Today we will be arriving back in Libertyville, and it is hard to believe that such an amazing trip will soon be over. We have had a great time and met so many wonderful people. Many of our residents were an inspiring example of true hospitality, giving daily hugs and words of affirmation to the crews. Most of the residents also demonstrated their appreciation through food; kids in our group were fed tacos, spaghetti, collard greens, hamburgers, hot dogs, Krispy Kreme donuts, and many other culinary delights while they worked at their sites. There was even one man, who although his own house wasn't being worked on, was so profoundly moved that he decided to buys sodas for everyone... all 350 of us. It is no surprise then that some of our adults have said that the citizens of Rocky Mount were the friendliest they have ever encountered.

But beyond their hospitality and generosity, the people of Rocky Mount have blessed us in other ways as well. Our youth heard stories of true forgiveness, saw people with prosthetic legs dance for joy, and witnessed both contentment and hope despite hard circumstances. I think I speak for everyone when I say that no words, no pictures can adequately portray how meaningful this trip was.

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Hello everyone! Before we get ahead of ourselves, we would like to thank all of the adult leaders that helped make this trip run flawlessly. We would also like to congratulate Millason on her first mission trip with us. We had an incredible experience, and we hope that she did too.

We met so many amazing people from 9 states who all came together in Rocky Mount, NC to rebuild 44 houses. Even though we only spent five days together and will most likely never see the others again, the bond we walked away with will last a lifetime. Not only did we create lasting friendships with new people, but we strengthened bonds of friendship between people in our youth group.

Our theme for the week was "Connect," and we definitely felt more connected to our faith in God through all of our worship and devotions each day. We also learned a lot about ourselves through helping the amazing community of Rocky Mount. Our residents became a part of our journey, not only by opening their homes to us, but also by participating in our devotions. It's been an incredibly humbling experience for all of us, and we will remember this week for the rest of our lives!

By Kevin, Taylor, Annie, Justin, Erin, and Hannah

Here is the 2011 Care Card video created by Group Workcamps.  Everyone loved it:

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This week has gone by so quickly! I'm really sad it is coming to an end, especially since this is my last mission trip. Looking back, I have really enjoyed camp this year.

I think the theme "Connect" was good to center the week around because it summed up everything this week was about. We are all here to connect to our youth group, crews, residents, and most importantly, God. The programs each night have effectively addressed the connections we should be making, and what it really means to connect with God. In order to really connect with Him, we have to be willing to sacrifice ourselves. This is probably the most important thing I have learned this week.

Dinner on the road

On Wednesday, with everyone feeling the fatigue of two day's work, we got the opportunity to relax, recover, and reconnect with the youth group to prepare ourselves for the rest of the week. Thus far, the residents we are serving have been very appreciative of our efforts and, as we have learned about them through our devotional times, their faith has been inspiring. We've had to grapple with various setbacks at our worksites, but one constant for all has been the intense heat.

Our afternoon of fun allowed an escape from the heat when we went to the local splash park which was full of toy fountains. Some of us played sports, others rode carnival rides, and almost all enjoyed the water (although we had to compete for turf with the neighborhood kids who played rough).

After the water park, we had a nice dinner and got back just in time for the evening program, which can best be described as "interesting." The staff left the campers in the auditorium with an implicit command to "Remain." What followed was a test of our patience's limit. People began singing after a long time of waiting, but eventually we all left. We had youth group devotions, the seniors planned their service, and we got sent off the bed by the Red Shirts. Collin and Mitch are writing this blog. Eric is asleep, as we will be soon. Goodnight from Rocky Mount!

From Jamie:

Remain near the cross.

Our kids are awesome leaders.

I am proud of them.

Digging, painting, working.

Mission trip with SHF.

Lots of energy.

This week, our theme is Connect, and we have been focusing on John 15:5. Today we talked about the phase, "You are the branches." As Christians, it is our job to reach out and spread God's love, while finding our strength in Him (the vine). This message definitely holds true as we work at the residents' homes.

I have really enjoyed getting to know my resident, Flossie. She is so grateful for our help, and every day she answers the door with a smile on her face. Even though my crew and I are working to improve her living conditions, I feel as if I an benefitting from our services just as much. It is so gratifying to see how our small efforts make a big impact. My crew is painting most of the interior of Flossie's house after it was damaged by water in a 2003 hurricane.

In our evening worship, we sing songs, show off some dance moves, and listen to our speaker, Austin. Today we talked about the labels we give ourselves and at peers, and how God loves us all as His children. We made nametags with symbols describing our own labels and then threw them away near a cross on stage, symbolizing letting go of stereotyped and reputations. In our youth group meeting afterwards, we were blessed as children of God by our leaders. We also met in small groups to discuss the message.

Our dorms are air conditioned (yay!), and I have had no trouble sleeping because I am so tired! The girls are competing in a door decorating contest (which Ellen, Laura, Stephanie, and I will win:) ) We also possibly could be returning from a new youth group puppy adopted from Grace's worksite! We are still working in persuading Millason and the bus driver :) The Red Shirts just read us a good night poem so we are off to bed! Good night!

So far the trip has been amazing! The trip here was easy, and North Carolina barbecue is great. The campus we are staying at is beautiful, and the dorm rooms are more comfortable than classroom floors. My crew is great, and we work well together. We've already had a bunch of laughs and bonded already.

We are still on our way to Rocky Mount, NC. We should arrive at 2:00 pm today! So far, we've toured the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Dixie Caverns, stayed at two different churches, and eaten North Carolina style barbecue, hushpuppies, and grits.

One of our adult chaperones, Jamie, has been writing Haikus along the way. Here are a couple:

Riding on a bus

On the way to Rocky Mount

Not enough rest stops.

Stamey's barbecue

Really good vinegar sauce

Thank you, Millason.

Keep checking this webpage during July 22nd-31st to read daily blogs from all of our youth as they travel to Rocky Mount, NC for their 2011 Mission Trip!  Then, after the Mission Trip is over, continue to visit this blog for all their information you need regarding the various youth programs at First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville.