One year ago . . . .

I can not believe that it has been one year since my Take Flight team left for Uruguay. What an experience that was? For those of you who don't know what this was, let me explain it to you. The highschool that I attended all those years ago has this program called "Take Flight". It is a discipleship training program for graduated students. It is basically a chance for these students to grow as leaders in the church and in the community. This past year, the programming team asked me if I would like to help lead the trip and I just couldn't turn down such a great chance to help these students grow and mature in their relationship with God.

Not only did I grow as a leader, but seeing the change in the students was such an encouragement to me. Remembering back in November when I first met the team, to remembering back when we said our final prayer in March, I can not believe the transformations I saw. Not only in the team but in myself. Myself, along with my good friend Jon Nauta led the team. Suzanne Klassen helped co-lead the team and then we had 9 students. Rory Schafer, Steve Postma, Jeff Komadoski, Craig Falk, Ben Ellens, Ben Janzen, Kara Gossen and Kate Riediger. They have all been such a blessing in my life.

Oh remembering the times. All the kissing (it is the culture to always greet one another with a kiss on the cheek). The interesing food we got to try and enjoy for the most part. The "crazy" kids who liked to attack some of the members of the team. Rory getting chased with grass and yelling in spanish "No more". The door to door experiences were so challenging yet so very
rewarding. The culture is so giving and welcoming.

The second week we got a chance to do more hands on work at a local church. We helped clean up the yard and do some painting and cementing. We did some more door to door evangelism. In the evenings, the kids in the area would come and sing some songs and play some games. That week was my birthday and the church we worked with made us some cakes to celebrate. I was so blessed by their generosity. They sang Happy Birthday to me like 3 times.

The last week before debrief, we got to work in a church with Alejandro. What an amazing man. The youth group was so great there. They have such a great ministry going on there. Again, we got to do more door to door. One of our translators got bit by a dog so that was pretty scary. She was very good about it. I would of completely freaked out.

I just wanted to thank the Take Flight team for being such a joy in my life. I have enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you. I have such amazing memories from our times together.

Please pray for the new Take Flight team leaving for Uruguay tomorrow. I pray for their safe travels and pray that they really touch the lives over there. I pray for the leaders, Brian Garden and Annelise Buma. Good luck guys!