Trip Summary- Sarah

Hey all!
I know I am a bit late in this summary but I am hoping some people will have the time to look at it! At first I was worried that I would have to do things I didn't want to do. Next I was surprised that I did everything, enjoying the things I was scared about most of all. Finally I started to stop worrying about my reaction and started to look at all the 'lights'(people doing God's work) around me. I was moved by their love for others and their happiness in places I thought there would be none. This was not only my fellow ATC people but the people we were serving and the people who dedicated their lives to this kind of work. For me this was one week, for them this is everyday. Instead of being beaten down by the everyday hardships they gained strength from each other and held the everyday stuff as a community. I hope that some day I can contribute to a community like this and learn more from them. Right now I am just thankful for everything these lights have taught me, and pray that they have better days in the future.

Surprise! - Allen

While on the Awaken the City trip, I met some of the warmest, nicest people I will probably ever meet. I made friendships that will hopefully last very long. I finally talked to people from our church about stuff that doesn’t involve confirmation class, but real conversations. It also showed me what I take for granted in life, how much I take for granted, and how I can change all that. When working with the different organizations, the people that worked there definitely were the hardest working people I have ever seen. The trip also taught me to be more social, taught me to engage people.

When I first was told I was going, honestly I did not want to go for two reasons. The first reason is because, well, I assumed it was like the New Orleans trip and I did not want to do hard work. The second one was because RIT was hosting a lacrosse camp, and I want to get to all camps possible. After the trip, I wonder why I did not want to go. I made plenty of friends, learned a lot, and also did some manual labor that built character. Everyone should go on this trip. Even if you do not want to, ATC and Cincinnati will surprise you.

A story from the Center for Respite Care- Mackenzie

The woman in the photo, surrounded by Becky, Ariel, Colleen, and Amanda is Theresa. Our group went to the Respite Center and served them lunch: chicken salad, fruit cocktail, brownies, and lemonade. We were all invited to sit and eat out lunches and talk with the people staying at the center. Colleen, Ariel, Amanda and I sat at one table with two women, one of which was Theresa. She began thanking us graciously for the meal, so we all started talking. She explained to us that throughout her life, she had become dependent on drugs and alcohol. Through this, she had developed diseases, and had been in and out of the hospital frequently over the past few years. With the help of the Respite Center, she has now been able to live a stable life, without drugs or alcohol. She told us about her two sons, and how her faith in God has made for such a great life. Knowing that God will always love her motivated her to get her life back together. This woman was so, so happy. She had just been approved for an apartment! She was just beaming when she talked about how excited she was for her family. She let us know that nothing that she has accomplished in her life would have happened if it weren't for the love of Christ. It really touched my heart to see just how radiant this woman was when talking about her faith. Despite the hardships she's been through, she is still able to be so positive.
All patients of the Respite Center agreed that it was such a blessing to have a place to go, and to be taken care of. My prayers go out to those working at the Center and those volunteering at the Center, what these people do is so great. My prayers go out to all those who are at the Respite Center, I hope that all can find a way back on their feet again, no matter the reasons for which they are at the Center.
"Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him" (Psalm 2:12).
I hope everyone is safe and well!
Mackenzie Uline

This is my worship, this is my life, to bring hope into this broken world.” Anna

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” -- 1 Timothy 4:12.

As most people know, I’m the one who probably writes too much. Oh well. I wrote about the first few days, & will now finish my story. On Wednesday I worked with New Life Furniture, &it really changed the way I see things. The second home we went to; I met a six year old girl, & four year old twins. They showed me where the living room would be, the dining room, etc. She was so excited about how big the furniture is. When asked when she moved into the house she had said Sunday. She & her siblings gave me a hug as we were leaving. She told me it was the best day of her life. Talking to my intern Tyler as we’re walking to the car, he had asked me if I had seen the bedrooms, I hadn’t. There were no beds in there. Those kids were living in a house, an empty house, for four days. We then did a city search, & had a blast in the car (even though the air conditioning wasn’t working). Thursday, we went to the “Potty Ministry.” I met a man, who was preaching to me, Tyler, & Paul. What he said made sense, I’m not sure if he was homeless. But he stopped by, and was walking to Kentucky I believe (I may be getting stories mixed up). But he was talking about how you have to get onto that person’s level. You have to be with them & work up with them instead of looking down upon them. I met a lot of people. I then went to State Avenue where I “worked” with Sarah. & by work, I mean we ended up in a room with a fan, closed the door, sat & talked. Although some work did manage to get done. We then went to Worship. That was the one I remember most.

