Kansas City 4

PARENTS - I left messages on each of your phones and our new estimated time of arrival on Friday is 6pm. We'll call from the road if we will be significantly earlier or later.

I have been so impressed with our kids this year. They have all been friendly with the other churches, engaged in their work projects, and I hope that we hear of renewed commitments to God. This final night can be quite impactful for the students, so if you are seeing this please pray for their hearts to be open to what God might want to speak to them.

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
Katie Harris, Youth Director


Today we went to the water park. It was called Super Splash. When we went to the UniverSoul Circus with our 3rd graders yesterday, they enjoyed our help so much, they invited us to come with them to the water park the next day. So the water park was realitivly small, nd the kids, as long as they were with one other person, were aloud to roam around by themselfs. We tagged along with some of the groups and had a lot of fun at first. Then the kids all grouped to gether for lunch, and since we had already eaten, we just roamed around. Then the life gaurds told us we had to get out of the pool on storm danger. There was only a few little clouds in the sky, what ever. So then the clouds got closer as we were roaming around and it started to thunder, but we still weren'y too worried. Then it started to drizzel just a little and people started to leave. We decided to stick around with the kids, besides, it was only a drizzel. Thenwith a few thunder claps, it was a total downpour. There were pepole screaming and kids running around. we ran back to were the 3rd greaders were having lunch to save our stuff. They were screaming and they were all huttled under the tarps. We had to wait for a long time in the rain for the school buses to come pick us up. I was with Caroline at the time and since we were already dreanched with water we stood around and helped pick p trash in the pouring rain. We danced around a little too and ended up having a lot of fun. Soon all the 3rd graders were loaded onto their buses and on their way back to the school. By the time we were out in the parking lot waiting by our bus, the sun was shining and the water was already starting to evorate on the sidewalk. I swear, the ammount of water, either in humidity or rain, it just amazes me. I really enjoy Colorado's dryness.

Tara C., Grade 8


John R. and crew painted a house today and it was fun. Tonight we did an embarrassing dance. And we had a cookout and the food was good! The End.

John R. (as dictated to Katie Harris because he didn't want to blog), Grade 8



The Boys Room... Fast Asleep.

New Orleans 4

What continues to astound me about this city is that the people are so thankful for what we are doing here. My connection with New Orleans began last year on our Youth trip, where we stayed and worked with Canal Street Presbyterian Church. I am so grateful for all of the ways we saw God on that trip through New Orleans natives, VBS kids, and fellow students on our trip. This year my family had the opportunity to host a young woman named Joel Dyson. When my dad first introduced the idea of hosting someone from New Orleans, I thought, "Sure, that's cool," but I had no idea how much it would mean for me and my family.

Joel Dyson is an eighteen-year-old woman, born and raised in New Orleans, and has done and experienced more than most of us have by that age. She is one of many who were affected deeply by Hurricane Katrina, losing her home and becoming separated from her family for an entire school year in order to attend a boarding school in Boston. Her reason for coming to Colorado Springs? She would be attending the Windrider Film Forum put on annually by our very own Colorado College and was in a documentary that would be shown about a production of the musical "After the Storm" in New Orleans.

In 2007, a group of award-winning artists including Gerry McIntyre, James Lecesne, and Randy Redd, went down to New Orleans and decided to help out by renovating the local community center, St. Mark's, and putting on a musical. They auditioned a bunch of kids from all over the city and eventually made up a cast of young teens that each had talent and a story to tell about their hurricane experience. Joel was fourteen at the time and was cast as the lead role, Ti Moune. The documentary, directed and produced by Hilla Midalia, followed all cast and crew involved in the production and goes deep into the lives of some of the cast and crew, showing how they were affected by Katrina.

This documentary is a truly unique one that puts in perspective the affect Katrina had on people's lives. The chance my family had to meet Joel and hear her story in person was amazing and our church group was extremely lucky to be able to catch up with her in New Orleans this year. We got the chance to attend a powerful service at the church where her dad is a pastor and were overwhelmed by the love the congregation showed us.

