First Day of VBS

Monday morning we were greeted by rain. Would the rain keep the kids away? Nope. About 40 kids (according to my quick count) came to "Walk with Jesus" this week at Lord and Savior's Vacation Bible School. After we took a quick tour of the school, it was into the church for the devotion. We sang songs like Steppin' with the Shepherd during music. When the large group broke up, each of our teens was given a classroom to help out with.

Laura helped with the youngest kids, mostly chasing them down when they tried to get away. Amelia assisted with grades one through three, mostly taking kids for bathroom breaks. Jordan and Martin helped with the older kids and even led the whole group in the gym doing different animal walks.

In the evening, we played games like croquet and Clue. Then, we geocached through the "scenic" forests and parks on Crystal Lake. We found a few of them, and some mosquitoes found us. After having pizza for supper, the kids went back to school to help get ready for Day 2. Have a great day everyone! Day 2 is our last day of helping.

A Few More Pictures from Millennium Park

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!!