Thursday night is when my reflection began, & brought tears to my eyes. My family is the most important thing to me. When my mom decided for it to be a family mission trip, my dad & brother weren’t the most excited people. But let me tell you, if you saw their faces, you wouldn’t have known that. Hearing my brother talk about who his city lights, inspirations, were, brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of him & my father. I had many city lights on that trip. My brother & dad’s transformations really touched me & showed me God’s love. I had seen so much that week, that the tears just flowed. But it was a good cry, tears of joy. I met so many people, heard so many stories, & I cannot be more thankful for the experience, and my life. When asked how one guy was, he said, “I’m alive.” That is a blessing itself.
We pulled into the driveway Friday night. I got out of the car, hugged my dog, walked inside & hugged my cat. Felt a wave of cool air from the air conditioning; saw the TV & xbox downstairs, walked upstairs, saw the flat screen TV & my kitchen. Went to the bathroom, walked into my room, saw my computer, the nicely painted walls, band posters, a bed, a desk. All I can think is that I am one of the luckiest girls in the world. I have a house, food, a loving family, and a wonderful church family, everything that I could need I have.

I met so many people, & have had my heart touched in so many ways. I am so honored that I can do God’s work, & follow his calling to help others & make a difference. I have learned about unlimited love & compassion. That no matter what God will love me & others. Many of the interns have truly inspired me. One intern, Reggie, worked with my parents. He made an impact on my parents, & for that I am forever grateful. He can give you bible verses and recite them, & has the best faith I have ever seen. I hope someday that I can be just like him. My intern Tyler was an inspiration as well. Although a crazy 19 year old, he knew what compassion, love & understanding means. He could talk to anyone & if you hadn’t known, you would think that he has known them his whole life. I hope to be as kind & open hearted as he is one day as well.

This mission trip has really reminded me what matters most, and opened my eyes. For I am awake now: to the problems of cities, to poverty, to hurt, to the knowledge that a small (or large group) of committed people can make a difference, to the simplicity of a smile, and to God's never ending love & compassion. The question is: are you?
Much love & God bless,
-Anna

My Reality - Ann

I woke up this morning in my own bed. I was still tired but duty called. Well, actually, duty whined that it was time for our morning walk. We stepped out into the warm morning, Dusty pulling at his leash, anxious to find the right fire hydrant or bush or tree. As we walked I looked around my neighborhood. I am safe here. I am far from gunshots. I am far from homelessness. I am far from poverty. The homes I pass have two cars in the driveway. They are 2-3 bedroom homes, with 2 bathrooms. They have air conditioning. They have plenty of food in the cupboards and the refrigerators. Most have two parents inside. There are pools and toys strewn on the lawn.

Yet during this past week I have seen apartments with broken windows and apartments with no furniture. I have seen children looking for a loving hand. I have seen people looking for enough food, some decent clothing, a place to land if only for a short time. I have seen bullet holes in stained glass windows and graffiti asking for a stop to the violence. But I have also seen hope. Hope in the eyes of all the other volunteers we encountered. Hope in the eyes of the parents and children who came to VBS. Hope in the eyes of my "Awaken the City" friends and partners. Hope in the eyes of every intern at Hyde Park.

I have so much in my life, so much that I often take for granted. My part in this story is to carry on. To be a light to those around me. To see a wrong and do what I can to make it right. I will not always be successful, I will not always see every wrong. But with God on my side, I can do something. And if I do something, then my path will be straight and true.

