major thing is to check and see if the dates work in your summer schedules. Any place that we go, we will have a great opportunity to work with a congregation and assist in their gospel ministry.

Mission Trip Application

If you have any questions, please talk with Mr. Carlovsky.

Mission Trips - Summer 2011

Wow, another summer is quickly approaching! It is strange to write that with snow still on the ground.

This is the final week to apply to travel on a summer mission trip. This year we are adding a third trip! Below is the list of trips that we will be taking.

Lord and Savior Lutheran, Crystal Lake, IL: June 17th – 19th
Four to six teens are needed to help prepared for and publicize their summer sports camp. There would also be part of a day to spend downtown Chicago or possibly Great America.

Grace Lutheran, Falls Church, VA: June 25th – July 2nd
Six teens are needed to help out with their Summer Bible Camp. You will be helping with chaperoning all those kids and helping with crafts, music, and games. Any free time, we could use to see all the wonderful sites that Washington D.C. has to offer.

"Here Am I, Send Me" Mission Trip: July 31st – August 6th
The dates for this trip are firm; however, the location is still being decided. It reminds me of those words from God’s Word, “Here am I, send me” Four to six teens are needed to help as workers and running a multi-cultural VBS. Possible locations include: Christ Lutheran Center, Denver, CO; Beautiful Savior, Carlsbad, CA; Grace, Yakima, WA

The deadline to apply for a trip is this Sunday, March 13. If you have any questions, talk with Mr. Carlovsky.

It is going to be another exciting summer of trips and living our Savior!