Given a driver switch, storms, and a “to go” food stop yet to happen; the promise of arrival before 7pm has faded. Plan on the original 7pm arrival time. My apologies for the hopes of anything different.
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Eta from bus drivers 530 +/- an hour….. I will continue to provide updates–hopefully more accurate updates.
Day 3, Atlanta. Typical start to our day this morning: breakfast at McD’s, sink shower, brush some teethers, and finally change into our days attire. One of the main differences between today and the previous few days was our divide and concur tactics. We split up our group for service, activities and showers. Every student participated in all, but each in a different sequence.
We visited Stone Mountain and took the Skyline to the top. Lexi, Megan, and Kelly all faced some fairly severe fears of heights and we are proud of everyone of them for joining us 1600 ft above sea level. This evening we spent the evening eating and exploring UnderGround Atlanta. What a neat underground mall with an ever “neater” experience… that experience being culture shock. Race aside, we were cultural minorities and students had what may have been their first ever uncomfortable public social experience. Students shared afterwards that they felt like “posers” living and acting like we do in Zeeland. The urban cultral scene in Zeeland is nothing compared to Atlanta and the Dirrty South.
But Nate… you didn’t list the service; and didn’t I see on facebook that your bus ran out of gas and broke down?
I know, and yes. Let’s cover the yes first.
Apparently, diesal is hard to come by in Atlanta and we ran out running up hill not too far from the mall. No big deal, we were getting off the bus anyway… thanks for trying Eagle Wings, better luck next time. The problem began when returning to the bus 2.5 hours later to find nothing had changed aside from a few gas cans now reside on the pavement tucked under the corner of our world’s largest paper weight. Still no glory, the bus sits.
So our group of 40 took to a neighboring park where we carried on conversations from our devotional earlier, discussed the start of school and Collide… as well as enjoying our being interviewed for a local TV show entitled, “…” something about Out and About in Atlanta. As darkness turned to the dead of night the reality of Atlanta’s urban atmosphere came to fruition. Prostitues walking in groups of 12-15 passed by the park regularly along with some local alcoholics and narcotic seekers. Please, this is not cause for alarm as the park had staffed security and the polics seemed to frequent the nearby corner.
The converstations were outstanding. Irreplaceable. And eternally memorable.
Not long ago the bus kicked it into high gear starting again and we are not finally on our way out of town after a pit stop.
Out service may just have been the focal point of the trip for so many. Derrek–a Uganda native, Kenyan fugative, and former LRA firing squad member–has a purpose and a misson to stop the spread of disease by sending recycled soap to countries all over the African and Asian continents. Please check out www.globalsoapproject.com for more information about their distinct purpose. Out students today helped make nearly 4,000 bars of soap which will last 40 families 8 years based of thier level of familial soap use. Our work today was enjoyable, from the heart of Christ, and inspirational. We worked hard Thurs and Fri…, but nothing like today. In fact, conversations have started as to how we can begin to help Global Soap from home. Global Soap Project t-shirts are being mailed to me at church and will be distributed at the Possum Celebration date tbd.
It was a day unlike any other. One of those days you cannot plan or duplicate. God showed up–as he always does–but today we listened.
Considering the bus time delay and the exhaustion of our staff and students we have decided to bypass our Detroit stop tomorrow bringing up straight back wtih the estimated arrival of 3:30pm tomorrow at church. PLease continue to follow along on Facebook and Collide In Motion blog for up to date changes.
I couldn’t be more proud of these kids…
Your prayers have been felt, heard, and echoed by all.
BE God’s,
Nate
Knoxville, TN. The home of the Tennessee Volunteers and a football crazy community.
This morning our group served with the Americor group Help Keep Knoxville Beautiful, picking up trash and debris along some of the industrial–yet scenic–routes. I encourage you all to ask your child, when we return, what interesting items they picked up throughout our morning journey. It was amazing how picking up trashed changed perspective and even some student’s viewpoint. God’s creation spoke to us this morning thanking us for our small service and positive attitude.
After an entertaining lunch on UT’s campus, we headed over for a relaxing afternoon at the Knoxville Zoo despite the scorching heat. White aligators, blue monkies, red pandas, and grey horned Gaboon snake topped the list of “too see animals.” Of course, the zoo gift shop was one of the must see attractions as well… given the ever growing sunglass theme of our trip. Pizza Hut for dinner and we reconviened at the World’s Fair Park for devos, a trip in the sunscope and some water play in the ginormous fountain. In fact, as I type this I hear the crashing down of water from the fountain, see the giggling faces of our group, and am weighted down heavily by drenched clothing and apparel–thank you Sophia Ralya for initiating a group for my take down.
