Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Week 1: Sacred Heart Forest Ridge & MQP- Tuesday
This morning we woke up at 5:15 and headed off to get a taste of the life of a migrant worker. Forest ridge headed to a blueberry farm where they picked sticks off of the picking paths and washed carts, MQP went off to a U-pick farm where they picked weeds, and planted pumpkins. From there, we all headed to Grocery Outlet to find dinner for our family groups. Each group was given money based on their work, but with the cost of rent, health insurance and other factors, most groups ended up with about 5 dollars. Once the group got back to the church, each 'family' was able to cook and prepare the food they had gotten at the grocery store. After that, we went to the Sunrise migrant camp and got to play with the kids again. We then came home and reflected, and everyone is excited for what comes next.
From,
Megan W. and Carolina D.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Week 1: Sacred Heart Forest Ridge & MQP- Monday
June 20th, 2016
Today in Agape we started off the day by doing an activity about privileges. This activity consisted of us being separated into completely random groups distinguished by a red bracelet. The bracelets had no affect on who we were as a human, but affected how others treated us instead. By this, in activities such as an obstacle course, we had to go through a maze of ropes without touching the ropes. People without the bracelet were judged not as harshly and were able to be let off the hook most of the time. On the other hand those with the red bracelet were sent back to the beginning if we barely touched the rope. The lesson continued after when those with the bands had to prepare nicely made sandwiches, but had to instead eat just a tortilla, beans, and rice. Those without the band however, got to eat the nicely made sandwiches and play around. After this lesson was over we got to go to the farms and play with the migrant farm worker's children, before however, we were told to bury and forget about any judgement or expectations we may already have. this was supposed to represent to corporals of mercy, specifically "bury the dead". While playing with the children we slowly but surely bonded and learned more about them and ourselves. After meeting the children we had the opportunity to set up in front of stores and experience tabling. We told the customers about how we were raising donations for migrant farm workers and how every thing was appreciated. After we discussed how some people were able to go out of their way and help those around them, while many people turned away and ignored us entirely. We related this to the prayer by Mother Teresa, Do it anyway. Overall today we had many experiences and learning opportunities offered to us, and we all took them gladly, and dug deeper to find the true meanings behind every opportunity.
~Agape Campers
Today we tabled at 7 grocery stores and we received so much food that we have nearly filled up our storage space! We also raised almost $700!! We are so excited to do the first food bank of the year on Wednesday, and are so appreciative of all of the love and support we have been receiving!
~Agape Staff: Cristina, Alex B, Melina, Alexa S, and Anton
Today in Agape we started off the day by doing an activity about privileges. This activity consisted of us being separated into completely random groups distinguished by a red bracelet. The bracelets had no affect on who we were as a human, but affected how others treated us instead. By this, in activities such as an obstacle course, we had to go through a maze of ropes without touching the ropes. People without the bracelet were judged not as harshly and were able to be let off the hook most of the time. On the other hand those with the red bracelet were sent back to the beginning if we barely touched the rope. The lesson continued after when those with the bands had to prepare nicely made sandwiches, but had to instead eat just a tortilla, beans, and rice. Those without the band however, got to eat the nicely made sandwiches and play around. After this lesson was over we got to go to the farms and play with the migrant farm worker's children, before however, we were told to bury and forget about any judgement or expectations we may already have. this was supposed to represent to corporals of mercy, specifically "bury the dead". While playing with the children we slowly but surely bonded and learned more about them and ourselves. After meeting the children we had the opportunity to set up in front of stores and experience tabling. We told the customers about how we were raising donations for migrant farm workers and how every thing was appreciated. After we discussed how some people were able to go out of their way and help those around them, while many people turned away and ignored us entirely. We related this to the prayer by Mother Teresa, Do it anyway. Overall today we had many experiences and learning opportunities offered to us, and we all took them gladly, and dug deeper to find the true meanings behind every opportunity.
~Agape Campers
Today we tabled at 7 grocery stores and we received so much food that we have nearly filled up our storage space! We also raised almost $700!! We are so excited to do the first food bank of the year on Wednesday, and are so appreciative of all of the love and support we have been receiving!
