Friday, June 24, 2022
Day 9: Anhai
Today was our last day in Disneyland and on the mission trip. We got up bright and early, though many of us failed to actually do that (totally wasn't me). After loading the van up with luggage, we rushed over to Disney. We spent the morning there doing various things like going on Hyperspace Mountain and the Alice in Wonderland Ride. At one o'clock, we met up and took a picture all together in front of the castle. Then we got in the van and started to head home.
As we drive back San Francisco/San Jose/San Mateo, I'm feeling really, really sad that the trip is ending. I've just graduated high school, and so this is my last day of my last mission trip (unless I "just happen to be in the same city" as the trip next year). As we get closer and closer to the end of our van journey, I keep wishing that we wouldn't arrive, so that I can spend a few more hours talking, singing and laughing with everyone in the car. I've been sitting here trying to write this reflection for a while, but I can't write down in words how much the people on this trip and our experiences together mean to me. I am going to miss this so much.
As we drive back San Francisco/San Jose/San Mateo, I'm feeling really, really sad that the trip is ending. I've just graduated high school, and so this is my last day of my last mission trip (unless I "just happen to be in the same city" as the trip next year). As we get closer and closer to the end of our van journey, I keep wishing that we wouldn't arrive, so that I can spend a few more hours talking, singing and laughing with everyone in the car. I've been sitting here trying to write this reflection for a while, but I can't write down in words how much the people on this trip and our experiences together mean to me. I am going to miss this so much.
Day 8: Michael
This morning, I didn't sleep for very long. I was very excited about going into the parks. Once everyone was ready, we went to California Adventure. We started the day with most of us going to the Avenger's Campus, and the rest of us heading to Radiator Springs. After we went on some rides, we met back up and went to the Grizzly Peaks area and went on a few more rides. We got something to eat, and some of us went back to the hotel to recover. When we went back, we entered Disneyland. We rode the Haunted Mansion, then rode the Rise of the Resistance. Afterwards, we met up and rode Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, The Matterhorn, Thunder Mountain, and Hyperspace Mountain. By the time we finished, the park had closed and we had to leave. We went back the hotel and to bed.
I had a fun time today. I liked the rides and spending time with the other people of the trip. Personally, this might've been my favorite day of the trip, but not by much. I was looking forward to this trip all year and I really have to say that it didn't disappoint. I loved meeting the youth group and spending time with them. I had so much fun, and I'm looking forward to coming back next year!
I had a fun time today. I liked the rides and spending time with the other people of the trip. Personally, this might've been my favorite day of the trip, but not by much. I was looking forward to this trip all year and I really have to say that it didn't disappoint. I loved meeting the youth group and spending time with them. I had so much fun, and I'm looking forward to coming back next year!
Day 7: Cia
Wednesday, the 22nd was our last day of service on our trip. We started the day by rushing to clean up and pack up the apartment we were staying at. By the time we were on the road, we were late for our lunch shift at the dinning hall. Instead, we were asked to work at the Union Rescue Mission's warehouse, sorting donations such as clothes, shoes, and other (sometimes random) items into bins. After our shift there was done, we drove to Disneyland. We settled into our hotel and had dinner at a Mexican place in downtown Disney. Then, we went back to the hotel and watched the fireworks from the deck. When that was done, we had a final reflection and everyone cried their eyes out. We got to bed at about 1:30 am.
It was an interesting day. All the other service times, we had worked in the kitchen. We made and served food, worked directly in the neighborhood that we were serving, and saw the people we were trying to help. This time, we were both more and less disconnected from them. We didn't see them, but we saw the many items being donated. We saw what they'd be wearing and what they'd use. It also felt as though we got to know the kind of people who gave too. The items varied, but I noticed that the things that were there were often either very nice and expensive looking, barely worn, or they were ratty, stained, and old. Women seemed to give more than men (at least, I sorted more women's clothes). Also, there were a truly enormous amount of Bibles donated…
Most of the stuff donated was usable, but a lot of it wasn't. One of the instructions we were given was to think of whether we'd wear something, and sort by that. A donation isn't a trash bin that makes you feel better, and it seems people forget that. After the work, we went to Disneyland. We ate a nice meal, stayed at a nice place, and saw a truly beautiful fireworks display. After a week of service, it really made me feel how lucky I was, how blessed.