Shining Lights-Hoyt

As one of our closing activities we were challenged to write down the name of someone who had become a shinning light for us this past week. I must admit that I was tempted to write down the name of everyone who was on the trip. But I did not. Because the more I thought about it I decided that the true test of our ability to be a shining light in the city was not what happened this past week. The true measure of our ability to be shining lights will be tested in the days and months to come. It is easy to be a light and excited and full of energy on a trip such as ours. It is far harder to embrace that enthusiasm that sustain it. So my friends on the trip, do you have what it takes to be a shining light over the long haul? Here is to hoping that you do.

Special recognition needs to be given to our youth. They were inspiring, fun, and energetic in their approach to the week. The people of Faith should be proud of our young folk. Just you watch what they accomplish in the year to come. I am really proud to be called their pastor.

I did write down the name of one person. Her name is Sara and she is my best friend. Awaken the City is her brainchild and a very fruitful product of her ministry. Awaken the City is in its second year. And already the ministry partners are counting on the continued support of the program. I am humbled in light of all that she has accomplished. She is a true city light and is making an immense difference in the life of one city. She is also making a profound difference in the life of all the Awaken the City participants.

I am so inspired by her ministry, humbled by her ministry, and thankful to call myself a partner in ministry with her.

Home Again-Kathleen

I think I should have lots to say about the mission, but I really just feel this well of silence in me.  I do have some practical thoughts buzzing about- the strength in numbers when combining churches to get volunteers for mission work and the power of helping existing mission partners in the city.  But really, I'm mainly left with images of people in my head.  The boy Zayne sitting quietly bored waiting for an hour to go with his Mom shopping at the food cupboard, and the loving respectful protective bond between him and his Mom.  The man from the street sitting in the cool of the church showing me how to see the animal in the cracker.  And the red faced young man who shuffled in to get water, but didn't want to meet my eyes.  He had hit bottom, but was still there.  To the breezy red-head looking like Meryl Streep in Mama Mia taking on painting of a small church haven in a dingy neighborhood with a vision of sunny open colors surrounding old stain glass windows that had an occasional bullet hole along with the holes in Jesus hands at the cross.  With the young boy who leaned against me at the zoo, knowing he would be hugged by me because that's what we people who volunteer at the mission do- even if he didn't remember my name, and didn't expect to see me again.  What can I say?  I just feel waters stirring in the silence and God stirring over the waters.  I don't know what it means.

All for One and One for All - Friday - Ann

Stopped for lunch today after an uneventful 2 hr start. Steak & Shake was the
choice, much to Anna's dismay. She chose to wait in the car. While inside I
noticed the emergency flashers flashing. They started and stopped several times.
We finished up lunch and started piling back into our cars. Uh oh. The van would
not start. Checked several options with no luck. We finally called Roadside
Assistance - 1 hr wait time! And that was just to be towed to the dealer. Who
knew after that. We encouraged the other cars to head on out. No sense in all of
us hanging out in this heat (though we are all pretty used to the heat by now).
Yet our fellow Faith members chose to stay with us. Mackenzie browsed the internet, looking for possible solutions. Buzz & Hoyt checked under the hood. Dave & Kathleen pulled off to the side (they were quite a ways ahead of us) in case we needed help.

We are back on our way now without having to be towed, thanks to Mark and a very helpful service rep at Hyundai. God bless you all for your concern and care.

A post from Mackenzie, a guest on this trip.

I'm currently sitting in the dining area, constant bursts of laughter fill the air. Well, to the many people following this blog, I was asked by Anna to take part in this wonderful trip. We have been friends since kindergarten, and she came to me, one of the only people in our friend group who is "religious," and free during this time period. I gladly accepted. I am going to be a senior at Brighton High School next year.

