Changing Grace into a Castle

A few pictures of the work that we accomplished today.

Cardboard Adventure

Grace Lutheran Church was once again very gracious to us. After a smooth flight to Washington D.C., we hopped right into their new van and went to church for lunch. Much of the afternoon was spent painting a cardboard castle, making swords and shields, and crafting bricks out of brown paper bags. There was a wedding a church today, so tomorrow we will transform the church and school into a castle.

After a long day, we enjoyed a pizza dinner and now for a relaxing movie night.

Quote for the Day - "I said that like 20 minutes ago!" - Martin

Virginia Here We Come

It was an early morning, but travel, ticketing, security, and boarding all went rather smoothly. We even got to quick meet the teens from Luther Prep who fly out after us. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and prayers.

Virginia, here we come!

Four Groups - One Purpose

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

Tomorrow we fly out to Washington D.C. to once again partner with Grace Lutheran Church in their Summer Bible Camp.  Follow our trip here on our daily blog. 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.

Our partnership this year includes teens from St. Paul in Green Bay, WI, St. Peter in Modesto, CA, Luther Prep School in Watertown, WI, and Grace in Falls Church. Four groups - one purpose.

Mission Trip Advice? Trust.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

It is difficult to believe that this Saturday we will be in Washington D.C. Many emotions and thoughts can fly through your head waiting for a trip. Did I pack the right clothes? Did I forget anything? What if...? Let me give you a piece of advice: trust. Trust in God's plan. Trust in God's promises. Trust that God will always be with us.

And now, share that trust with the kids and people you will meet this week. Share God's loving plan of salvation. Share all of God's promises. Speak with confidence knowing that God will always be with you.

I'll see everyone at 5 a.m. on Saturday!

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.