At the final reflection we went around in a circle and said our favorite things about each other. It was sweet and had us all in tears, and again I was struck by how lucky I was to be given an opportunity to be on this trip, with such amazing people. Some I'd never met before, but this trip has made us all great friends, and I'm proud I was a part of it.
It was an interesting day. All the other service times, we had worked in the kitchen. We made and served food, worked directly in the neighborhood that we were serving, and saw the people we were trying to help. This time, we were both more and less disconnected from them. We didn't see them, but we saw the many items being donated. We saw what they'd be wearing and what they'd use. It also felt as though we got to know the kind of people who gave too. The items varied, but I noticed that the things that were there were often either very nice and expensive looking, barely worn, or they were ratty, stained, and old. Women seemed to give more than men (at least, I sorted more women's clothes). Also, there were a truly enormous amount of Bibles donated…
Most of the stuff donated was usable, but a lot of it wasn't. One of the instructions we were given was to think of whether we'd wear something, and sort by that. A donation isn't a trash bin that makes you feel better, and it seems people forget that. After the work, we went to Disneyland. We ate a nice meal, stayed at a nice place, and saw a truly beautiful fireworks display. After a week of service, it really made me feel how lucky I was, how blessed.
At the final reflection we went around in a circle and said our favorite things about each other. It was sweet and had us all in tears, and again I was struck by how lucky I was to be given an opportunity to be on this trip, with such amazing people. Some I'd never met before, but this trip has made us all great friends, and I'm proud I was a part of it.
Day 6: Walter
Today we started by hitting the LA Grove. We stopped by Sephora, Barnes and Noble, and Nike. After some thrilling purchases of books and perfumes, we went to the Farmers Market for lunch. Half of us ate at a smoothie bar and the other half scattered around the Market to find something yummy. Once we all ate, we drove to our awesome service organization: Union Rescue Mission! "The Michaels" laid bacon on trays while the rest of us were stationed in the line to serve dinner. We served for a few hours and then went home. We all hung out in the living room and finally went to sleep around 11.
Today was an incredible opportunity for me to bond with both the people I was serving and the staff of Union Rescue. I tried my best to hold conversations in Spanish with our kitchen leader: Renee. Renee was our co-leader for Monday as well, which made these conversations feel more comfortable for me. I learned that Renee had been working in the kitchen for 8 years and had completed the 1 year Union Rescue Program. This interaction gave me such an important perspective on why returning to the same organization was beneficial. I didn't have the confidence to approach Renee speaking in his first language during our first dinner being instructed by him. But the second time around, the confidence of being a friendly face resulted in me receiving a deeper understanding of the community we were serving.
-Walter
Today was an incredible opportunity for me to bond with both the people I was serving and the staff of Union Rescue. I tried my best to hold conversations in Spanish with our kitchen leader: Renee. Renee was our co-leader for Monday as well, which made these conversations feel more comfortable for me. I learned that Renee had been working in the kitchen for 8 years and had completed the 1 year Union Rescue Program. This interaction gave me such an important perspective on why returning to the same organization was beneficial. I didn't have the confidence to approach Renee speaking in his first language during our first dinner being instructed by him. But the second time around, the confidence of being a friendly face resulted in me receiving a deeper understanding of the community we were serving.
-Walter
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Day 5 - Katherine
We had a slow start on Monday, filled with cards and reading in bed. Most of us didn't leave the apartment until 3:30, when it was time to leave for our dinner shift at Union Rescue Mission. This shift was Cia and my first time at Union Rescue Mission, and it was, honestly, a much more joyful environment than I had anticipated. It was still hard to be surrounded by so much poverty and devastation, but the dining hall was filled with laughter, thanksgiving, and prayer. The dinner shift was both busy and smooth running. Meryt and I helped serve the meals to the guests, while the rest of the crew plated. After the service, we made our way to Yogurtland for the second time this trip, and then finished the night with some reflection, prayer, and, of course, a rousing card game of Oh Heck.
Monday, June 20, 2022
Day 4 (An Interlude)
Sunday was our day off from service, so we worshipped at All Saints Beverly Hills, formerly the parish home of David and Heather Erickson. We were warmly welcomed, and were jealous that their rectory has a pool that their youth group got to go to (suggestion for SMV?).
Afterwards we headed to the Santa Monica Beach and Pier, played in the ocean, relaxed on the beach, and almost all got pretty mean sunburns. Walter and Matthew won some Squid Game-themed plush toys at the pier, and Mike got some funnel cake and Riley got an Icee.
