Here's a quick rundown on what has happened so far in our adventure:
1. The team has had several team meetings to prepare for this mission. We first met on Sept 16 for a parent orientation, and then again on Sept 23, Oct 28, and Nov 17 to build our team and prepare for our fundraising initiatives. During one of these training sessions, the students got their first Spanish lesson (very interesting to observe), and did more team building activities. I would have to say the most amazing part of our Oct 28 training day was when the students shared their life stories with each other. This is really where I saw the depth of these young people. As we listened to each other share our dreams, our hopes, and our struggles, we truly experienced a vulnerability and openness that took our team to the next level.
2. Our group fundraiser happened on Sunday, December 2. The students were part of a wonderful dessert auction. The students presented some amazing desserts that went to the top bidders. There was a great atmosphere, some student testimonies, and STARBUCKS® coffee! Each student was responsible for filling their table of 8.
Through this event we had hoped to raise enough money to cover the cost of building the house in Nicaragua - approximately $2000. YFC has another Project Serve team led by Kristin Clark, and they are off to Belize in February. We worked together with this team on the auction, and they were trying to raise $1500 for their building project.
God is so good! We ended up raising an astonishing total of $13,000 for the two mission teams!! We are so thankful for God’s faithfulness, and for the ability to use these funds to further our impact in Central America.
3. Our latest team meeting was on Jan 26, and it was a marathon 15 hour training day. We started early and went late. We wanted to experience a typical 'PROJECT SERVE' length of day, to get the team conditioned, and to see if we could spend that many consecutive hours together without going crazy! We spent the morning praying and having personal quiet time, ending with the viewing of The Passion of the Christ, and a very powerful foot washing ceremony. We are becoming more and more like a family, with a deep care and commitment to each other. I praise God for leading the team to this place. We served at a local church in the afternoon, and ended the day doing a lot of final trip preparations. It was a big day, but very significant for us as a team.
4. Our great adventure begins very soon. We leave next week Wednesday at 10:00pm from the Saskatoon airport. There will be a commissioning prayer time at 8:30pm, so please feel invited to be part of that. I hope you can make it and show your support.
5. Prayer requests for the team
- health and safety
- pray for the families of the team members as they prepare
- pray for continued wisdom for the trip directors
Thank you again for your support of the Project Serve Team. God Bless you richly. Stay tuned.
In Christ,
Corwin
Hola.
I hope you're all well.
I know that all of you guys are going to have... honestly... the best 12 days of your life. I know that you're all meant to be there. I can't stress that enough. Even when thoughts of doubt come to mind... I hope you all know that this is a piece of a beautiful messy picture God has planned.
I love you all.
_alex