Day 5

After much needed rest from a day full of water park fun and extremely tiring work at F.I.R.M, we were off to a Culture & Theology Workshop. There we learned a bit of the background on firm and the difficulties the refugees face on a day to day basis. The prayers of our stomachs were finally answered with an authentic Lao meal and a traditional Lao dance lesson. It was time to head back and relax at the church, this quickly ended as two groups split and one was headed to Jamba juice and the others feeling adventurous headed to Phat Burger(the best place ever). Headed back to Firm and had our usual fun time. Then had an amazing swim party with the Korean youth group.
-Ethan Hennes & JOHN MICHAEL WINSOR

P.S. Hi Steve Morris!! from john

Day 4

Today we got up an hour earlier but only so that we could clean and have the best day possible. We were lucky enough to get some free time in, and go to the water park. Today i felt as if i connected with the kids more, and they are appreciating the little things we do for them. being with kids has been a truly changing experience i have seen how hard their life is and really just realized how lucky i am and i am stoked for tomorrow!!
Lindsey with help from Noah (:
First Presbyterian Turlock

Day 3 Part 2: The Return of Day 3

We are having a wonderful time! Here are a couple more photos from yesterday...

Day 3

Today we were able to help to weed the garden for FIRM which was to be used for the refugees to plant food. We had weeded enough rows to feed about six families for a year. After we weeded we went back to the church and had our refreshing lunch then took a fun trip to a laser tag arena where Nick Robinson took the first win and Noah from Turlock took the second. We then worked with the kids at FIRM and met the youth from the Contra Costa Korean church. We taught the kids how to play drums, did crafts and played a lot of soccer.
-Joe Robinson
Presbyterian Church of Novato
P.S. Gary says "Hi"

Day 2

Today we woke up from a very challenging sleep on a very hard floor. When we first got to F.I.R.M we were thrown in to the lao culture. We filled out an ins card and got to try on some of their farm equipment (see picture 3). It was very interesting tutoring someone twice your age helping them out with basic English worksheets.

Later we returned to F.I.R.M. I was pretty scared to meet the kids but after we really opened up and got to know them it was really just hanging out with kids. When we first started to play worship song the kids looked kinda confused but after they got used to being around us there was no stopping them. today was hot humid, and amazing. I wouldn't trade this day for anything! i really liked this experience so far and cant wait for the rest of the week.


Noah VanderBes
First Presbyterian Church Turlock California

Day 1, June 13

Today we left PCN at around 2:17 p.m. We got on the road and arrived at University Presbyterian Church at around 7:00 p.m., after picking up kids from First Presbyterian in Turlock. We had a delicious dinner made by Amanda (spaghetti, meat, salad, and garlic bread), and then got into our groups and had introductions. We concluded the evening with a talk about the local area, and the facilities that we are staying at. Finally, we played some roudy games until about 11:30. We finally went to bed at midnight.
-JR Lubey, PCN

Tomorrow!

We leave tomorrow at 2:00!!!