March 18th, 2016! Oh the adventure.......

Hi Everyone, this is Karen

Well, we have had a mighty interesting day to say the least!

We started our morning off by finishing up projects around the Rehoboth campus and at the food pantry. Kathy and Erin’s team did chapel time at the elementary school and the kids really enjoyed their songs and skits.

After lunch we cleaned our dorms and loaded up the vans to head out for Santa Rosa for our stop for the night. Someone at the school had recommended that we stop at the famous Perry Null Trading Post in Gallup to look around. We had debated on whether to take the time to stop and when we left Rehoboth we really hadn’t made a decision. At the last minute, we decided to pull in. It was truly a God lead decision! Just as we pulled in our break line broke and the breaks went clear to the floor. The driveway had just enough of an incline and our fast thinking driver, Nita, put it into low gear and we were able to get stopped. Thank God for his loving protection that were weren’t moving on down the highway when the breaks went out!

We waited with the nice people at Perry Null’s while we waited for the tow truck. We had some pretty interesting company while we waited. A few of the locals tried to engage in conversations with us but let’s just say between the spit baths they were giving out and the slurred speech we were not exactly sure what they were trying to tell us. So after the van was towed, we made two trips to haul everyone to Golden Coral to eat dinner while we waited on news about the van. Turns out after searching all over town, we couldn’t get the part needed to fix the van until Monday.

So we had quite a dilemma, we were 5 seats short of loading into the other vehicles so we had to make the decision for some of us had to stay here in Gallup until the van can be fixed. We loaded up all the kids with four brave leaders and sent them off to Santa Rosa so they could stay on schedule and get back so they could be at school on Monday. I am sure they were thankful for that decision.

So here we are that the Days Inn, Ryan, Sierra, Emily, Nita and myself having an extended mini vacation well, all of us but Ryan, while we wait on the van. As I write this the kids should be quickly approaching Santa Rosa to stop for the night. Ryan is always telling us that when we embark on these trips that we must be flexible and be ready to change plans and schedules at any given moment. Well, today was sure one of those days.

But through all of the trials we’ve had today, God has kept us in his favor. All the kids left in good spirits. We are all safe and sound and had an awesome week and are going home (some later than others) with full and changed hearts.

Please keep us in your prayers as we make our long journey home.

March 17, 2016

Thursday, March 17th

After breakfast, my group which consisted of Erin, Hailey, Kyle, Rylee, Alexis, Elijah and myself went to work at the Community food pantry. We had quite the time getting there. You see Google Maps was behind in updating the exact location and we finally Found it on the third try. Our perseverance paid off, nothing could stop us now!! We met up with their gardner Vern and he put us to work.

They grow fresh vegetables for the food pantry. They have also planted fruit trees which is the area we worked in. Cleaning leaves and Dead weeds from under the trees then putting down a new top layer of dirt. Hailey and Erin did a lot of raking where the newer smaller

Trees were. The kids did a great job with a little bit of help from Erin and I “encouraging” them on. They will probably hear our voices in Their heads while sleeping! We did get a lot accomplished and had fun at the same time! We are all quite sunburned but had a very Satisfying day.

Kathy

Today I got to share my testimony, at first I was so nervous I thought I was going to mess up. In the car on the way back from where I was working I kept telling myself that I can do all things through christ who strengthens me. This is what keeps me going every day because I know that I can do all things through christ who strengthens me. When I went on stage to do my testimony my hands were shaking but my voice was loud and clear. My voice was shaky at first but then a wall crashed down inside, I just let my voice out, the one that God gave me to use, the one that shows me that I don't have to be afraid anymore to talk in front of big crowds. It was the best thing that happened to me.

Alexis

Today I worked at a Homeless shelter, it was quite a new experience for me. It made me realize how much i have, and how much i take for granite.

While serving the food, it shocked me on the stories they began to tell us. Many of the people struggled from severe poverty, but still had a smile on their faces.

Most of the people were very kind, and a few asked us to pray for/with them. This experience really opened my eyes, and showed me that even when people have such little, they still thank the lord for what they do have.

Mack

Today God really gave me a great way to show my faith and a great experiance. He gave me the experiance to share Gods word with all the homeless people. It broke my heart how even though they have nothing, they are always still happy and ready to talk to all of us. it is the best thing

to hear all of their stories that they have. One guy used to be a veteran and he was upset because he said to us that he wanted to be recognized and he wanted people to understand what he is trying to say.

