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! :)