New Orleans presents a new challenge to this society daily. The people have an amazingly strong spirit in a city plagued with problems. This trip has been a great experience for all of us to discover a new culture, draw closer to God, and put our hands to work. It's sweaty and dusty and grimy work, but the relationships we gain are indispensable.

-- Jennifer Cage

Kansas City 3.1

Today we went to the elderly people home and met fun people, we played bingo and helped people play bingo, and I meet the 105 year old guy named Homer - he was so cool and RAD!!! Then we went to eat lunch at the park and we didn't know what to do next so we hung there, then we went to this place called Miami Ice and had shaved ice with orange syrup, it was yummy. So all in all, today was awesome and I'll see you all in a few days. Peace!!!!

Keagan G., Grade 7

Kansas City 3

Slept and ate today and also chipped a house. Tomorrow we're painting it.

Ryan C., Grade 8


Today we were supposed to paint a house but instead we chipped the paint that fell off. The heat and humidity was awful and I was half asleep while we were there. Then we went to the Jazz and Baseball Museum and got a "tour" there (more like self guided). We still have like 20 minutes left before we go downstairs.

Jessica A., Grade 8


Today, while the other groups did outdoor labor, our group went to the circus with the kids that we have been working with. They are very sweet and three have become close with me, and they even gave me some bracelets. After that we went to the Jazz Museum and Negro League Baseball Museum. There were two birthdays so we had pizza and cake after the museum. We've had so much fun and today was the best yet!

Tory L., Grade 8


This week we have been working at a school called Upper Room. Our group works with third graders. The first day we went I was thinking that the kids wouldn't want to talk to us and wouldn't really want us there. When we got there, we read with the kids and helped them take reading tests. They were all very happy that we were there, which surprised me. The second day, the kids were even happier that we were there then they were the day before. A couple of the kids I had read with already wanted me to read with them again. Today we got to go to the circus with them and it was crazy. As soon as they saw us they all started screaming and jumped over to us so they could give all of us a hug. It was amazing how much the kids got attached to us. I have grown close to them and will be sad saying goodbye to them tomorrow.


Caroline R., Grade 8


It has been a great experience and fun. Today (Wednesday) we went to a nursing home. One guy named Don thought he was 39. There were a lot of old people there one guy was 105 he was very funny his name was Homer. There was also a guy that thought I had a wife.

Tabor M., Grade 7


'Ello everyone. I had a great time at a nursing home with some really great people. I made many new freinds there. Homer and Don were really awesome people. Don was in the Navy and he thought he was 39. I also made lots of friends during my stay at the church. My new friends include; Steven from Fishers Indiana, Caytlin from Fishers Indiana, Tabor from Colorado Springs Colorado, Brendan from Fishers Indiana, Jim ,our bus driver, from Fishers Indiana, and my favorite, a toad I found while digging a hole, I found him and did the unbelievable... I kissed him, thats right, I kissed him. Friday is my last day and I hope to enjoy my last day with all my friends.


Ryan H., Grade 7


"And we're marching, we're marching, here we go, here we go, here we go! I said let me see you boogaloo! What's that you said? I said let me see you boogaloo! What's that you said? I said let me see you boogaloo! What's that you said? I said oohh ahh ahh ahh oohh." I love that song, but yeah, we worked at a park the first day; it was a historical park with buildings from the 1800s. Then the next day we went to a nursing home and there was a couple that was celebrating their 65th anniversery. Then today we were at a house scraping the paint and trimming trees but the catch was it was 100 degrees. And tommorow we are painting the house tommorow. (I am sorry mom for my terrible typing skills.)

Tobin M., Grade 9

Kansas City 2

Chloe Lewis on the HIGH DIVE!!!

So today the Gypsy Crew all went to Harvesters which is a food bank that has thousands and thousands of people they support and who donate food. Our group boxed 3600 eggs, 1200 cans of soda and 950 bottles of water. We probably boxed about 5800 items.

