15 point turns and dirt road adventures.

Hola, have you missed us? Well if you have, we're back and safe. We had a great time in El Salvador. We started off by driving to San Martin and went to the Romero museum. We learned a lot about the massacre that happened at the University there. After this we drove to the finca. The finca is a small farm/acerage where they are making houses for people who have no land to their name. We spent the night there and in the morning drove to San Martin again, where we went to La Lenia where the people who are being moved live. This is an area of poverty. Here we set out to build four chicken coops but we were unable to do this because the supplies were on El Salvadorian time. This means that they were late. What we did instead is we went around finding out the "other side to the story." We talked to many local families and found out thier stories. After this the group met with a group of local youth who had the initiative to raise chickens and give them to the poorest of the families in La Lenia. After this we drove to Perquin where we had an amazing welcome of music. We spent the night there and in the morning we went to Catholic mass where we witnessed an El Salvadorian Wedding. After a bit of down time we went to the site of the El Mozote Massacre. At this site there were thousands of people, men, women and children (the youngest being 2 days old), were killed. We then went back to the hotel where Eric, Tyler, Meghan, Kayla and Jake played in the heavy rain. We woke uop early the next morning to go to school. The only difference wass that we went to a preschool where we help out controlling the HYPER! children. During the afternoon we painted the school. That evening we drove back to San Martin and spent the night at the finca. However it did take us a little while to get to the finca this time as we got lost. The first attempt we ended up on a steep sand road that Raoul amazingly turned around on. The second attempt we ended up 400 yards from the finca but we told Raoul to turn around. The third attempt we ended up in the narrow road to a VERY charismatic church and again Raoul had to turn around. We finally got directions and ended up at the finca where wew all didn't sleep due to that rooster. The next morning we drove back to La Semilla where we are now. We got some down time to do laundry and play dutch blitz. We also met and RJC Alumnis, Bruce   Gunther. Tomorrow we head of to Santiago Atitlan where we will be staying with local families and we will be doing some work around there. We will be missing for another two days. We will talk to you when we get back to La Semilla. Adios.

Nathan Hebert (with spelling and grammar help from Larry.)

First Day in Calgary: Inn from the Cold and CUPS!

Our first full day in Calgary began at 7:00 in order to leave from Foothills by 8:00 to catch the C-Train to head downtown. Fortunately, the weather reminded us of home, as it had snowed overnight, and it was a little bit chilly outside. We were warned that this would only be the first bit of a long day of walking. We walked across the University campus and all made it safely to the train.

We walked around downtown Calgary and met Kim Thiessen at Inn from the Cold, which is a non-profit organization that helps families that need help and a place to stay. After a bit of orientation, we were put to work cleaning the dining room and the kid's room. The kid's room is a room where families can take their kids to have a safe place to play. We sanitized the toys, mopped the floors, and put together two play areas that had been recently donated. We were then toured around the facility, and learned that currently Inn from the Cold has twenty cubicles with bunk beds and a dresser, and each night, a cubicle can house anywhere from a parent and a child to both parents and four kids. 

After the tour, we found a place inside (away from the wind) to eat our lunch. We took refuge in a three story mall, which felt and looked a bit different from the places that we had already visited. 

After we had our lunch, we visited CUPS, which is an organization that deals with three main concepts: health, education and housing. We sat through a presentation in a very warm boardroom, (But hey! At least there were snacks!) and then got a tour of the facility. Unfortunately we weren't able to physically help with anything there, but we learned a lot about the organization. They operate a medical clinic, which you don't need a health card to go to, classes for parents with children, and (surprisingly, to me) a large amount of other services. 

We then made our way through downtown Calgary to catch the train to go back to the church. We got off at a different station than we got on at, way back in the morning, and got to walk back via a different route. Currently, we are preparing to eat supper and stay up with a Night on the Streets.

The three pictures are of our group cleaning at Inn from the Cold, touring CUPS, and waiting for the C-train in Downtown Calgary.

More to come!

-Benjamin Schulz

Also Alabama - Pass Christian to Camp Christian

  Today was an early morning seeing as many of us were told several times last night that it was "Lights out!" We woke up to a delectable breakfast prepared by the cooks, Joan, Jenn, Diane and Bev. We started off doing something a little different. We went to the Habitat Restore and did some landscaping, such as pulling weeds, trimming trees and riding on the back of the truck with Wally F. We were able to finish our work pretty quickly so that we could be off to the beach.

  We rolled up to the ocean in our totally tubular bus. Wally past us in his sweet beemer.  Ready to just party it up on the beach we came prepared and wore sunscreen but… we're rocking the burn lines. Even though lots of us are burnt, we managed to enjoy the salty water. Splish splash we was having a blast! We tried to hang 10… some of us crashed with the waves. The lovely cooks brought us a delectable snack of rice crispy squares and flavoured water. At 4:30 we packed up and headed back to camp.

