Philly through a leader's eyes.....Blair

Friday - Blair's Story Today started early- actually it was the earliest morning we've had this week! Getting up early was well worth it as we were heading to Philabundence. I'd been looking forward to this site all week though I'm not sure why. I didn't know much about it but from what I'd heard it sounded similar to 2nd Harvest and Northwest Harvest- two organizations close to my heart. We arrived at the warehouse and got our volunteer orientation, along with 50 PWC accountant interns. We weren't intimidated by their numbers- we knew we were small but fierce workers. Most of us went into the "arctic tundra" and a couple stayed behind to make cards to accompany food boxes given to seniors. In the cold room we sorted chocolate milk cartons and tortias. With shocking speed and accuracy we sorted and packed 5,000 lbs of milk and 1,500 lbs of tortias, all while serenading PWC with our HFK rendition of "Don't Stop Beliving." It was an amazing experience to see the sheer volume of food and know that it will feed hundreds if not thousands of needy men, women, and children. From Philabundence we had some time to fill before our next mission site. We went into historic downtown Philadelphia and saw some sights and went to Indelendance Hall. The highlight was the $5 print your own t-shirt shop- we kept them busy for a while! We then traveled to The Chosen 300, a program the provides access to Christian faith and a hot dinner to all in need. We were there with two other church groups and heard some great gospel music and an inspirational talk. We served a delicious meal to over 200 hungry people. The people we served came in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You would be surprised by some of the patrons we've seen at all of our sites. You never know someones story until you ask. From the last site we headed out to a late dinner of Puerto Rican food that was amazingly good and just what our hungry tummies needed. We then went to the wispering wall for our final debrief. I couldn't believe our week was over. It seemed to go by so fast- we still had so much love and service to share. We talked about ways we can continue our service at home in Seattle- and vowed to keep each other accountable and make sure we follow through with these plans. Looking back on the week, I am sad to see it end. It was such a blessing to get to know each of the trekkers even better and to watch them grow in faith and love for each other and the people we served. I am thankful for the opportunity and hope to be able to serve on another mission trip in the future. God Bless, Blair

Philly through a trekker's eyes....Sarah

Thursday - Sarah's Story Today we dived into another day of service. However at our first mission site, we didn't have to be there til later so we got to spend the morning exploring Chinatown. The first site was St. John Hospice, which is actually a soup kitchen, not a Hospice; confusing I know. This was the first mission site we served at that was a Catholic program, so we got a little slice of home from it. We ate lunch with the men who volunteer and live there, and then we served roughly 300 men lunch who are homeless or just needing supplemental food in order to get by. After serving lunch, we took off for our last day at the daycare. We spent a few hours playing with the kids and said our goodbyes to our new friends. It was hard to leave the children who we had grown to love over the last few days, but we know that they are in good hands. I hope that we were able to touch their lives as much as they touched ours. One moment that especially touched me today was spending time with a little girl named Jordae. Over the course of the week we spent with them Jordae had had a lot of behavioral problems. She picked fights with the other kids over petty things, and often was reduced to tears multiple times a day out of anger and/or frustration. Today I was able to devote a substantial amount of time to her and giving her attention and i noticed a radical change in her behavior. She transformed from an aggressive bully to the kind, sweet little girl that she is. I realized that perhaps all of her outbursts had simply been a cry for a little attention and love, and when she was finally able to receive that, she flourished. Today, although we had to say goodbye, I was able to be proud of the fact that I had gotten to know a less aggressive side of this girl and really connect with many of the children. I will never forget these little blessings and I pray that they will grow up to be successful people who make a positive contribution to their community.

Philly through a trekker's eyes....Sonia

Wednesday - Sonia's Story Wednesday was a great day. In the morning we worked at Manna, packaging meals for people with diseases like AIDS and cancer. In the afternoon we helped at the day care by chaperoning the kids while we all skated. We spent the evening touring the St. Francis Inn where Katie Ross, from HFK, is volunteering. Packaging meals at Manna was as intense as playing a video game. It was also a very rewarding experience because we got to see all the meals that we had prepared (there were many). Skating in the afternoon was a refreshing change from the ordinary and we had just as much fun as the kids. It was especially nice helping out the ones that obviously had no experience skating. Touring St. Francis Inn with Katie, I was immensely inspired by the effort that was being put into helping the Kenzington neighborhood. I was deeply touched by how close the team and the guests were described to be and I would love to go back and help there if I get the chance. Wednesday was the day when I really got into my work emotionally and I got the strong feeling that I want to on more missions in the future.