Tonight at worship, following the sequence of being asked a question every night, we were asked to respond to the question "who is your city light?" Although I did not get a chance to respond at worship, I would have to say that all of the people who set off toward Ohio on Sunday, from Rochester are my city lights. I have never met such a welcoming group of people. Prior to this trip while packing, I realized just how nervous I was. Going on a mission trip with people from a church I do not attend, (even though I drive by it on a regular basis) with a large group of people I've never met, into a city I'm not familiar with, thinking of that was quite nerve wrecking. During introductions one morning we left, I was greeted by the friendliest people. I myself am not the most outgoing person. To people I do not know well, I must seem quite reserved. I am more of a listener and an observer. But in all honesty, this group of people, the people from Faith, Aldersgate, and those in-between are incredibly open hearted, and I would have to say that I have come to know and love very many of them. By the first night, I had already made several strong connections with these people. I now question, what is a comfort zone? What I once was so worried of getting in the way if my service is completely missing. It has been such a blessing to work along all of these beautiful people. I feel as if I have known everyone for years.
Time has always been known to weather everything and more, but it just can't seem to get ahold of this. I sincerely hope that this is not the last time i get to communicate and interact with all of these people, it has been such an amazing experience.
Farewell and may God bless everyone,
Mackenzie

Living water- Hoyt

Today we spent the 96 degree afternoon on the street inviting people into the air-conditioned comfort of a church, a clean rest room and all the ice water they could want. AmaZing how this simple act made so much of a difference. One particular gentleman rode his bike around the surrounding streets letting people know to go to the UMC for AC and water. Another man just released from prison, with ankle bracelet on, enjoyed the opportunity to sit n the sun on steps of the church and enjoy the freedom, polite conversation and cold water.

Pastor Hoyt

End day 4 Kathleen

Only one more day. We went out to dinner tonight and then to a grocery store. I felt this happy confident feeling. I realized it came from being back on familiar ground. I know how to act and what to expect in those places. It made me realize how Out of my comfort zone I have been for days. But that isn't a bad thing. Some of the best experiences in my life have come from experiences out of my comfort zone. Like traveling alone to France, coming back to church and bringing home my baby girl. These are all scary and I haven't known if I could do these things. I'm nit afraid of being unhappy in the new situations, I can get through that. But I worried I would not do a good job in these new places and with these new responsibilities. Like those other times, doing the things we have been asked to do wasn't harder than I could handle. I have helped. And those people who got my help all knew it was on God's behalf. Only one more day. I miss my world and my family. I miss tv and normal routine and my family being together. But I am glad I came, and I will see what tomorrow brings with less fear than I had faced last Monday.

Sarah-End of day 4

Had a blast at the zoo today, it is fabulous! We went with kids from a summer camp. It was in no way ideal conditions, it is 95 degrees out with full blast sunshine. It was only a dollar to get a ticket, so the zoo was extremely crowded with other people doing the exact thing we were doing. However I got
Iucky by being in the group with the amazing camp director and two fabulous girls. We made the best of the heat getting free water from concession stands and the girls ran through a sprinkler getting completely soaked. I talked a lot with the girls and Miss Melinda. It was definatly my favorite experiance thus far, gonna remember this day forever.

"working" storing children's supplies at a family refuge center

Thunderstorm when people walked to get ice cream

Zach- day 4

Over the hill and through the city to the zoo we go

Emily; This little light of mine...

I have never felt better in my life. Now I'm saying this despite the temperature, the lack of quality sleep, and my aching sunburn; it is truly amazing to me how simply doing what is right can make me feel. I am surrounded by some of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, let alone getting to know and work with. My eyes have certainly been opened, and it is hard to believe it is only the end of the second day! I have grown closer with old friends, I have made new friends and connections, and I have experienced new things with my best friend and sister. So far I have fully furnished two apartments, I have played an hour long game of duck duck goose with the sweetest, funniest, and cutest kids you will ever meet, helped at the food pantry by being a one on one shopper with the less fortunate, helped fix a broken cart with two Bobby pins and helping hands (unplanned-- a true God wink and test of compassion I think for all of us), swam with a pool full of kids, and, although I have come here to help physically and literally, I feel like I am the one being helped on a more spiritual and emotional level. I came here to learn, to teach, and to love, and I know I will leave here a different person with so many new outlooks on life.

Thank God for the people on this trip, the group leaders for Awaken the City, all of the amazing people in Cincinnati who have helped set the city on the right track, and for the love and compassion that surrounds us all.

