friday. saturday.

Well. as you know, we are home. But I never went into any detail about the last 24 hours of our trip.
Friday was the last work day. Groups went out to their sites, hoping to finish their projects, celebrate, play with kids, eat cake, swim in pools...or all of the above. The last work day is always a mix of emotions. Excited to finish big projects, sad to say goodbye to new friends at the site, exhausted...it's a long week, hungry for In-n-Out, tired of working and being emotionally stretched...Each group ended in it's own way which is fitting seeing that each work site is unique.

At Rosewood, some work had just begun. I got the opportunity to serve Rosewood by leading a group to paint stands they use at their Halloween Event, a family friendly alternative to Halloween. A group had finished at their site on Wednesday so they joined me in painting. It was tough, hot work but felt great to give back to the church who so graciously served us all week.

Friday evening was super exciting! Rosewood hosted a fiesta to celebrate all the work that had been done and all of the work sites were invited! Over 300 people were going to break bread (or tortillas in this case) together. It was awesome to see the meal hall filled with people from the sites...babies, old ladies, all races, all ages joining together in a new friendship! After the dinner, we gathered to worship. Oh there are no words to describe this. Youth raising their hands in praise to Jesus, new believers, long time believers, people who are not sure about their faith...all gathered in praise. Breathtaking. After a few high energy, emotional songs we entered into a time of testimony. A few people we had helped at the work sites shared their stories, their journey of faith and disbelief, and of their struggles. Wow. It was so eye-opening to hear the journeys that everyone has gone through. It solidified the reason of why we do trips like this. To hear these stories, to be the hands and heart of Jesus to these people, to love them, to serve them, to be their friend. Amen.

Friday night continued with small groups meeting for the last time, a talent show, signing t-shirts, saying goodbyes (some groups left before dawn!), wrestling, and finally sleep.

Saturday we gathered for breakfast, more goodbyes, packing and helping cleaning the Rosewood campus. We finally headed to the airport around 12. We were tired, worn out, dirty, a bit smelly but filled with hope and love for those around us. A good, good way to be.

Thank you again for all your prayers and support. Please chat with some of the HSers who went on the trip...while they wrote their stories here, there is definitely more for them to tell. So ask and see what God has been doing in their lives :)

Our experience. Part three.

Hi. This week I participated in the Bellflower Serve 2014. My worship this last week was the Foley House for women recovering from drug use. At the Foley House, we fixed up the front courtyard and their vegetable garden. There was a fountain in the courtyard that didn't work anymore so we repaired it, filled it with dirt, and planted flowers. On the first day, none of the women from the house came out to speak with us. On the second day, however, some of them came out to the porch to have lunch with us and some of them shared their stories about how they ended up at Foley House. We also went to the park with their kids. I really enjoyed hearing the women's stories and how much their lives were impacted. It was fun to meet lots of new people and worship God in a new way. - Mariel

I had the pleasure of working at Angel Steps, a home for women and their children recovering from substance abuse, domestic abuse, or addiction. With a team of 5 other teens I'd never met before, I sanded and painted both a metal fence and play structure, provided childcare, and planted a vegetable garden. Thoughout the week, we were blessed with the opportunity to work along side both the women and children, allowing us to hear their stories and how they came to be at the home. Some stories were borderline tragic, but most were reminders of God's grace even in the darkest times. Our work and consequent connection with the women and kids culinated in tears and many thank yous when we had to say goodbye. What had really been no more than a few hours out of our day touched the women in a way that I dont think I will ever fully comprehend, but it was a wonderful reminder of what we can happen if we stop focusing on ourselves and open our eyes to the needs of those around us.
Coming home is bittersweet, as it is hard to say goodbye to new friends and the residents at Angel Step, but I am certainly looking forward to warm showers and not sleeping on the floor.  -Jennifer

This week I had the opportunity to work at COA#2 which is a sort of home/apartment complex for women who have been abused in the past. Our job was to repaint the three story stair wells at front and back of the building. This involved lots of sandpaper, putty, and lots of paint. Though the colors were just white and grey, it's amazing the visible difference that our work made. It looked clean and inviting as opposed to dirty and (yes) sketchy.
Going into the week, team had no idea what we would encounter, who was would meet, or the stories we would hear. Though we only really got to talk to the tennants on one of the days we were there, it was amazing to hear them encourage each other. We only heard parts of a few of the women's stories but it was amazing to hear them talk about how they overcame addictions and other difficulties with God's help. We also played with two of the kids there. They were adorable and super sweet. Its odd to imagine that they dont really know where they are, who their dad is, or why they're staying at a house with only other women and children. Overall, it was a really amazing experience. The tenants were so thankful for our work and we were happy to help (especially since we could work indoors :) ). I am so thankful for the opportunity to work at COA#2.  -Rachel

