Chicago Mission Trip

Last week, Nik was on a mission trip to Chicago with the youth from our church. I thought you might enjoy some pics and a quick long recap of his trip!

Our group, early Saturday morning before departure

Nik and Brent (youth pastor from Georgetown) worked for a full year planning this mission trip. There were many meetings over some good BBQ off of I-35. Lots of late night conference calls. Numerous emails and too many texts to count. But it all came together....!

4 churches

9 adult sponsors

42 teens

All serving 1 GOD in the south side of Chicago Illinois

They church where they stayed at

The boys sleeping quarters - 

next to the pulpit and baptistry! 

The group divided into 4 work teams, serving at: Christian Life Ministries, Keith's Urban Youth Outreach, and The Christ Way Baptist Church.

Nik's Work Team

Between all the teams, they worked in the following areas:

* Construction

Laying floors

2 teens designed and painted the following

on one of their buildings

* VBS-style Daycare

Crafts

Group shot with some of the kids

Kids playing in the fire hydrant

Nik and Demarko

Water balloon fight

Nik and Dadjae

* Passing out flyers for Basketball camp

Basketball

The other VBS work group

* Picking up trash in neighborhoods

Serving Breakfast at Homeless Shelter

Cooking and then serving the meal

* Running Community Garage sale to benefit organization and community

* Working in Food pantry

Alan - the wonderful sponsor that went with Nik

Pastor and Wife of the Ministry where Nik worked

After all their hard work, they did have a chance to see Chicago and have a little fun!

They hung out Wednesday evening at the Navy Pier

Friday, they had a free day!

 Experiencing Chicago's "Bean"

Fun in the Subway

The Aquarium

Sight-seeing

Friday Lunch at Ed Debevics

Friday dinner at Geno's

They all had such a wonderful trip! I know they made a difference in the areas that they served and I know the teens eyes were open to the world around them and hearts were changed!

Mission Accomplished!

On the way back home - they enjoyed some Lamberts (home of the thrower rolls). 

A personal favorite of ours!

Jeremy, Turkee, Megan and Brent - other sponsors

And Nik brought home some goodies for Jaxen and I!
A 'suspender' onsie for Jax, a shirt for me and some honey

A mickey outfit for Jax

We sure are glad to have Nik (daddy) home!