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
Keep the light God gave you shining bright and share it with others. Open yourself up to the light of others, and don't ever be afraid or ashamed to introduce yourself to someone, rich, poor or in-between. Relieve yourself of the prejudices that the world impedes so heavily, and learn to love everyone as your neighbor. I will never again be afraid to reach out to someone, and I will never again feel that I am above anyone. When it all comes down to it, we are all just people trying to live a happy life-- some people just have an easier time than others finding happiness, and those are the people that are meant to reach out and "let it shine".

End of day 3 Anna

Hello all! I haven't had a chance to write much. So here is my story. On our way here our car was full of girls. It was me, my mom, my friend Mackenzie, Emily and Allie. I can honestly say that I am so happy to have these girls, along with Sarah and my new friends Ariel and Amanda. We have all grown so much closer and i am so happy they are here with me. For a while us teenagers were sleeping, I mean really, up before noon? What? Haha. After we woke up, energy increased and we played sweet and sour. The game where you wave at cars, in a van with tinted windows. We were slightly successful, one lady had her dog wave at us. We also got a truck to honk at us. We arrived exhausted, had a wonderful dinner, went on a prayer tour after an awesome worship service with contemporary music. Monday was our first day of work and it was crazy. We had all of our plans changed. We made lunch for respite and ate our bagged lunches with them. I met a guy who was shot in the leg with his forty five. Or some huge gun like that. I also got to interact with other people as well. Then we went to IHN where I cleaned windows with my new friend Amanda. We had a lot of fun and were mostly inside in the air conditioning. Then after dinner we went to a VBS. I was in a puppet show and a play. As my puppet made it's appearance, I was greeted by, "THAT PUPPET IS SO UGLY!" my hair was also going crazy. Then in my improv I was dressed up as a boy, and that went over well. But the smiles were phenomenal. I could go on and on about the different faces and pitches of laughter. As my second mission trip, simplicity seems to be the reoccurring theme. Just smiling can still make someone's day. Watching the kids at Stepping Stones, a day camp for physically disabled children, made me see the innocence and simplicity of kids. In tenth grade we read Catcher in the Rye and learned about protecting innocence and I thought it was unusual. But now I get it. I wish that I could ensure their safety, a meal to eat, a place to sleep. Every kid from VBS and camp smiled, laughed, played, with no care in the world. It seems that the harder life is, the more down to earth, and understanding you are. Your priorities are set straight. You learn to enjoy everyday and live life. Last year, and this year, I was looking forward to helping people and reaching my goal of making a difference. And I wish that I could explain to everyone that I have met how much they have touched my heart. They really have changed my life. They have reminded me of how lucky i am, and really what faith can do. Simplicity, and unending love can change things, something that I have learned and will take with me everywhere I can go. Much love, Anna. <3

P.S.- I also learned that Kathleen and Sarah are generous and love candy. My mom let her group eat my snacks and at dinner I was discussing my disappointment in the disappearance of my twizzlers. That night I came back to a note on top of a bag of twizzlers saying, "No one deserves to go without candy. Love, Sarah and Kathleen." I love my church family and random acts of kindness. :)

What is wrong with this picture? Hoyt

Today, in the 96 degree heat Allen and I played football with some boys who go to the Wesley Mission Center. We played in a park whose grass was nonexistent. The sidelines and end zones were up for constant debate. In the middle of one "end zone" was a teddybear memorial for a young boy who was murderred in that spot two weeks ago.

Pastor Hoyt

What is your place in the God story? Hoyt

My Grandmamy gave me a book titled, "The Greatest Story Ever Told". All these years the title has stuck with me. This morning our intern Kelly asked us what is our favorite scene from a book or movie. The answers were diverse. But there was that word again, story.

How is God's story different from all other stories we read or see?

Are we in God's story?

How can we be written into God's story?

How does Jesus equip us for our part in the story?

What is your part in the story?

It is the greatest story ever told. It is God's story, it is your story.