Hi, my name is Melanie. I'm 17 years old and going into my senior year of high school. This mission trip was my third mission trip overall and my second through Youth Unlimited.
I am amazed at how unique and special each mission trip experience has been. This trip really gave me the opportunity to bask in the joy of God's love for us and to share the joy through serving the community of Bellflower, California. My small group worked with a man named Hector to build steps for his house, replacing the dangerously rotten steps that had been there before. In addition to building steps, we also got to meet Hector's parents, Maggie and Walter, and hear Hector's life story. In short, he told us that he grew up feeling like he did not really need God, turning to him only in times of real need. However, through a series of trials that included an unexpected divorce and a move from Mexico to the US, Hector learned to depend on God and trust in His ways. Hearing Hector's testimony inspired me to be bold in my faith and put my whole trust in God.
Overall, this trip was simply a wonderful experience. The worship and prayer times were both energetic and meditative. The amazing community  achieved in our small group, which were made up of people from all different youth groups, was astonishing.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support!! We could not have gone if not for you! :)

pictures.

Hawaiian night!

 Worship!

 Beach Day! Huntington Beach

 Impromptu Worship

 Worship!

Our experience. Part two.

This was the first mission trip I've been on. I didn't really want to go at first but I have completely changed my view since going. The worship time and small groups has brought me closer to God. I feel like singing and interacting with others my age really helped. At my worksite, we painted a house and did yard work for a woman who attends Rosewood Church. One of the reasons we worked there was because her husband, Al, is not a believer, and through our work we helped bring him closer to God. All in all, I am very glad that I went on this trip, because I have been brought closer to God, met new friends and served others. - Jakob 

Hi! My name is Carissa Cheng and this was my first time helping to lead a YG mission trip. Serve was a wonderful experience. 150 kids and leaders from all over the country gelled into a group loving God and serving others together.  God was glorified. 

I had the privilege of serving with 10 kids and 4 leaders at Foley house, a transitional home for women recovering from drug addiction and their children. We did yard work and God opened doors for us to interact with the women living in the house. We were blessed by their stories. 

Although we came to serve, we were selflessly served by the congregation of Rosewood. In all, they had about 150 volunteers serving us, so we could serve their community. We were driven to showers, allowed in personal pools, served hot food, led in worship...and more. Their custodians cleaned endlessly. Our bathrooms stayed clean! A prayer warrior covered each small group in prayer. I was blessed by their service. 

Thank you for your support!

This week I (Janelle) had a very unexpected experience. When meeting with my worksite group for the first time on Sunday afternoon, all we knew was that we were going to fix up a house for a woman named Bertha. However, God had some different plans for us when we arrived at her house (which was a small house connected to a fifth wheeler) the next morning. We were met with an interesting challenge - how can we give everyone a job without breaking the roof or crowding the house? But of course God had an answer! While a few people were patching up the roof and others were tearing apart her floor, a few of us who were awkwardly standing outside were blessed with the presence of the neighborhood kids. We were able to play with them all week and learn more about Gods love through them.  By the end of the week it was clear that Gods plan was better than our own because while we were going to bless one person God allowed us to bless an entire neighborhood and receive blessings from them. 

Hi. My worksite this week was the Foley House in Bellflower. Thus house was were women could stay for 6 months to help them get rid of an addiction and help them get their lives together without drugs or alcohol. All of the women were so sweet and kind and welcoming. We mostly worked on their garden and spending time with the women's kids. There was a lot of dirt shoveling and some painting but it was all worth it because they were all so thankful. We also went to the park with them and the kids looked so happy. While staying at Rosewood church I met several new friends that were really kind and it was interesting asking them about what's it's like where they live. Going to Serve was an awesome experience and I would definitely do it again. - Lauren 

Our experience. Part One.

