2004 YOUTH MISSION TRIP:
Kearney, MO to Chicago,IL (AKA K-Town to K-Town)
The mission trip’s different work projects allowed everyone to gain a better understanding of the city of Chicago and its people. During the week, our church’s students divided into two groups mixed with teens from other parishes from across the U.S., with two different service projects for each group to work on during the week. 
Group one’s morning project was to work at a local YMCA Head Start program, either playing with children or helping the teachers. Most of the time was spent with the children by playing games, reading books, or giving piggyback rides. Their afternoon project consisted of cleaning at a program for teenage mothers. For one of the days, group one spent time cleaning up a warehouse of supplies that had been run into by two separate cars. 
Group two went to the Esperanza School, a school for mentally disabled students and adults. We helped in different class rooms, whether it was playing games, reading, dancing, or baking cookies. It was also an added bonus at lunchtime as we enjoyed the hot, fresh, cookies that were made especially for us by the students. In the afternoon we went to the Block Club with "Mr Fisher". On the first day, we arrived to an extremely overgrown lot filled with lots of litter; we received many stares from the neighborhood as they drove by with curiosity. The second day we were greeted by at least 20 kids from the neighborhood ready to help. On the last day, in the pouring, pouring, cold rain we planted a beautiful garden full of flowers and plants. It was amazing to see the before-and-after of what we accomplished hand-and-hand with many neighborhood kids.
While on the mission trip, the students stayed at an old, beautiful Catholic Church located in the downtown Chicago suburb, Garfield Park a.k.a."K-town". We laughed at the irony coming from another K-town of Kearney. While sleeping on hard wood floors, skipping daily showers, and hearing more sirens than usual, we began to appreciate what we so often take advantage of at home. During their time at the church, the students interacted with other teens from across the US, and local teens from Chicago. The students were also able to attend a service put on by the church’s parishioners, and listen to a motivational speaker provided by the church’s youth group. We also listened to the Gospel Choir Practice and heard the amazing music played by the maintenance man, Jeffery. Their church community welcomed us with open arms. During the week, the students were also able to visit Chicago’s Art Museum, Garfield Park’s Botanical Garden, and the Taste of Chicago Festival. 
Without our parish’s generosity and support, the trip would not have been possible. The mission trip allowed all that participated to experience more of God’s word by going outside of their comfort zones and serving others. We hope that with the parish’s support, the youth group will continue to spread God’s love through other mission trips and events.