Rene - Pre trip Journal

This year’s trip to St. John stirs up many emotions, from eager anticipation to sadness to excitement for new beginnings. Even with this being our seventh year to take the students on this trip, I think I ‘m just as excited as the first year. And even with several trips “under our belt” you just never can tell what’s going to happen. Things always stay interesting. I’m excited at the possibilities and opportunities that this trip holds—especially in working with the Parks and Recreation Department this year. For six year we have tried to partner/connect/whatever with the kids that go to the Rec center and get them plugged into the VBS at the church. Last year was finally the year that happened when they showed up for two days of VBS. And boy was it crazy exciting!! This year we have the opportunity to go to them. At first we were a little bummed, but I think this is a great example of literally taking the gospel to the people—meeting them where they are. We can try and try to get those kids through the gates of the church, but ultimately God is giving us an opportunity to meet them where they are. We have no idea what we will be doing while at the Rec Center, but we do know we have the great opportunity to take the love of Jesus there. We are willing and God is able. I’m excited to see what happens!