I would do anything to help these people. they deserve better than they are getting from the world. I know this is all for a reason by God. He has it in his hands.

Makenna

Today we got to go on an amazing Hike- Up in the sky, up on the mountain with 16 people- some of us were having troubles but we all were able to make it through the canyon trail today.  We had the help of two local high school student who acted like warriors.  We worked together- and helped one another and it was amazing to see God Creation.  Allison

Wednesday March 2016

Today was our free day.  We went to Canon De Chelly.  Tonight we went to church and met some people in who went to the church.  Also, we were blessed to have  a young woman come and share about her Navajo Culture and her Christian faith.  Kendra is sick so please pray!

                Today we woke up at 6:30 and we ate and then we packed our  lunches. And then we headed for canon de chelly and we went on a 2.5 mile hike and we had a lot of fun. And then we headed back for camp . And we got to go to church and we had our lesson and then we played basketball for about half an hour and we got back to the dorms and then we got a speech about how we need to have something to represent that we are a Christian and then I will be going to bed soon.

                                                                                                                                                                -Zach Chaplin

We rode in the van for 90 or so minutes. I fell asleep with a horrid head ach and the people in front of me in the van took my picture. We got back and we went into a different building to eat there where a lot of people I did not know, and it was hard. We ate we went and hung out with these boy scout kind of people who worshiped god. We played basketball I did not say a single one of their names. We got back and listened to a Navaho lady talk about their culture. Then we worshiped and now I am doing this then I am going to Bed Ta Da this is my paragraph.

                                                                                                                                                                -Elijah Luethje

                We drove to Arizona it was a boring drive. We hiked and it was kind of cool. I almost fell off a cliff it was funny. We ate hot dogs for dinner they were good. Then we hung out with these boy scout type dudes. We played basketball we weren’t good at all the only good part was when Kyle made a full court shot. Then we had some lady talk about stuff. Then we sang and now I’m typing this now I’m done.

                                                                                                                                                                                -Elijah Buchanan                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                               

Tuesday, March 15th

This morning after we ate breakfast me and my group went to go build a fence. Today was a very frustrating day, because the group had to dig three holes again, except mine. Later we had a presentation with the high school students and I read my testimony to all of them. Then we ended our day by going on a 2 mile hike to Pyramid Rock. The hike was really tiring but when we got to the top it was completely worth it. But all this work and exercise, has helped control my diabetes.  Logan

The Team has done a great job of working and ministering to the people in which we have encountered.   The team is divided into two separate teams one of which stays on the campus and the  other today visited a elementary school and helped by working with students.   The group that stayed on the campus of Rehoboth worked hard several projects.  Madison and Sean Painted.  Hailey, Eli, and Aspyn and Mack worked on several projects included working on 4removing rebar, helping in the kitchen serving students and unloading a trailer.  Some of the groups worked hard on digging holes this was a very challenging time as the ground in super hard to dig the holes deep enough.  The challenge is good for the group!  The other part of the group was able to work at the school with teachers. 

Tonight we were able to go on a hike that took us about 8000 feet in the air and  see a stars observatory. Ryan

Today I woke up a little late eat breakfast, and went off to work at the elementary school with my class. I helped them spell and I helped teach them math that I had learned just a few years prior to today. The class was great and I will remember all of their names. When I walked out of the room I already knew I would miss them. As I was leaving I was stopped by the teacher. She handed me a note from the class that makes me feel so appreciative. From there I came back to the lounge and rested for a couple minutes before going on a small hike to this cemetery just outside where we are staying. It was cool in an unique way. I was amazed by the way they were laid and what was placed on the tombs. When Emily, Aspyn, and I got back from the small hike we took some seats in the lounge and we chatted about how our week was going. When the others got back from their hike we ate dinner and later went on a small trip to an observatory where we looked at the stars and galaxies that were millions of light years away. When we got back we found out that Kendra had got her head stuck in a chair. Since then I have been typing this very blog. My blog said… “Today I woke up a little late eat breakfast, and went off to work at the elementary school with my class. I helped them spell and I helped teach them math that I had learned just a few years prior to today. The class was great and I will remember all of their names. When I walked out of the room I already knew I would miss them. As I was leaving I was stopped by the teacher. She handed me a note from the class that makes me feel so appreciative. From there I came back to the lounge and rested for a couple minutes before going on a small hike to this cemetery just outside where we are staying. It was cool in an unique way. I was amazed by the way they were laid and what was placed on the tombs. When Emily, Aspyn, and I got back from the small hike we took some seats in the lounge and we chatted about how our week was going. When the others got back from their hike we ate dinner and later went on a small trip to an observatory where we looked at the stars and galaxies that were millions of light years away. When we got back we found out that Kendra had got her head stuck in a chair. Since then I have been typing this very blog. My blog said…”   KYLE

PS.  The Highlight of the day for several was sharing at the High School the students were so nervous but they did an awesome job. Logan and and Emily shared their story about faith, Kaitlyn led in a game, Madison and Sean played Music.  Hannah worked through technical difficulties to share scripture that was important to her. Mack who was sick with the flu yesterday was able to join our group today and pushed through post flu weariness to help and work today! 