Pastor Hoyt

Allison beginning day3

Yesterday I was at New Life Furniture and our first stop was to this nice man named Larry. When we wen t up to knock on the door andhe had this sad kind of look like the look you get when somebody knocks on your door and you know that they are going to try to sell you something....that kind of look....but. As soon as we said " Hi we are from New Life Furniture we are going to be dropping off your furniture today," his face lit up like you wouldn't believe.He had little to nothing in his apartment...but when we were done dropping off he had a fully furnished living room. That feeling I got after we where done I don't even know how to begin how to describe it...it just makes you feel like a hero for a moment.-Allie Lamica

Beginning of day three-Sarah

I am running on fewer hours of sleep than I ever have before. I am drinking coffee for the second time in my life, the first time being yesterday. I really don't like coffee. Enough of miss grumpy pants. I am excited about all the things we are going to do today. Apparently we are painting and moving furniture. The service last night was really cool. We all wrote/drew/created different things that reminded us of our day on a big piece of paper that symbolized the times when we felt God during our day. I really enjoyed it. Go figure, as I like to do art! Ok now for another day, missing everyone at home!
Sarah

Nikka beginning day 3

Yesterday was such a blessing to see the children have fun at the day camp. Then after dinner we went and played with other children and they were so happy to just play around and be goofy. Then everyone sang happy birthday to e ad we had some yummy cake. It was very nice of everyone to part-take in it. It was my best birthday yet. Thank you to everyone....

Day two kathleen

First full day of mission. We separated into groups. I'm with Sarah, Zack, Buzz as well as Rich Bobbie and Naomi from Aldergate church. Our intern is Chris, a gentle giant of a guy, senior in college who is exceptionally compassionate about the people he serves. Our first task is to work at a church which opens up for a few hours to give the homeless and others access to public restrooms and we handed out water. I was worries about the uncomfortable meeting of strangers, but it was really nice. Some people where withdrawn, but still appreciative. Some you could chat with, about weather, shrimp recipes, the complex schedule of food kitchens that people knit together and one man with extraordinary abilities to identify even our cheep animal crackers. What was most touching was that we met people and the barriers were down between us. Our second mission was much harder with a bible summer program for kids. While there were clear examples of how kids were being positively influenced by the love and support they were getting there, you could also see those kids who were getting older and facing hard, narrow choices. Some kids that would not allow us to reach them. To me it felt like not enough hope and good paths. Yet there were some great moments and, as Chris says, the kids are sponges for attention. Tonight isn't over. We still will be worshiping, but I expect I will crawl into bed asleep. We miss our Rochester family, I miss being there with Betty right now. It matters to know you are with us.

Worship day 1

First night

City of Light Hoyt

Matthew 5:14-16
That was the verse that our morning study was based on. I share with you some of our questions.

How can we be a city of light for the world?
How/why do we hide our light from the world?

It strikes me that light cannot be kept for itself. Light exists solely for those outside. It serves no purpose otherwise. It reminds of John Wesley who said there is no religion except social religion. Meaning that our religion is not meant to be kept to ourselves.

How have you been a light in the past two weeks?

Pastor Hoyt

Why are you here?

Why are you here was the question on the first night. Good question. Personally, philosophically, the Church, our church.

I guess that I am here to once again experience the joy and frustration of mission work.
I am here because I need to step beyond my parrish and remember that the whole world is my parrish.
I am here to try to awaken a sense of mission in our congregation.
I am here to see an old friend.

Good question. What is your answer? Why are you where you are? What do you hope to accomplish? What do you hope to gain? What benefit do you hope to impart to others? And where, in what community?

See you later,
Pastor Hoyt

End of a long first day Kathleen

We checked in. Ate dinner, then went to worship where there was a large lighted city with lighted windows of paper. Our question was- why are you here this week? Lots of different answers, put on paper and place in the glowing windows. Why are you where you are this week? What is God calling you to do and be?

