San Diego -2 Evening

Today we drove for another 8 hours. As we entered California, we saw the border of Mexico and the United States which has a big fence and we also saw the All American Channel which has lots of water in it. There were two border checkpoints on the highway where they check every car for illegal aliens from Mexico trying to sneak into the US.  We also had many rest stops. The New Life Assembly Church where we are staying is very fun and has a lot of space. We had Club tonight, where the whole group comes together to sing and worship God. There is another church group from Washington here including 20 kids and 4 leaders.  I am looking forward to service projects tomorrow and enjoying California as a whole.

Will
8th grade

Today we have arrived in the city known as San Diego. To me, it looks almost the same as some other major cities in the desert that we have driven through to get here, only bigger.  I am sure as the week progresses, I will begin to see its quirks and uniqueness, not to mention the ocean. When we arrived, I was pleasantly surprised with the pictureesque look of our church. The girls have been deemed to sleep in the chapel area and so we have mostly taken to sleeping on pews. It may seem a little odd but I believe it feels very... right too ... like it was meant to be so. The water here is grotesce as the texture and cloudy taste is inferior to the crispness of water at home. The church has a little playground outside the main building and for our game tonight we played there. It is quaint, but also very fitting. There were obvious signs of loving by the locals and seemed like somewhere many childhood memories would be made. I am excited to begin work and really see what San Diego will hold for me and how God will appear in my life during the trip and on the work sites. I think my favorite variation of the trip from before is having my younger sister, Robyn to accompany me because it gives me a rare opportunity to see God working through her too. I have noticed when she is paying attention to the lessons, that she is really hearing what they are trying to say and its uplifting.

- Tara Camera   9th Grade

Border Patrol car at one of the highway checkpoints

Chloe Lewis hugs the famous Arizona Saquaro...OUCH.

New Life Church Assembly San Diego (Host site for overnights, breakfasts and dinners & Club)

Kids and adult leaders enjoy the first night of Club singing

San Diego - 2

Good morning from Flagstaff, Arizona
Every one slept great last night and every one has had so much fun.(excluding the 10 hour hot van drive to Flasgstaff and it is extremely smokey from a forest fire somewhere around here).  Eating breakfast and having worship here and then another van ride to San Diego about 8 hours.

Devyn
7th grade

Hi guys!! I slept really well. Although there were a few bugs and spiders in the church...getting ready for worship here.

Brooke
8th Grade

Where we stayed last night and will overnight again on Friday

Thanks Christ's Church of Flagstaff!!!!!!!!!!!!

San Diego 1.0

Well, we finally arrived in Flagstaff. Sitting in a car for twelve hours wasn't exactly comfortable, but it was still fun to be able to hang out with friends on the way. Hopefully everyone gets a good night sleep, and we will be in San Diego sometime tomorrow.

Tristan Robertson
Grade 9

Travelers circle for prayer before dinner in Flagstaff, AZ





We had a long drive to Arizona. I'm so happy we are here. we are having lots of fun!!!

Tiara grade 7

At long last we are here!!! We had such a fun drive. Thanks for letting me go to San Diego! I love it here!To my family... I miss and LOVE  you all!!! Another long drive tomorrow. First work thing tomorrow as well.

Starr Grade 7

Finally! After a crazy long drive, we're...at long last, at the church in Flagstaff, AZ. So far it has been a lot of fun. Nobody died or was severely injured, which was lovely. Anyway, the church is awesome and we have already played a basketball game, eaten unhealthy fast food, and gotten to know each other so basically it has been completely amazing. We're all excited for tomorrow.

Nate, Grade 8
P.S. Mom, I wore my seat belt.  Just so you know.

Girl's Room in Flagstaff Church

It was a long day in the car with many bathroom breaks... having loads of fun! Well toodles!
Gotta go to Bed!!!

Kate Walker The Best 8th Grader EVER!!!

Some of the girls just couldn't wait until Monday to take a shower.

Holly, Anna, and Sydney taking a "spit bath"

Las Vegas 3 - 4th of July

Hey,
Our mission projects started today - the group I was with spent time at the Prestige Assisted Living Center. We ate lunch, watched a magic show, and sang some songs with the residents. Tonight we went to a park a few blocks down the street and watched the fireworks for a while. I'll try to get some students to post some tomorrow - but for tonight here are some pictures from Zion and the Assisted Living Center.

 

Las Vegas 2 - Zion Natl Park and Las Vegas Arrival

Our trip to Zion National Park today was spectacular. Our whole group conquered the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald pools trail and the trail between the Lodge and the Grotto - I can't remember the name. A group of 12 of us then ascended to the top of Angel's Landing. It was an incredible hike - Barry led us to the very top - about 1600 feet of elevation gain in 2.5 miles with some good exposure all around. I've got pictures from this, but they are on the big camera and I will have to try to get them uploaded tomorrow.

We celebrated Stephanie Yassa's birthday today and got on the road to get to Las Vegas - the time-zone change was very helpful for us as it gave us an extra hour to get into our site on time - it will not be so friendly on the way back.

Arriving in Las Vegas / Henderson / Lake Mead we found our location with no problem and were greeted by very excited Youth Works staff. We've been busy all evening getting unpacked, having a club session (our time with the whole group where the YW staff lead us in singing and a time of worship. Our theme for this week is "Be Different" and is based on Luke 6:27-36. Lights Out was at 11:00pm and I snuck away to update you guys on our trip. I'm gonna go get some sleep because morning will come very soon. We've arrived at our destination and everyone is healthy and safe!

Hope to have some students sharing a bit about what they have learned later this week.



-- Spencer

Las Vegas 1 - St. George

We pulled in to St George right on schedule. We were able to easily find Good Shepherd Presbyterian and Wayne helped us get in without any trouble at all. We got all of our sleeping bags and gear off the bus and set up sleeping arrangements before heading out for dinner. We had passed an In and Out Burger on our way through town to find the church and most of the students were clamoring to eat there. Most of us leaders had not eaten there before either - Greg had and shared the "secret menu" with us. Things like the neopolitan milkshake, well done fries and 'animal style' burgers were ordered all around.
We headed back to the church to play some ultimate and have some family time before bed time.
Tomorrow we are headed to Zion National Park to hike for a bit before heading to vegas.
Here is a picture of the group after in and out burger.

in zion - cant update full blog from phone. will post later today