  We got back and the cooks had made us some delectable tacos. We chowed down and sprinted to the showers trying to cool down from the heat of the sun. Now the crazy chaperones are riding us again like rented mules so hang loose brah, catch you later.

                                Brought to you by Mieke and Ashley.

We began our Also week in Alabama by working at the Habitat Restore for the morning.

 We finished our work at the Restore early enough for us to enjoy an afternoon at the ocean.  We travelled about an hour outside of our camp to the Gulf Shore.

Catching a little sun ! (Too much sun!!)

The classic beach shot.

Not to be outdone, the girls give it a shot . . . must admit they caught on to one, two, three . . . jump a little quicker..

Ashley and Gabby enjoying the ocean and the white sand.

  Kathleen and Jenae just strolling down the beach with the sun on their faces and cooling breeze blowing through their hair.

Touch football in the sand.

Also Alabama

Taking advantage of the warm evenings at Camp Christian.  Cheyenne and Ryan W. at the net.

Ralph, John, Lloyd and Wally F. sharing a few fish stories.

ALSO Calgary Arrived Safely

The ALSO Calgary group left Rosthern this morning at 9:00, leaving behind freshly fallen snow to go to sunny Calgary, because the grass is always greener on the other side.

We had a long seven-hour van ride, with quite a few stops: Anywhere between too many and not enough. We arrived at Foothills Mennonite  Church at about 6:00 pm, and after supper we had orientation sessions with Megan Enns, Kim Thiessen and Futi(sp?), an International Volunteer Exchange Program participant from South Africa.

We are currently having nightlunch and preparing for a big day tomorrow. Don't be afraid, pictures are coming! It's just that nothing too interesting has happened... yet...

-Benjamin Schulz

ALSO Saskatoon: Exploring Issues Close to Home

Monday April 29, 2013

ALSO Saskatoon students participated in MCC's CHALO! programming today and explored some social issues affecting the Saskatoon area.  This was to provide a context for their volunteer experiences over the next three days.   The day began with a snowy trip to the MCC Centre in Saskatoon where the MCC staff lead some exercises that helped students understand the damaging effects of stereotypes and 'single stories' when we think about people that are different than us.

 -The MCC Staffers: Becca, Myriam, and Kaytee did a great job!-

After these workshops we were introduced to two speakers (and former gang members) from the STR8-UP rehabilitation program in Saskatoon, the only of its kind in the city.  They shared some heart-felt stories about their past and how and why they got involved in gang life.  These stories put a personal face on some of the issues that face many young people in the province, and reminded us that addictions and crime affect us all so we must all be part of the solution.

 -STR8-UP leader Stan along with Dave and Shane-

Following a quick lunch we traveled downtown and completed a 'race for survival' simulation game where different students assumed the role of different people and had to complete some tasks within their role.  This helped us see how life can be much different when viewed from a different point of view, and how cold it can be to be 'on the street'.

  -Dria, Nicole, and Terry complete their 'Race for Survival'-

After journaling at the MCC Centre and some discussion about the afternoon activity we returned home to RJC.  Tomorrow we will begin our service assignments at Habitat for Humanity, Farm-in-the-Dell, and Saskatoon community schools.      

Also Alabama- New Orleans to Pass Christian

Greetings my friends,

            We awoke this morning with an air of expectancy: we were visiting the fabled Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church! Upon awakening, we breathed in the essence of musk and saw the gleaming vacancy sign of the Knights Inn shining bright in our eyes. We prepared ourselves for a day packed with excitement.

            We arrived at the church while Sunday School had half an hour left. While the kids were being educated about God's word, we joined the adult session. Already, we saw signs of the most invigorating and entertaining service we'd ever been a part of.  The charisma that these adults were displaying already was more than I had seen in any Mennonite churches I had ever been in combined.  The congregation and the speakers were very communicative and intimate, with members joining in whenever they felt the urge. The passion that was displayed by our new friends was uplifting and invigorating. Amen! The relatively small choir of about 12 people shook the building. Goosebumps covered many arms as Marvin Gaye's doppelganger led the choir, as well as the drummer and bass player. We sang three of our own pieces, and the reaction was far more vocally enthusiastic than what we are used to in our Mennonite churches. "SING IT! SING IT!" was heard all throughout our pieces.

            Reverend Harry Toussaint started soft and over the next hour and a bit worked his way up to his bold conclusion--"God is greater than all circumstances." The Reverend had energetic earnestness flowing from his mouth and body. His speech eventually gave way to an improvised chant/song, in which the pianist and drummer soon entered in. As the words of God flowed out like a rushing river, it was as if we were being splashed by the Lord's will.  It was obvious that everyone in the building was a believer. The congregation, as well as the Reverend, were engaged as though they were hearing the most fascinating story ever told. If anyone is able to fall asleep, they must be straight trippin'. A service like that--that's what the edge of your seat is made for!  Can I get a witness? HALLELUJAH!!!