Getting our hands dirty in Camden

Our journeys today took us across the Ben Franklin bridge and into the 5th poorest neighborhood in the Country - Camden, NJ. We spent the morning working in a community garden there before heading back to our summer camp placement for the afternoon, and then out to a delicious African dinner! Tonight, instead of hearing my viewpoint on the day I want to bring you the thoughts and reflections of our amazing teen Trekkers as they look back over the past few days. Enjoy! Erin - "this has been a really fun few days so far. I have loved being able to hang out with all the people at the different missions and camps, as well as getting to know everyone in the group better. It has been amazing and special. I feel so blessed." " what chair?"...kinda had to be there... Matt - "Meeting the men at the Whosoever Thrift Storer was one of the highlights of my wek so far. Meeting a man named Mercy was something that particularly stood out. He had been addicted for 18 years and clean for about 5 now. He talked about how important a daily relationship with God is and how he needs to be in the driver's seat constantly. It was a special conversation that made me reflect on all my relationships and especially mine with God." Lauren - "When I first came to the city I was so intimidated by the gigantic city and by how much need was here. Now that I look back it's amazing how much we have done already. I understand that there is so much more to do, but helping at the kids camp, garden, and thrift store, I understand how little things can add up and make a big difference. I think learning about the men's lives at the thrift store was so shocking. I think it is amazing that the men would bring themselves to the store and stay in the program. It would be very difficult. But the most shocking was definitely the prayer tour. Traveling around the city, learning about the real Philly compared to the tourist Philly and made me think about Seattle. I love Philly and can't wait to help more!" Rebecca - "To see all those little kids laughing makes me smile. Even though they take my whole energy every day, I love going to the summer camp and hanging out with them for a couple of hours! I played basketball with a 6 year old boy and he taught me all his methods. I am sure that guy will become a famous basketball player! I am just so surprised by all of them. Each of them has a story to tell." Sonia - "'Are you sad or are you mad?", the kid asked me. I was completely surprised; I had been brooding and didn't realize how obvious it was that something was wrong. 'Oh no, I'm just tired.' I replied. Was that the truth? I've been wondering ever since. Wow, these kids are sharp." Parker - The Bridge They built a Babel Bridge To prove industrial might Upon, atop the earth so high And opened up to pristine skies They saw that it was good While glorious bright, It stood at noon The bridge that cast a shadow's gloom The dark side of a looking glass. I saw an underworld Beneath the oppressing form All talking was hushed And no other chatter discussed By the tenants of this shadowy blot A present, cold, damp musk Lonely and dark after dusk. Pale, urine stains on walls Here under tower's hallowed stalls I feel the sadness Of their gloomy faces And sense that anger Of desperate aces. I hear crashing thunder From the trains atop passing by Sole silence interruption The world's reminding cry. Cannot see the stars Beneath the bridge Under and above Nature and grace A subterranean shell, Opressed lonely place. Sarah - "Our trip so far has beefull of fun, excitement, and lots of hard work. Our first morning was spent working at a mission which rehabilitated men and operated a thrift store. There we sorted clothes to be sent to third world countries because they had been blessed with more donations than they could handle. After we sorted the clothes, we ate lunch with the men and got to learn a little about what brought the men to the mission. Afterwards, we went to work at a daycare with little kids. They were SO CUTE! A lot of the things they did were totally different from how young kids in Seattle act. They had cute' sassy little attitudes, but sometimes it would get them into trouble. The little girls played musical chairs and kept trying to cheat. They definitely ticketed us out though so we all slept pretty well last night. This morning with a little help from the coffee machine to wake-up, we took off to work at a community garden. We spent the morning weeding and then took off for the daycare again. Today we played outside fir a while and then played BINGO with them. It was a lot of fun and a LOT of chaos. I am starting to learn some of the kids names which is awesome too! Overall, it's been a lot of hard work, but the fruits of our labor have been so evident. I can't wait to see what is in store fir us these next few days! Anna - "My experience here the past few days has given me a more realistic perspective on how lucky I really am. The first day we got here, we went on a prayer tour of the city that night. We toured the projects and the rougher side of town. It was a culture shock and I didn't know how to process what I was seeing. I was scared because I had never been exposed to that kind of poverty before. I am truly blessed to live in the place I do with a safe community and a loving family. I only wish we could all live that way." Tennessee-Taylor - "Philadelphia ain't ready for us!!!! Coming to Philadelphia I had no idea what to expect, because to be honest I never really thought about poverty being in the U.S. Since we've been here, it's been a huge culture shock. I've seen poverty around the world up close and personal, but never this close to home and never to this extreme, like so widely spread. I am excited that we are here and hope that we make a difference in some if these people's lives. I hope that when we go back home, that we remember all of this and carry it in our hearts. I have hope for the upcoming generation, and will continue to keep them in my prayers." Prayer requests: Amanda's daughter turns 8 tomorrow! Keep her in your prayers, please! And for the city of Camden, that it can experience healing an renewal. With love, The 2012 Mission Trekkers!

Charity, children, and cheese steaks!

