Youth Mission Caravan 2006

AWAKE (St. Andrew senior high youth group) traveled to Calais, Maine for Caravan 2006, their annual summer mission trip. Seventeen students and five adult leaders spent a week in Northern Coastal Maine working with the elderly, painting houses and a softball field, running a bible day camp and helping out at the boys and girls club at the Passamaquady Indian Reservation. Calais, Maine is on the border of the United States and Canada. The area was known for its ship building and logging. The setting was very green with lots of trees and water. There was rain a few of the days and the temperature got into the mid 90's.

AWAKE experienced the love of serving others and opening their eyes to new experiences. There was fellowship with other Christian youths from Minnestosa, lots of growth in their walk with God and little sleep. The group as a whole learned about what it means to serve and pray for others. They learned how to "step out of their box".

In addition to the work, Awake was treated to nightly worship, daily devotionals, a trip on a lobster boat, a night out in the park with live music and ice cream, a scavenger hunt in the town of Calais, and swimming with the locals at the community pool. AWAKE got to see the Atlantic Ocean and even put their feet in it. They saw the beauty of Acadia National Park. There were many things and people for the group to see and meet.

AWAKE returned to Sonoma on Saturday evening and they planned and ran both services for Sunday. The music, testimonials, and sense of oneness in the group were a beautiful and moving experience. AWAKE left Calais reluctantly saying goodbye to new friends and with memories that will last a lifetime.

To hear more of their time in Calais, ask any of the youths from AWAKE and prepare to hear lots of stories of fun, work and love.