~Agape Staff: Cristina, Alex B, Melina, Alexa S, and Anton
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Week 1: Sacred Heart Forest Ridge & MQP- Sunday
Sunday June 19th
Both of our groups (Forest Ridge and MQP) left early to get to Agape on time. We both ate lunch in the car and headed to the church. MQP went to a marine park and hung out there. Once we got to the church, we unloaded all the food and clothing donations into a warehouse. Then we got our stuff and set up our sleeping bags. After, we ate dinner and played a game called shipwreck. This game helped us get to know each other and stay on our feet. After the game we had a quick meeting to go over the rules and expectations of Agape. We are looking forward to growing, learning how to help people, and adapting to new and unfamiliar situations.
-Written by Alexa M. and Lily A.
Both of our groups (Forest Ridge and MQP) left early to get to Agape on time. We both ate lunch in the car and headed to the church. MQP went to a marine park and hung out there. Once we got to the church, we unloaded all the food and clothing donations into a warehouse. Then we got our stuff and set up our sleeping bags. After, we ate dinner and played a game called shipwreck. This game helped us get to know each other and stay on our feet. After the game we had a quick meeting to go over the rules and expectations of Agape. We are looking forward to growing, learning how to help people, and adapting to new and unfamiliar situations.
-Written by Alexa M. and Lily A.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Prep Week- Agape Staff
Greetings from your Agape Staff!
We have been preparing for Agape full time this week and we are SO excited for our program to start on Sunday. Our theme for this summer will be the Corporal Works of Mercy and our Bible verse is "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10. In addition we will be looking up to the extra cool St. Isidore the Farmer!
This week we have decorated the hall, updated binders and documents, visited the food bank location, and the kids at the Sunrise migrant camp. They are so excited to see you all!
Also here is a super fun picture that captures our excitement! :)
See you soon!
-The Agape Staff
Cristina (Supervisor), Alexa B. (Director), Melina (Director), Alexa S. (Assistant Director), and Anton (Assistant Director)
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Week 7: St. Theresa & St. Joseph- Wednesday
Today the Agape group held a food bank. Some groups stayed and some went to get supplies like baby diapers, wipes, and more items for the food bank. The rest the groups helped set up for the food bank. We all felt amazing after we were finished. Even though no one spoke English we still managed to make people happy. We saw Jesus in a very cute baby.
Written by John and Elise.
Food Bank Update!
I want to thank all of you who contributed to the food bank in your actions and prayers this week and for making it possible to serve the migrant community again! We served 112 families! God Bless and keep up the good work.
Food Bank Update!
I want to thank all of you who contributed to the food bank in your actions and prayers this week and for making it possible to serve the migrant community again! We served 112 families! God Bless and keep up the good work.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Week 7: St. Theresa & St. Joseph- Tuesday
St. Joseph, Day 3, Tuesday, August 4th
Today, the St. Joe's Agape group split into two groups to conquer two different farms. One, the Breckenridge Blueberry Farm, where the group helped weeding and washing delivery trays. On the other farm, Bellingham Country Gardens, the group harvested roughly 60 potatoes as well as many other tasks such as pulling weeds and harvesting carrots and strawberries. Both groups had a pleasant time at both farms, talking and engaging in various shenanigans. (Including the massive blueberry throwing contest from crops that fell on the ground.) While my friends are leaning on me and commenting on my satisfactory typing ability, I am getting quite irritated by my fellow campers, who are "helping" me write this blog. Indeed, while five hours were spent on the farms, we spent the rest of the day playing with the children at Sunrise Migrant Camp, taking a shower at the local YMCA, and learning how to budget money at a "Grocery Outlet: Bargain Market." Together, with out assigned families, we cooked our meals, however nasty they were, and partook in the evening activities, which included journaling, and playing Telephone: a game that that took a humorous turn every time we played. To end the day, we will have some free time to hang around, play games, socialize, and finish our leftovers from our homemade dinners.
