I had been an Impact driver the past several months. But I wasn't a team lead, and didn't know a lot of the kids very well. On the SF Zoo trip, I joined one of the teams, led the children from place to place, and walking with the kids, I was struck by how trusting they were and how eager they were to form bonds. One girl who had gone to the Joyland FTS Retreat was telling me about her experience. She told me how much she had learned about God and sin. I couldn't believe she could remember so much from a retreat that seemed so long ago. She told me how much she loved Joyland and really liked learning more about God. I couldn't help but be struck that this was coming from a child who just a couple months ago didn't have any idea about God, but is now enjoying Joyland and Impact, and is there to learn about God and form friendships.

As an Element staff member, I proudly watched our 8th to 12th graders spend the whole year working hard to raise money for their summer mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico. Every student going was able to get significant subsidies toward the total cost of the trip! We went with the well-known organization “Youth with a Mission” and with the theme of “Detox” we spent the first few days hearing the word of God through messages and devotions – and the praise just rocked! Our students were also trained in skits and the Mexican culture, and we were ready for outreach! We presented the gospel to people in the city, worked with a local church to put on a children’s program, visited an orphanage, and even spent time at a drug rehabilitation center. Overall, we were blessed to be the hands and feet of God to engage the world lovingly. Oh, and we miss the amazing tacos!