We visited many sites we will be in mission in this week and prayed for the neighborhood. Then we went to the top of the city and our interns told stories of this city. I kept thinking of the way our country looks from space. When night moves across, all you can see is the cities lit up like stars on the ground. Each one, people gathered, for good or bad. The best and worst that we can be. Yet the refuge for so many struggling to make a good life. If the lights go out, where will they go. How can we save the city and those who cling to the bottom most rung? We will see what they are doing here. Is it hope?

We,re here!!!! From Group

We are here and getting ready for our tour. Kathleen

Hi mom have fun painting-Zachary 

It took us ten hours for a seven hour drive. Roger will know that means I didn't drive. Dawn

Super tired but now is many more hous of activities... Up at 5:30 grr Sarah

Yay it's so beautiful here. I am ready for a lot of fun and work. Girls get own rooms and guys have two to a room. God Bless Nikka

Hey Mom, Dad, and Joey!!!!
Me and Allie are here and very excited to be here! It is VERY hot, but it's definitely worth the heat to be here with such awesome people! :) We're thinking of you guys, and we love you all! Joey, keep us posted with how the Yanks are doing! Love, Em

On our way- Kathleen

After an exciting game of luggage Tetras, we got all packed. We have met with the other churches and are one long caravan on Methodist mission powering past the farms highlighted in the slanted sun.

Kathleen here. Just read the highlights of the world cup final to Dave. We are about 1 hr from our goal. Some traffic, but still moving well. It gets hotter at every stop.

Nervous/excited about this trip- Sarah

I am so nervous about all the things that I am going to do on this trip! I am excited for some of it but most of it is just out of my comfort zone... I am sure I will be glad that I took this opportunity by the end of this trip but for now I am going to focus on making the energy I have excitement instead of freaking out about what I got myself into!
Sarah

Go Big or Go Home (Dawn Haas)

“Go big or go home” can be heard in my competitive family as we playfully trash talk each other. I try to live my life that way, working 60+ hours a week, playing volleyball and tennis, and volunteering. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a Christian. There are different types of Christians, I try to be the “do for the least of these, you have done for me” type. Those who know me best would say that I would fail at being the virtuous or pious type.

I have been too busy to reflect on this trip or adequately prepare. It is difficult to leave. I have work to do, my oldest son just blew out his knee, I have tennis partners to play with, and Roger leaves a lot to be desired in the housekeeping department. But leaving is the first step on a journey that will allow me to give back, provide perspective and appreciation for my blessings, and help me find quiet, meditative time to connect with GOD.

I will not be taking my laptop, an accessory that I wear like a watch. I will not be checking my work email or responding to voicemail, things I do almost compulsively. I will leave all of these things here so that I can, “Go Big” until I get home.

“Bring it”, I am ready. Let the packing begin.

Count Down 3 2 1....time to lift off Nikka

The time has come to stop thinking of ourselves and to think of others. May God Bless all of those that we will be touching in our week of ministry. I am looking forward to blessing others in our community in a way that they'll never forget. As long as God is the center of it nothing can be better. I feel so blessed to be going on this trip. Thank you so much!!!! -Nikka-

2011 July Mission to CInnicinatti- Awake the City-Kathleen

We're going on a mission trip!  Sunday morning early, bleary eyed Christians from Faith United Methodist Church in Rochester NY   will pile into various cars and vans and begin our trip down to Cincinnati to join a vibrant mission effort there called "Awaken the City".  Our crew includes some youth (Sarah, Emily, Allison, Noah, Zach, Anna and Allen) and some young at heart (Dawn, Dave, Hoyt, Pat, Buzz, Nikka, Mark, Ann and me-Kathleen).  Personally, I am reminded of a Mad magazine comic from long ago where people at a party were all mingling and talking, but their shadows showed their true desire and were all watching TV in the corner with the kids.  My person will be getting into a car on Sunday morning, while my shadow will be hiding under the covers at home.  I can't honestly say I'm looking forward to this- it is way out of my comfort zone.  Going to work with strangers, could be scary, I could be bad at it, and the worst- it could touch my heart and make me sad for God's world.  But I'm closing my eyes and putting my trust in God and jumping into the mission.  Let's see where we go....