Live long and prosper,
Gracie
Today, the St. Joe's Agape group split into two groups to conquer two different farms. One, the Breckenridge Blueberry Farm, where the group helped weeding and washing delivery trays. On the other farm, Bellingham Country Gardens, the group harvested roughly 60 potatoes as well as many other tasks such as pulling weeds and harvesting carrots and strawberries. Both groups had a pleasant time at both farms, talking and engaging in various shenanigans. (Including the massive blueberry throwing contest from crops that fell on the ground.) While my friends are leaning on me and commenting on my satisfactory typing ability, I am getting quite irritated by my fellow campers, who are "helping" me write this blog. Indeed, while five hours were spent on the farms, we spent the rest of the day playing with the children at Sunrise Migrant Camp, taking a shower at the local YMCA, and learning how to budget money at a "Grocery Outlet: Bargain Market." Together, with out assigned families, we cooked our meals, however nasty they were, and partook in the evening activities, which included journaling, and playing Telephone: a game that that took a humorous turn every time we played. To end the day, we will have some free time to hang around, play games, socialize, and finish our leftovers from our homemade dinners.
Live long and prosper,
Gracie
Monday, August 3, 2015
Week 7: St. Theresa & St. Joseph- Monday
August 3rd, 2015
Today we had to work as a family to pick all of our harvest on our land and pay our loans. We had to get to the borderline of Mexico and the U.S. just to be able to get a better job. It showed us the of life as a migrant worker. It would take them months to cross the border into the U.S. while it just took us 200 pesos and ninja skills. After lunch we visited Sunrise Farms and played with the migrant children. We hardships played scatter ball with them and did arts and crafts. When we came back, we had a light snack of chips and salsa. We then split up into groups and went out to the local grocery stores. We asked people for food for the food drive. We carried all of the generous donations to the basement of the church. Then we had a reflection of the day. After that we ate dinner with solidarity soup. Then we had a big group discussion about the day and we had our free time.
Today we had to work as a family to pick all of our harvest on our land and pay our loans. We had to get to the borderline of Mexico and the U.S. just to be able to get a better job. It showed us the of life as a migrant worker. It would take them months to cross the border into the U.S. while it just took us 200 pesos and ninja skills. After lunch we visited Sunrise Farms and played with the migrant children. We hardships played scatter ball with them and did arts and crafts. When we came back, we had a light snack of chips and salsa. We then split up into groups and went out to the local grocery stores. We asked people for food for the food drive. We carried all of the generous donations to the basement of the church. Then we had a reflection of the day. After that we ate dinner with solidarity soup. Then we had a big group discussion about the day and we had our free time.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Week 7: St. Theresa & St. Joseph- Sunday
Today was the first day of our Agape mission trip. It hasn't really changed one bit since the last time I went which was 4 years ago. I'm really excited for this week, to serve so many people, to make new friends, and to grow in my faith and closer to God, to be in solidarity with all the migrant workers. I love using the Beatitudes as our theme, it is one of those things we're living by, it makes your life so much better and so much more full. This week will definitely give me the chance to share my gifts and talents and use them to make other's lives better, to serve the Jesus in all of the people I will encounter. Can't wait to come back and share with all of you my experience this week. :D
Today was a pretty good first day for me. This is my second year in a row going to Agape, and I'm feeling pretty excited and prepared, knowing what to expect. Today we started with fun icebreaker activities, just like last year. I think I will have a better attitude and be more willing to grow closer to God after having done Agape before. I am very excited to do all the fun activities that I did last year again. This week I hope to achieve an even greater understanding of the hardships migrant workers face. I hope to get to know everyone, and not be afraid to go out of my comfort zone. I am confident that this week will be very fun, impactful, and enlightening.
Today was a pretty good first day for me. This is my second year in a row going to Agape, and I'm feeling pretty excited and prepared, knowing what to expect. Today we started with fun icebreaker activities, just like last year. I think I will have a better attitude and be more willing to grow closer to God after having done Agape before. I am very excited to do all the fun activities that I did last year again. This week I hope to achieve an even greater understanding of the hardships migrant workers face. I hope to get to know everyone, and not be afraid to go out of my comfort zone. I am confident that this week will be very fun, impactful, and enlightening.
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