            Our brothers and sisters were kind enough--gracious enough--to supply us with a homemade southern home-style meal, including fried chicken and collard greens. Never had so many "amen!"s been exclaimed after the doxology. A Canadian-style gift of maple syrup and Saskatoon berry jam was presented to RJC's longtime friend Billy Morgan.

            We were treated to an afternoon swamp tour, which made biology incredibly interesting. We were treated to alligator, wild boar and blue heron sightings, among others. Currently, we're at Camp Christian. We begin our brief stint with Habitat for Humanity in the morning, and we're very excited to keep on keepin' on. CAN I GET A WITNESS?! UHH!!

With Love,

Travis Hebert and Nick Hawrishok

A warm southern welcome from our friends at Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church

The 'Choir'

Worship through singing like we had never heard before.

Karalee and Billy Morgan 

RJC choir with one of their three numbers.

Reverend  Harry Toussaint with his message!

Good ole southern fried chicken, collard greens and beans.

Billy as ever was a gracious host.

Swamp land

A gator came to say hello!

As well as Bacon and two Ham sandwiches!  Just a family of feral hogs.

We have done and seen lots.  Time to begin our journalling .  We look forward to beginning our work with Habitat tomorrow.

The two authors of todays blog hard at work.

ALSO Alabama - Memphis to New Orleans

Saturday

We had an early morning on the bus

We are all excited, everyone of us

We left the Mississippi rain

For the Louisiana terrain

On the way we saw alligators swim so fast

The French Quarter was a blast

From buskers, to dancers, to street artists, to jazz

Anything you want New Orleans has

Alligator, shrimp, oysters, and crawfish

These delicacies were dee-lish dee-lish

Tomorrow off to church we roll

We are gonna sing with soul

Now our day has come to an end

To you all our love we send

The end

Crystal, Jaye and Gabby

Typical Louisiana countryside from the bus window

Fishing on Lake Pontchartrain.  We crossed the lake by driving over a 38 mile bridge.

Above ground cemetery. Water table is so high that burials are above ground.

Typical architecture in the French Quarter

Shopping at the street vendors in the French Quarter

One of the many street performers.

Listening to the buskers on the streets in New Orleans

Street corner bands 

Sampling alligator and crawfish! 

Some of the local products to tempt your pocketbook.

Crystal sucking back an Oyster in the market.

Care for a bite of crawfish?

Preparing for Goodwill Missionary Baptist church tomorrow morning.   Choir practice under the trees.

ALSO Alabama - Rosthern to Memphis

These past few days have been a bit cramped. "One thing they don't tell you before you get on the bus is that you will be sleeping on the bus in a NON HORIZONTAL POSITION for TWO NIGHTS. ahahahah" - Matt Remenda.  We spent our time playing games for as long as we could tolerate them, Matt loved Go Fish. Its not always comfortable trying to lay between bags, leg rests, and other people but we make do. As long as you make sure you don't have to go to the washroom in the middle in the night on the bus or else you will have to mess with Ryan Wiens whose head was right in front of the washroom door, its not that bad. 

On the brighter side we won't be sleeping on the bus for a while - tomorrow we will be in a hotel and then we will be in Camp Christian for a week. "We have eaten almost all our food and now we are relying on what's left to get us through the week, WHICH! is awesome because its great food!" - Matt Remenda. 

Today we stopped at the Elvis town or Elvis place or however Matt Remeda says it, he thought that signing a dead guy's wall was really stupid, but everyone else signed it anyway. After Elvis Town (Graceland, Memphis) we stopped at the National Civil Rights Museum. There we stopped and learned about the life and death of Martin Luther King Junior as well human rights leaders and civil rights movements. We just stopped at our hotel a few hours ago and we had supper at Abbay's. We had some fun afterwards, especially Matt and now we are just chillin' in the lobby.

Tomorrow we are on our way to New Orleans to see the French Quarter.  

 "PEACE OUT! :)" - Matt Remenda  - Liam Peters

Passing the time with a little Catch Phrase.  Jaye is bamboozled!

'What nerds' says Lloyd.  Do people still do this?

Nick plays bare-chested cribbage while Derek looks on.  Travis is too shy. 

Liam's version of War.  It's the friendly version.

Matt and Liam pretending to watch TV. . . . but there isn't one.

In front of one of Elvis's cars at Graceland

Derek, Josh and Ryan don't actually know who Elvis is.

Jenae and Laura are very excited about spelling their names right on
the wall at Graceland 

Morgan and Josh team up to sign at the top of the wall .

It's so nice to be walking outside with no snow around.

Nick and Trissy having lunch at the Rockabilly Cafe in Graceland.

Getting instructions as we start the tour of the National Civil Rights Museum

Ryan outside the Lorraine Motel reading the biography of Martin Luther King

Morgan leaning over the balcony in the same spot where Martin Luther King was assassinated.