Hello, it's Gabby. I loved this mission trip! I enjoyed getting to know kids from all over the country and growing our faith as a group. I was part of the Little House worksite with kids from Florida and Canada. We basically remodeled the kitchen for all the women that lived in the house. They came from all kinds of backgrounds but all suffered some from of addiction. I could tell in their eyes that they were so thankful for the work that my group did. I enjoyed it a lot! Great last youth group mission trip!

This week, I (Allison Apol) went on my first mission trip. Going into it I was a bit scared. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The first few days I was a little hesitant to talk to others and be outside of my comfort zone. But after a few days of working with the people in my group I started to warm up to them. By the end of the week I had become pretty good friends with a few people.  

My favorite part of the trip was worship. We all came up to the front stage and sing as loud as you can. It was an amazing experience and it moved my heart. 

I feel so blessed to have been able to go on the trip. It has changed my life. 

As a graduated HSer this serve experience has been a great end to my time in BCRCYG. This week I got to serve a sweet elderly lady who like to go by Grandma Kim. Over this past week we stripped and painted her shed, fences and gates while having fun with old and new friends. I met and learned more about the five people I didn't know in my work group. I also enjoyed playing a new game called 9-square, visited Santa Monica, played at the beach and had great worship services in the evening. Overall, it was an awesome and memorable time. David

Friday.

Our last work day. Last group worship. The week was long yet went so fast. 

Here's a quick look into our worship!

Tomorrow we hop on a plane back to Seattle. We're all tired, a bit more tan or pink in some cases but most importantly stretched in our faith. My prayer is that each youth and leader would not just yet this be a week long experience but a life changing event. I hope we return home changed and stay changed. That God would place His plan heavily on our hearts. I think this trip has had some neat experiences and pray that they translate into awesome future ones. I just can't wait to see what's next!

Please continue to pray for the group! Please continue to check back here for more stories...I am hoping to have each youth write a bit regarding their Serve experience.

Thursday.

Today we headed to the beach! A much needed break! We had some sun and fun and a chance for the youth to write about their experience! Enjoy!

This week of Serve has been one of the best of experiences of my life! I have thoroughly enjoyed everything we've been doing. Coming into this trip, I was wary of being mixed with different youth groups. Then on the first day, I found out I was in a group with NO other people from Washington. I was not really looking forward to it, and kind of worried. But on Saturday, we did team building type games with our small groups, and I loved them. They have proved to be amazing, and I am so happy to have met every one of them. They are the people we've been working with at our worksites, and we've been meeting with them every night after worship and devotions. Speaking of which: worship has been absolutely amazing! We come to the front and just let it all out, singing and praising and worshipping. I have really been getting a lot out of it. I feel like I actually am meaning the words I sing. Tuesday night, we had this time of personal introspection and prayer, and that was very powerful. The actual work has been great too- I love talking to the 91 year old lady who's house my group is working at. Overall it has been a wonderful, powerful experience that blew my expectations out the roof!

Mara

Greetings from California! This week at SERVE, I've been working with a group from all over the continent.  We're working at a woman named Susana's house. We've tripped (or mauled) the trees surrounding her home, done some small repairs. At the moment we're working to redo their wheelchair ramp, so it isn't dangerously slippery in the rain. See, Susana's oldest son has cerebral palsy, and can't walk. We've ripped up the tiling and underlayment and are going to paint it with textured deck paint.  Susana is an amazing woman. Being a single mother of four kids would be difficult enough even without Miguel's disability. She is one of the happiest people I've ever met- she meets us with smiles and hugs as soon as we arrive and has made us food too. Susana is an amazingly strong person and it's an honor to help her out. My group and I (made up of Iowa, Florida, California, Washington, and Canada) have been led by our site manager Bryan. Without him I doubt we would have even known where to start.  So far, I've loved this trip and not just the new friends or free days we've had. The sense of community and worship really makes the trip. We are blessed with a great praise team and we've all thrown ourselves into the singing. I can't believe it's already Thursday and we'll be home on Saturday. We look forward to our next few days and will see you soon. Thank you for all the prayers and support! 

Cheers, Annika

Wednesday.

Hump day! This morning people looked TIRED! Day three of the work sites. These guys are working hard. Up at 6:45, breakfast at 7:15, work all day in the heat and sun, evening activities, worship, small groups...all fall into bed at eleven. Makes for a very tiring week! However, spirits are high and God is really working here!