Typically I would like to go into greater detail of the days events–but students are begging for my return to the water and park. Thank you for the conitnued prayers and thoughts. Our safety is owed in large part to those specifically.
Be God’s,
Nate
Night 2 brings with it a severe case of the tireds. What a wonderful feeling that brings with it accomplishment, humility, and selflessness.
One quick specific prayer request; our Double Decker Bus that only had AC while idoling and running at moderate to low speeds has now lost all AC all together. 100 degree days and a 90 degree night is not boding well for the group in that vehicle. Please pray that we will be able to figure something out in the next 24 hours.
This morning we served at the Volunteers of American Halfway House painting retaining walls, decks, and other outside locations. 25 gallons of paint went real quick. Compliments from all levels of the organizations kept students motivated and inspired. I think everyone agrees that it felt good to serve.
This afternoon we focused on the social justice initiatives of a Louisville native, Muhammad Ali. I was amazed at how many students had no idea who The Greatest is or was… but that crisis has been averted.
While heading to Wendy’s and Taco Bell for Dinner we made a pitstop at the Hard Rock Cafe for a real meal; one that was well deserved by all. Loud music, amazing art and musical acquizitions, and out of this word food refueled us as we awaited our Ghost Tours. You will have to ask the kids about the tours as I would have a hard time capturing the creepiness without being Stephen King.
I am certain this blog seems short, to the point, and extremely basic–all that because of utter exhaustion. The newborns at home don’t keep me this tired.
Be God’s,
Nate
It’s only been a few hours, but I wanted to start getting in the habit of blogging at the end of each Possum day. I will upload pics and the occassional video to Collide’s Facebook page–facebook.com/collide.msm–throughout our ventures and then each night you will get a blog update and the occassional live streaming video; which will also be availble to view as a buffered video after the fact.
So our two buses departed without any huge hitches; we’ve figured out who the talkative kids are… and who the extrememly talkative kids are–as if we didn’t know after trips, retreats, and Wed night programming last year.
We’ve taken a wrong turn.
We’ve trashed a bus.
We’ve witnessed at least one kid spend half his spending money at one truck stop.
We’ve had some meaningful conversations with kids about their struggles and specific prayer requests.
We’ve had a great start… and I experienced a first.
I’ve been in youth ministry for just shy of a decade and I have never experienced what I did tonight. Roughly 2 hours into our drive we stopped at a truck stop to change, brush our teeth, wash some boys feet, and fold down the bus beds. While brushing his teeth a student turned to me and asked, “When we get back can I sign up for next year’s trip?”
We haven’t even done anything yet. Makes me wonder why I plan all sorts of cool and Lord willing inspiring experiences. Maybe next year we will just drive around on a sleeper bus for a week doing devos and stopping at truck stops.
The comment rejuvenates me and hopefully encourages you. It keeps me focused on the task God has placed before me as a Youth Pastor and I pray it keeps you comfortable with the leadership God has brought to your children through Collide.
They are excited. They are already a little smelly…. but that doens’t mean we love them any less.
Be God’s,
Nate
Looking forward to our departure. 9pm pack up buses, 930pm prayer, 945pm depart!
Stay updated here and on Facebook!
Thank you.
If you are wondering if that statement is directed at you, chances are yes it is. This past week’s trip for Collide was arguably the best trip we have had to date. We have been back for just over 24 hours and I am still receiving emails, texts, and facebook messages with excitement from parents, students, and the like expressing how spiritually inspired they are as well as refocused with a new perspective on life in West Michigan.
This has nothing to do with the adults on the trip, but has everything to do with the open hearts of the students, the prayers of their supporters, and God revealing to us just a little more of his miraculous self.
So thank you. Those of you who support this ministry in any way have ignited a new passion in me. My appreciation cannot be fully expressed.
See you Aug 29, 6pm, @ the Possum Celebration.
Be God’s,
Nate
Milwaukee has been the craziest city yet. This trip has built in spiritual growth, fun, and unity each and every day and today was no exception.
The bus is currently hopping so I ask your pardon on the potentially random and incomplete entry.