Monday, March 14

/Today (3/14/16) our group had the pleasure of tearing a fence out at the school and our group worked hard putting a new fence up. God worked in our lives today by making sure everyone worked together and we were astonished with the finished product. We also went to the middle school and had our kick off. Our group (Aspyn, Kyle, Kenna, Nita, Karen, Elijah, Kendra, and Alexis)   did an awesome job singing songs and the crowd was really enthusiastic and was very appreciative. They enjoyed the gestures that were used during the songs. Kenna was very brave and presented her testimony in front of the middle schoolers. Alexis spoke in front of the group and did great. Kyle read a verse to the students and did a great job! Aspyn finished our kick off with a commercial to keep the students interested in our next appearance Thursday.     –Ashley

Today we got to tear a fence down, tear the bolts and nuts out, (which was actually hard work). (Hannah, Ryan, Sierra, Kathy, Ashley, Sean, Eli, Logan, Erin, Aspyn, Hailey, Madison) Did such an awesome job working together and we worked hard!! We also got to Hike on First Canyon, which was a blast, and a little sketchy at times. Me and Kendra got to go to Walmart with Ryan. That was cool. We got to watch a traditional dance, and flute performance, which was really cool to see all the culture and traditions that happens. Today was good!!! –Sierra

Today some of us got the chance to work at a local elementary school. (Nita, Karen, Kendra, Makenna, Kaitlyn, Ryley, Emily, Kyle, Allison, Zach, Destiny, Alexis) We all got to go help out in different classrooms. I got to help out in a 5^th grade classroom! I had a great time getting to talk with all the students! They were so welcoming! I got to help the kids with their school work and play with them.  After the school day we got to go on our first hike! It was really fun, and cool to see everything! Overall today was a great day!! –Kaitlyn

Today our group got to work at an elementary school and help out in different grades. I got to work in a kindergarten class, which was a lot of fun! I helped a few the students with their reading and then I got to help them with math. It was really fun to get to interact with all the kids and get to know them! After working at the school, we got to go on a hike. It was really fun to see everything, even though it was a bit challenging at times! Then I got to Walmart with Ryan and Sierra, which was pretty cool. I got to push around a cart full of bottled waters. We also got to watch a flute performance and dance. I thought it was really interesting to learn more about their culture and traditions! I had a great day!!  -Kendra 

Weekend #1

Hello from New Mexico! Today was a travel day. We left Salida, Colorado this morning at a7:30 am and headed for Rehoboth. The view from the van was much more scenic in Colorado than in Nebraska so that was great. The most challenging part of the trip so far has been being stuck in a van with the middle schoolers. If middle schoolers are the worst part of the trip, it should be a great trip.

Hannah (:

                So, today Our group left Colorado and headed towards the four corners for a nice lunch. The church van ended up having a few problems. As the elevation changed the car just started acting weird, I guess. Our van had a blast, though. We played a bunch of games and we actually talked instead of sitting on our phones. We talked about the miracles that happen every day. Nita was an amazing driver. Throughout all the mountains it was a series of sharp turns and steep slopes. A lot of prayers were said and it paid off. There weren’t any low lights, in my opinion. The four corners were cool. I talked to a Navajo man about what I should expect to see on the hikes and he talked a bit about his culture. It was pretty awesome to get that little snippet of the culture. Seeing the sign for Rehoboth was a relief and it finally became real that we’re going to be serving for a week. I’m very excited to see what God has in store for me, and the group as a whole, on this trip!

-Emily

                Today, we left Salda, Colorado; where the view was pretty amazing. We woke up to discover that we were surrounded by the moutains which we weren’t able to see last night due to the fact that it was dark outside. The was steep elevation, which caused the breaks to act up and had us worried for a while, but it resolved itself which we were all grateful for. I’m excited to see what this trip brings and how God works through all of us!

Madison