Revolution Camp

As we sit in the hotel lobby waiting for the shuttle to pick us up, we ponder the week's adventures... We experienced what it was like to live in the same clothes for 2 days after the airline lost our luggage; We encountered many homeless people as we walked the streets of San Antonio; We heard stories of survival from all walks of life; We missed our family and friends back home, but at the same time met some amazing people; We ate traditional Texas meals and lots and lots of ice cream; And we were surrounded by entertainment just about everywhere we went... And in all of this, God was with us.

This morning's Church Service was quite an experience. Rev. Jay Gamelin was an amazing preacher and beautiful songs of praise rang throughout the dome. It was so awesome to be joined with thousands of others, from so many different places around the world, all there for the same purpose; to praise God. It was definitely an experience one could never forget.

The theme for this year "Cruzando: Journey with Jesus" taught us that no matter where you are in the world or what journey your life takes you on, Jesus is always with you. And as our week of Revolution Camp comes to and end, we will take all that we have learned with us and spread the word to others.... "Via con Dios: Go with God"!

In Christ,
Christy

pictures2

Pictures

Cailtin's Picture Picks

Saturday

This week has been so amazing. There are so many people, but today I met two people I knew from my high school orchestra. We've been to some enlightening sessions, but the one we went to this afternoon was my favorite. It was called 'Lord of the Screens' and it was about Christian allegories, theology and echos in film, with focus on the Matrix, Lord of the Rings, and Bruce Almighty. The man leading the conference was a college professor, and he really analyzed the films--not just the characters and situations (things that are easy to point out) but visual symbols, imagery, color and even 'strategically placed profanity' (from the Matrix, as in the character Trinity exclaiming 'Jesus, he's killing him' as Neo, the Christ figure, struggles against Smith, an agent of evil).

I enjoy San Antonio and spending time with the people in our youth group as much as the conferences. We made balsa wood planes and flew them off high stairs in the convention center. We played monkey in the middle in the pool with the beady bracelet I made in the interaction center. And we walked around the city together, looking at all of the new things.

I love you, Mom, Dad, Blackie and especially Tiger. We're doing wonderful here in Texas. See you soon.

Chris' Picture Picks

Pirates and Jesus

Today we started out with breakfast from a bakery in our hotel room and then since yesterday we bought tickets to see the new Pirates of the Carribean movie we ditched the morning session to chill out and then see our first BIG TEXAS movie. i really enjoyed all the special effects but the plot wasnt as impressive as we all had hoped. we enjoyed smoothies for lunch and then went to the convention center to experience more of the interaction center where me and Christi walked through the Children of war in Bosnia booth which really opened our eyes to how much we should appreciate and rejoice with our own freedom living in America. my favorite point of the day was when we heard from a man from Sudan who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Northern Sudan. he was held captive for 10 years and after 2 failed escapes he finally succeded in 1996. he moved to Egypt then to America where he was helped by the ELCA and now talks about his experiences and shows that slavery insnt something of the past but is still going on in many other countries today. overall it was a great day, but i cant wait to come home.
-Chris

Anthony's picture picks

Anthony with "San Antonio" or St. Anthony.


A band changed the words of YMCA to ELCA, IT WAS GREAT!

Needs New Breakfast

Last night was our second night in Texas. Chris wont share the bed, I wont share the sheets, Jeremy and Chris both snore like lumberjacks. Honestly, Jess I don't know how you sleep with him in the same room. Its are second time at Dennys this morning and its starting to not tast as great as before.
The highlight of my day was probly when we went to an activity where we learned about the war in Bosnia. At first their was this rapper dud who was a rappin and all of a suddon a whole bunch of counselor people came rushing in and told every one to be quite and put their heads down. They also gave us a little cenario where you had to pick out the muslums to be killed.
At the stadium we sang a couple of songs and then Donald Miller, a hillarios guy gave a speech using stories to show about God not giving you every thing. It was so funny!!!

-Anthony

JEREMY'S PICTURE PICKS

2ND DAY PICS CHOSEN BY ADRIENNE

SECOND DAY

We woke up this morning in our haunting and frightening room that reminded us very clearly of the shining. Our bags were still in LA and we were beginning to consider buying some cheap clothes to get us through the week. Luckily, after we had checked in and ventured through the convention center, our bags arrived.
Anyways, Texas is really nice and remotely cool , people are so friendly here. The service in the Alamo Dome was great too. There was music, crowds, speakers, and funny video skits.
And now we’re eating candy and chocolate in our air conditioned room just relaxing. By the way it’s extremely sad that Germany lost, but very joyous that France won. Mom, tape Kyle XY!

-Adrienne

Crises Averted

We just recieved our luggage, halleluja.

jeremy

LOST LUGGAGE AND THE ART KEEPING YOUR COOL

WE HAVE ARRIVED IN SAN ANTONIO safe and sound with a few glitches.

We arrived to LAX about 3 hours early and began the wait. We kept the time by playing cards, reading, and joking about everything that could go wrong on this trip. The flight to Texas was filled with turbulence and much sleep--we did leave at 5:30am. When we went the baggage claim area, we arrived to the sound of our names being called over the intercom--this can't be good, I thought. It wasn't. The airline "didn't put our luggage on the plane" according to the woman who helped us. As of 9:50, we have not received our luggage but we hope to get it soon.

When we checked in to the hotel, we were given the wrong amount to pay so our check was off by a considerable amount of money.......In the end everything will be good. The youth have great spirits and patience, and we have had a great time walking around San Antonio. The riverwalk is awesome. We register tomorrow and get to see the play room, it should be great. I will post pictures tomorrow.

In Christ,

Jeremy

VACATION

I will be on vacation from june 17 through 22. I will not be responding to e-mails or anything else....If you need something please feel free to call the Pastor.


Jeremy