Breakfast at the friendliest McDonald’s of all time, Milwaukee Public Museum,
the Butterfly Exhibit, Insects Alive, delicious Museum Food Court, and then the Rescue Mission.
At the MRM we packed 372 backpacks with specific materials for 11 separate grades at 5 different schools. The mission expected this work to take until 3pm, needless to say the work ethic and ambition of this group exceeded expectations yet again. We were finished not only with work, but the tour, the video, and we had begun
devotions at the mission by that time. This group is amazing.
After a serious afternoon we departed to eat at the Organ Piper Pizza Parlor… expecting this to be a good time with decent pizza it ended up being a riot with outstanding atmosphere and spectacular pizza–I am not checking for overuse of adjectives so please excuse once again any repetition… I am tired and in the midst of controlled chaos.
Figuring the students would want to play a little we took them to finish the day at Bradford beach. Bugs, seaweed, and cold water temperatures kept us
from staying too long, but it was nice to see that other side of the lake we gaze into so many times throughout the summer. We can now say we’ve stood where that beautiful sun sets so many summer nights in West Michigan.
The bus ride home has been filled with camera flashes, a full fledge court-case between Ali DeRoo and myself. More on that in the video. I don’t have time get into the giggle-fest this endeavor turned into. Funny how trips turn a girl I have spoken too with the usual youth pastor small talk for the past year or so to someone who no one can seem to quiet down. This is simply one of the reasons every student should go on a retreat or trip with Collide. And the ride continues. Smiles and tears will surely be shared over the next few hours as we wrap up our devotions, debrief on the week, and share some zzz’s for the last time on the road.
It’s been a ride. A ride that I don’t want to see end for many reasons… but I also want a shower and a nice night sleep.
I can’t wait to see you all again soon at the Possum Celebration, Aug 29 @ 6pm in the Worship Center @ Community. These experiences will be remembered by all of us for a long time.
Be God’s.
Nate
ARRIVAL UPDATE:
We are way ahead of schedule! Students will be available for pick up between 630am and 730am. See you then!
If this is the first posting you are reading about day 3 in Minneapolis please stop and first read the posting, “Illegal PickUp in the Mall of America.”
Just as a dog runs to his food bowl when he hears the hard morsels of dog food being poured out for his nourishment, so too a massive storm descended on us as our bus door shut. This isn’t the first thunder storm we have seen on this trip, no big deal really… except that thunder storm turned into torrential down pour creating rapids in the BP gas station we 
stopped at to refuel, set up beds, and change for the night.
As always I like to wait until everyone else has had ample time to change before I partake in any of my end of the day routine. At this point some kids are on the bus waiting for bed, some are in the gas station catching up on the days laughs, and others are either in transit to the bus or digging through the luggage bay for bags and pillows.
And then it happens.
A loud boom I hear from the bathroom that sounds as if God himself clapped his hands directly above the BP. As I stand half changed for the night shift Mark runs into the bathroom with the first of what would be 28 times I hear the words, “Did you hear that?”
He assures me that now everyone on our trip is in the BP and he surely saw sparks from the room top. I finish up and exit to a convenience store filled with wide eyes and the words, “Nate… did you hear that? There were sparks!”
Of course to some I answered yes and to some no… come on, cut me some slack; it’s the end of a tiring day and I needed to have a little fun in moment.
I run to the bus to pull my sleeping bag and pillow out from underneath only to find the hatch left wide open and my pillow soaked like a kitchen sponge. You don’t take an extra one of those like you do with underwear and socks. Not to mention the rapids took both of my flip flops off in my spring from the convenience store and in my retrieval the new dry clothes I put on for the evening feel more like a bathing suit after a long dip in the lake.
Mass chaos ensues.
Soaking wet kids, drenched sleeping materials, the party continues.
I run back into the gas station to get cough drops and some cold meds as a preemptive strike against what I hope isn’t tomorrows inevitable. Our wonderful transportation coordinator, Dan Bryant, is inside trying to work out the payment for our gas with the employee. This conversation turns into a hour long stop because the lightning struck the building at the exact moment our payment was going through and things are now messed up on each end.
Needless to say we are on the road and nearly everyone is sleeping from the long and unusual day. I think I am the only one up at this early hour.
715 cst wake up call tomorrow… got to get things going early. I just couldn’t wait for tomorrow to tell you all this.
Be God’s.
Nate