The day ended up at Griffith observatory, with gorgeous views of Los Angeles at night and excellent take out Chinese food.
Day 3: Meryt
This morning we woke up at 5:18 (oh the agony!) because some crazy person (Mike) volunteered us to work at a 5K where we had to show up by 6:30 in the AM. The 5K consisted of both runners and walkers, doing a lap around the Rose Bowl in order to raise money for the Union Rescue Mission. We worked at the hydration stations, handing out water to the participants. I had the time of my life riding a golf cart to said hydration station. Anhai, Mike, and Riley handed out medals to participants at the finish line. It was a different kind of service from what we did yesterday, yet still very important. Events like these are what raise money so that the Union Rescue Mission create the change that they do, and we were very happy to help out in this way even if we had to give up some sleep. It was very cool to see the Rose Bowl. A lot of people who attended the duck obsessed cult for college (where my father went) have played there.
Later in the day, we went to the town of Pasadena to explore and have lunch. Walter and I pulled some shenanigans with some Jehovah's witnesses that we encountered. Walter asked them if it was true that they must always wear an eyepatch, and I made sure to wish them a Happy Pride Month. I don't think they liked us very much. We finished our outing with some yummy frozen yogurt.
We later returned to the apartment to take naps and relax. For dinner we had some sandwiches. We finished our day with prayer, reflection, and playing cards.
-Meryt
Later in the day, we went to the town of Pasadena to explore and have lunch. Walter and I pulled some shenanigans with some Jehovah's witnesses that we encountered. Walter asked them if it was true that they must always wear an eyepatch, and I made sure to wish them a Happy Pride Month. I don't think they liked us very much. We finished our outing with some yummy frozen yogurt.
We later returned to the apartment to take naps and relax. For dinner we had some sandwiches. We finished our day with prayer, reflection, and playing cards.
-Meryt
Day 2 Matthew
Day 2 started by waking up with some breakfast. We started the day by going to the Union Rescue Mission. We arrived at the URM at around 10:30 and got straight to work. Some of us were handing out food to those in need, and the others were washing dishes. There was an endless amount of dishes. The people who handed out food started by scooping food onto plates, then handing it out to people in need. The food was lasagna, broccoli, mashed potatoes and bread. For the people that were washing dishes, they were washing the pans that the food was cooked and served in. Because URM serves so many people, there were a lot of dishes to wash, and more dishes came in as the day went on. We got help from workers there, such as the kitchen lead Troy, who was so very kind and helped us with what we needed to do. URM is on skid row so it was eye opening to see the true poverty of downtown la. No matter how many or how gross the dishes were, it was good to know that we were helping those people. The URM helps the homeless and poor population of los angeles. They help Anyone that is in need. They never turn away anyone from their doors. After we finished helping at URM, we went back to the apartment and hung out for the rest of the night. We played some cards, made dinner and just talked.
Saturday, June 18, 2022
LA Mission Trip - Day One: Annie
Day One was great! Though our group was incomplete, we had a great time on the drive down to LA. The drive was smooth and uneventful - nothing but the thrilling farmlands of central California and the occasional argument over who got to handle the music. We took a brief stop at In-N-Out before we went through the Grapevine and into Los Angeles. There was a slight misunderstanding with the AirBnb; however, our apartment screams luxury with two bedrooms for ten people to share and three complimentary bottles of strawberries and cream scented shampoo. The group settled in before an exciting takeout dinner from Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles and a short walk down the Hollywood walk of fame.
All in all, it was a wonderful day spent together. There isn't a lot of space in a fifteen-passenger can filled to the brim with teenagers and junk food, so we were forced to interact with each other. It was awesome, though. We had a long but safe and fun trip, and of course, we had the musical accompaniment of Mustard, Cascada, and Stacy's Mom the whole time. It was wonderful to reunite and spend some time together. It was a wonderful start to an amazing trip!
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
2022 Youth Mission Trip to Los Angeles!
A group of 10 youth and adults will be heading down to Los Angeles from June 16-24. On the trip we will be exploring the incredible richness of LA racial and ethnic diversity, and the extremes of wealth and poverty. Most of our service will be done at the Urban Rescue Mission in Skid Row, connecting to some of the people most in need in LA. We will also explore other parts of the LA area, including Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory, and the beach, and we will round out our trip with a day and a half at Disneyland!
Stay tuned to this blog for updates and reflections throughout the trip!
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