Courtney M., Grade 7


So on Monday we went to the Community of the Good Shepard which is a place for mentally troubled adults. We helped pull weeds and we helped sort boxes of food and paper products for people who live there and what's surprising is they live freely, it's not like a nursing home. And also the food and other stuff they get is from a food place called Harvesters and we also volunteered there and we cleaned eggs and water bottles. And today we went to a pool which was awesome and we went to the Plaza for a scavenger hunt yesterday and we got ice cream which was yummy. So long for now. Peace.

Keagan G., Grade 7


Today we went to Pleasant Valley Home. It is a place for not only the elderly, but adults too, to live if they cannot care for themselves. It was interesting to visit with these people because all of them have different stories about their lives. We talked to a couple of Spanish speaking ladies who had a translator. We also helped some residents paint pottery. We talked about all sorts of things and I learned that even though the people we talked to couldn't care for themselves in thier own homes, they weren't that different from us. They had pets, and families, and they all loved having visitors. I guess it was just eye opening, in a way, to see how different, and similar two people can be at the same time.

Tara C., Grade 8

Michael Neuder at Operation Breakthrough

We have been working at Operation Breakthrough. It is a children's day care for kids who need a place to be while their parents are at work. Most of them can't be at home alone because they live in bad neighborhoods. The kids are great and very nice. After we are with the kids for about two hours we eat lunch, and do extra work around the building. Today we went to the pool, and after our van went to Sonic! It's been a great time, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the trip.

Michael N., Grade 8

Kansas City 1

Yesterday the whole team drove from First Pres to Kansas City, it went much faster than we could have hoped for and we all arrived without incident (parents - we may be returning to the church earlier than anticipated on Friday, please stay tuned and be ready!). Last night the kids got to tour the church we are staying at (THANKS to Immanuel Lutheran for hosting Youth Works this whole summer - and for having AC!!!), they had their first Club program and small group processing time with other First Pres kids. Today our youth were divided into four different teams and sent out on different projects - some kids worked outside, some inside. Two groups tutored children, two groups did some more physical labor, one group spent some time in a nursing home - our kids are definitely getting a variety of experiences. Tonight we participated in a scavenger hunt around a higher end shopping district called The Plaza.

Katie H., Youth Director


A note from students:

It's only been one day and already we visited our work sites for the week and we have walked 'round the plaza playing scavenger hunt. I am so psyched for this week, even though the air is really humid and it is very hot outside, it should be fun. I have met some awesome kids from other states and learned some history 'bout a small reenacted town called Shoal Creek Living History Museum.

Suzanne G., Grade 8

Today I helped at The Good Shepherd, which is a facility where grown ups with mental disabilities live. We helped label and load boxes that carried emergency water supplies. Then we unloaded them into two different houses that belong to The Good Shepherd. Then we weeded the fronts of some of the houses on the main campus. It was hard, but we finished and one of the ups is that we got to eat in an air conditioned building. I got to really know the people that I am going to work with this week. So even though it was hard and hot, it was fun.

Chloe L., Grade 7

New Orleans 3

Its Monday, first work day, alright!
I honestly have no idea what kind of work we’ll be doing. we’ve heard rumors of everything to demolition to painting. I think a lot of us are worried about heat, not me, i’m more of a humidity hater myself. Oh well we’re just going to have to deal with it the best we can. From what i’ve seen so far group dynamics have been great which is amazing given that this group is almost twice as large as any other mission trip i’ve been on. i pray this continues when the work starts, when heat and humidity can easily rob us of our currently sunny disposition. I think we can handle it, its just matter of coming together when it gets hard, rather than holing up.From New Orleans With Love,Ian Hood, 11th

