Today

Washington D.C has definitely brought all of us a new attitude towards all the things that we take for granted. This mission trip has been eye opening for us and allows us to experience new things daily. YSOP has provided the opportunity to get to see/help new people and places everyday. Today the Yellow group (the girls) was sent to serve lunch to elderly homeless or low income individuals. For this day project, we also had the opportunity to sit and hangout with them. I think we all could agree that the people at this shelter very much enjoyed a good game of UNO and also Wii bowling. Starting the day off at 9:30, we went to Oasis Senior Center. Upon our arrival, we all felt a warm welcome by the seniors whom were already there. Tables had games set up which allowed us to have a fun interaction with the people at the shelter. At 12:00 p.m, we served lunch to the people. The chef of Oasis was very greatful for our help and made all of us sit down so he could serve us as well. That was something that surely stuck out to us because it basically allowed us to be treated the way these elders were being treated. The Turqoise group went to an organization called Thrive DC, which also provides meals for homeless or low income people amongst the DC area. This organization is funded by private donations. The boys were split into different groups, whether it be dish washing or food preparation. The volunteers of the organization informed us that there are usuals, meaning people who come often, so they all know eachother on a name to name basis. The Blue group was sent to help out at Foods for friends. In this group, the boys were able to load meals into bags and prepared them to be handed out. They also made soup and prepared frozen foods for handing out as well. All in all this day made us feel very grateful for everything we have, even the small things. The city life has been a bit of a transition for us, as we are struggling a tad to find our work locations.

Trinity UCC mission trip

   We started our wonderful morning off at the church where YSOP was held. YSOP provided us with a yummy breakfast to boost our fuel level. As we fueled up, the YSOP leaders explained the overall rules as we listened like the respectful young adults we are. Once everything was explained we were split up into three groups. The team names were Blue, Turquois and Yellow. The three teams split up to go to different work sites. The Blue team went to SOME(so others might eat). There they prepared and served a wonderful lunch to the homeless people of Washington D.C. The Turqoise team went to Parks and People. They helped mulch and others did landscaping. The Yellow team went to Lands and Waters. There they weeded and cleared a vegetable garden outside a school. Then all the teams reunited back at the church. YSOP had a once homeless citizen explain his life. He spoke to us about his life experieces and how he strived to change his life. He explained how he had a unpleasant childhood and how he had struggles in his early adult years. Through his ups and downs he is now employed and living a better life. This was very life changing for everyone and helped us understand the struggles of being homeless. We are now back at the hostel waiting for Mark and Joe to come back with Chinese food. Stay classy Trinity UCC.
                                                                                                      Love,

                                                                                                 THE BOYZ