Today for me (amy) was pretty cool. I'm not at a worksite with the youth. I stay behind as they all leave for their sites. Not going to lie it's tough. I want to be apart of the action. I want to have cool stories about the people we are helping. It's selfish but it's the truth. But today I realized I am doing something...just not the something I longed to do. I'm supporting my youth, supporting the other worksite teams, supporting the bellflower staff that is working so hard. I spend a lot of time thinking and praying for the groups, for the people they are working with, the issues that have come up over the last couple of days. I'm playing with others kids so they can do their job, like so many of you have done with mine ;) I'm driving kids here and there, bringing Popsicles to warm worksites...I'm doing things I would normally not think of as mission trip jobs but that's why I'm here this year....to support the work.  I realized today that this too is supporting God and his plan. And as a bonus I went to In N Out because a work team needed to there...it was tough but oh so good ;) So yes, today was cool because God showed me His plan and I didn't resist it. 

Tomorrow is beach day...rest, fun and sun...and plenty of sunscreen. ;)

I hope to post some pictures tomorrow! Thank you for your prayers for our team and all those out here! I can't wait for the youth to share what's being done!

Tuesday.

Yesterday was Tuesday. Another awesome day in the books. Each day begins with wake up call, breakfast, making lunches, morning devotions and loading up the vans. It's amazing to see the kids each morning...slightly more tired than the previous, slowly grabbing food. The dining hall seems to be filled with tired people yet the noise level is still high. Morning devotions begin afterwards, lead by Pastor Josh (who happened to go to seminar with Pastor Matt). Then it's quiet time. It's great to have time before leaving for the worksites to pray, reflect and read before the hectic day. 

The work day went well and the youth got to go to a pool afterwards. Nothing like a refreshing swim after a long day! Many of our kids choose to relax and read instead of swim. 

We meet as a youth group after dinner. It's neat to hear what everyone is doing, to hear the stories and to connect as a yg. 

Some awesome things are being done here. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us!

Monday.

Whew. Day one flew by! All the kids headed to their worksites in the morning with great attitudes. By early evening everyone was coming back to the church campus with stories of their day. I'm so excited for these stories to develop this week and then to be shared with all of you! I am hoping to have some of the youth share the stories here on the blog before we get back...but they are super busy going from one event to the next. 

Monday evening we had Hawaiian night complete with Polonesian dancers. It was a fun evening! We then had worship and a message. 

Here are a few pictures to see what we've been up to!

Sunday.

Hello. Sorry for the delay on post number one. I thought it had posted but no :( We arrived Saturday afternoon safe and sound. The flight was uneventful...always a good thing. We were welcome by an awesome host team at bellflower! They got everyone checked in and we were feeling right at home. The leaders had their first meeting and then we all had dinner! Tri-tip sandwiches :) Worship followed, which was amazing! A message then bed. What a great start!

Sunday morning started early with breakfast, devotionals, meeting the 8:30 service then church at 10:30. We all wore our green serve tshirts and had a large group photo. 

After a quick lunch we headed to Santa Monica for a photo scavenger hunt. It was hot! (Don't worry all applied sunscreen at least twice!) We walked the boardwalk and took lots of pictures! 

Selfies :)

4 on a couch...bench? Or let's cram everyone on one :)

Jake took one for the team

We voted Jennifer out...our chooses method of disposal ;)

Our ride...jk

Ice cream ended our hit but fun adventure!

This evening was dinner, worship, message and small groups. Tomorrow beings our work! We are excited to see what god has in store for our work teams! Please pray that everyone would be safe and that the lords work would be done!

-Amy 

And we're off!

bellflower, here we come!

And we're off! Well, almost! On Saturday, the HSYG will hop on a plane headed to Bellflower, CA. We will once again be teaming up with Youth Unlimited on a mission trip. We will be working with a local church in Bellflower, Rosewood CRC. They have some awesome relationships in the community there and we are excited to see what they have planned for us. We will be doing a variety of jobs while in Bellflower, from helping with kid's camps to painting to mending fences, to shelters...the list large and varied! Our YG will be divided into different work groups so everyone will have a different experience! I am looking forward to hearing about what everyone is doing!

Please be praying for our group while we are gone. Pray that our hearts would be open to what God's will and plan is for the trip. Pray that the people we come in contact with would be open and softened to God's will. We are so excited to meet new people and serve, pray that we would be able to work hard and that the glory would go to God! 

We will be updating this blog as often as we can so please check back often! We are excited to share our experiences with you!