Good morning from New Orleans. It’s day two and we start work today. All I really have to say is that I hope the heat wont get to me as I’m most likely going to be gutting an old hospital that they’re turning into a nursing home (or something like that, its early). Yesterday brought back so many memories of the gospel service in Korea. The music was energetic, people were clapping and dancing, and everything was happy! This morning we were woken up to “This Little Light of Mine” and “Ice Ice Baby” performed by Jeff and Nate. Everyone agreed that the songs were a great way to wake up, then they turned on the lights. The entire room groaned as we were collectively blinded. Now we’re sitting in the dining room, waiting for the huge line to die down and get some food. I’m gonna stop now. I’m too tired to be writing this.
Daniel Lewis, 12th
Here are some pictures from our trip so far.
Shawn, Peter, and Bryan jamming out at Project Nehemiah where we are staying in New Orleans.
Looking at the Mississippi River from the Ferry:Jamie Cross, Michelle Cage, and Nikki Flemate chompin' down on beignets from Café DuMonde

New Orleans 2

Hey peeps!!! SO... As you know we had an adventure today. We had a seemingly fast and flawless drive from the church that we stayed at to Shreveport, where we stopped for lunch. However.. once lunch was over and we got on the busses again well... Not far for the first bus, it made it around the corner before everything stopped and a horrific smell came from the engine. Seeing as we were blocking traffic we had to move the bus to a parking spot.. How you might ask? The GIRLS pushed it over the median into a perfect parking spot! All the busses played various games in a grassy area that was painfully discovered to be a home to fire ants. After some time we decided to shove all the kids possible onto the working busses, and a few of us stayed behind (Jennifer, Rachel,Josh, Nate, Felicia, Katie, Paige and a good amount of leaders.). Many things can done when stranded as we creatively discovered, such as going into Wal-Mart for AC and entertainment, and Wendy’s for water and shakes, we quickly became favorite there. Also one of the more exiting things was people selling puppies on the side of the road by the van! The first was a lady and her toddler with 5 Doberman-labs for 25 a piece. We believe she sold all her dogs in the end but we can’t be sure. Later a man with 5 pure breed Old English Bulldogs, for 500 a piece (he might have sold one). It was very fun to meet the people and pet the cute doggies!! Most of the time however was spent in wall-mart finding gauges for Felicia (we couldn’t find any and ended up making them out of rolled tape. AWESOME) and entertaining ourselves in other ways. With the grace of God the van finally got fixed by the most shnazzy mechanics of all time! The mechanics refused the large amount of money for their work, and we went out to Wing Stop for a great dinner that couldn’t be beat and then hit the road!! All in all we where there for 6+ hrs. and should arrive in New Orleans around midnight if were lucky! :)

BETHANY ALVAREZ
GRADE 10

New Orleans 1

Hey everyone! It has been such a crazy experience so far and it is only the first (full)day! Well after a night in Dallas and donuts in the morning we headed off to New Orleans. We got to Shreveport for lunch then as we left to get back on the road the bus I was on broke down... Luckily the was no curb on that side of the road and a parking lot not to far over a grassy area... The engine wouldn’t start so we (bethany, jennifer, rachel, leah et...) pushed the bus over the grass into the parking lot to the amazement of the boys :) After spending a while burning in the parking lot a group of us decided to go to a little park. I then got bitten by fire ants all over my ankles. After a few trips to wal-marts airconditionedness we decided the other 3 vans should go. So Bethany Rachel Josh Nate Jennifer Felicia Katie me and a few leaders stayed behind with the dead bus. Thankfully two sets of people we selling puppies right by us (we got to pet them a lot :0 ) We hung out in Wal-Mart and Wendy’s A LOT! because of the ac... Thankfully some mechanics noticed us on the side of the road and came to our rescue... Not only did they drive us around town for the parts (air compressor) they installed it for us with no charge (with mechanic over $1000!) We are now just leaving Shreveport (~6) and after seeing Gods way of working through people, we have all had experiences that we would of never thought could of happened. Wish us luck in our 5+ hr. journey to NO now!

PS Rachel looks like a Zebra after she sleeps on the floor
PPS Because of the engine problems we have no ac in any bus (prevent breakdowns) (luckily it’s cooler now)
Paige E. - Grade 10