Our first day here was amazing! After beginning our day together in prayer over today's Gospal reading (Matthew 7:1-5), our hearts were prepared for our first day of mission work! We spent the morning at Whosoever Gospel Mission, and affiliate of Union Gospel Mission in Seattle, it turns out! This amazing program houses up to 40 men at a time and provides a comprehensive homelessness recovery program that includes job training, addiction counseling, resume writing, prayer and spirituality, and an amazing support network of employees, volunteers, and former residents. 1/3 of the annual 1.2 million dollar opertating expenses is raised through their two thrift stores, which process 6-8 tons of clothing donations every week! Our opportunity today was to help "power bale" this massive collection of donations for sale in the thrift store or donation overseas ( excess donations are sent to developing countries). We began our day outside in the mild summer weather, until a sudden downpour (for which everyone blamed the people from Seattle...) chased us inside to finish the task! The mountain of clothes to sort through was seriously staggering - at least 8 ft high and 15-20 ft wide and deep. We are proud to say that's we made a serious dent before getting to join the residents and graduates for a delicious lunch of Caribbean Rice. During lunch, we all sat with the men the Mission serves and got a chance to hear their stories of addiction, homelessness, and hope. Each of us heard different experiences, and each of us had our hearts touched in some special way. It was truly a blessing to be there. After lunch (and a few wrong turns) we made our way to our afternoon placement - the Harold O. Day Church summer camp, which serves low income families with low cost summer camp while parents are working. We got to play, talk with, make crafts, and generally have fun with the 20 or so kids, ages 3-14, that the camp serves...and Parker, Lauren and Sophia got to see first hand how hard it can be to lead a group activity as they lead the organized game time today! They did a great job of rolling with the punches and creating an afternoon that met all the kids needs! I was very impressed!! Needless to say, we all instantly fell in love with these beautiful children and are so excited to get to see them every day this week...even if one little girl DID say that she thought I was 52 years old because I have gray hair! Haha! Once camp wrapped up, we went to South Street, an eclectic part of the city that reminded me of College Ave in Berkeley, CA., and ate dinner at Jim's, a famous cheese steak shop! It was delicious!! So delicious that Josef ate TWO!! After spending a bit of time exploring that street, and discovering the amazingness that is frozen custard (ok, so maybe this was just Amanda...), our next destination was the waterfront to a pier with a beautiful view of the Camden, NJ, waterfront to debrief the day. The Trekkers all shared what had touched their hearts as they reflected on our first day, and spoke of the power of the conversations they had and hope they experienced at the Gospel Mission,as well as the mix of joy and heartbreak for the children we serve at the camp. All in all, we could not have asked for a better start to this week. God is present and moving among us, in our hearts, in our work, and in this city. Please continue to cover us in prayers as we continue this journey, ever anxious to be the instruments of God's love to the people we encounter. Specific prayer request: One of the men we met today, Tony, has a job interview tomorrow - he has been looking for work for quite some time now. Please lift him up as he prepares for that and ask God to make his heart ready to receive whatever plan He has for him. With so much love for the City of Brotherly Love! The 2012 Mission Trekkers

And we are off!

Due to technical difficulties at the housing site, I am not able to post from there - but will get to a location I can post from as often as possible! :) however, I currently cannot get the photos to upload, :( At 11:59pm Pacific time, the 2012 Mission Trekkers took off from SeaTac headed for Philadelphia! We are so excited to have started this incredible adventure! After a long, and for some, sleepless, flight to Philadelphia, via Houston, we arrived in the City of Brotherly Love at about 11:30am Eastern time. After a slight confusion about our rental vans...I had made a reservation, they did not have it...but in the end we got our vans...we headed off to find lunch at reading Terminal Market, a small version of Pike Place. Once our bellies were filled, we walked down to Independence Hall and got to learn about and see the Liberty Bell before heading to our housing site for the week and meeting our city guide, Brittany (not Spears...). We settled into our new home, had a brief orientation, and then went out to our first ethnic dinner - incredibly delicious Indian food at a local restaraunt. We all ate too much, but were pretty happy about it! Next on the agenda was a powerful prayer tour of the city, in which we traveled from the heart of downtown Philly into the most broken and impoverished neighborhoods, learning about the problems and challenges facing the people of Phily, and lifting them up at each step as we offered a decade of the Rosary at each stop. The night ended at a park overlooking the city as we shared what had impacted us most on the tour. From learning that the average age of the homeless in Philly is just 9 years old, to seeing the physical effects of poverty in the buildings we passed and prayed in front of, we all had our eyes opened and hearts broken for this both beautiful and hurting community. The depth of pain, heartbreak, and despair was literally palpable in some areas, but so was the hope and love that radiated from the voices of missionaries and ministers working in the neighborhoods that we listened to as we drove. In the end, we were all touched and moved by this incredible place, and eager to dive in and see what God has in store for us. Exhausted, but excited, we crashed on our air mattresses to get a good nights sleep before beginning our work tomorrow!

Heading to the City of Brotherly Love

On Saturday, June 23rd, 12 teens and adults from Holy Family Kirkland will fly to Philadelphia for a week of urban mission work! While there, we will post pictures from our travels, reflections on the people and things that touch us, stories of how God is working in our lives and shaping our journey, and prayer requests from the mission trekkers!

We invite you to check back here often to follow us as we strive to be the face of Christ to those we are privileged to serve in the incredible city of Philadelphia!!