60 http://www.servanttrips.org/ A mission of the NJ Synod of the Evangelical Church in America. The annual mission trip travels to Bosnia to hold friendship camps with children. en-us Copyright 2010, NJ Syndod, all rights reserved. Custom by AF-Design.com http://www.servanttrips.org/images/elca_girl_logo.gif?feed=rss http://www.servanttrips.org/ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God!! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:52:27 -0700 Welcome home 2010 team! I enjoyed the video's and picture's! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:52:39 -0700 Hey Lauren and team mates, Thinking of you all and praying for a safe return to the states for some tomorrow (Thur). Lauren and Emily please be careful and enjoy your extra time there. See you two on Sunday.Love Momma (Jean) http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:19:38 -0700 "You must be the change you wish to see in the world. -- Mahatma Gandhi" What an amazing trip I can't wait to hear all the stories and see your pictures!!! I can't eill you how proud I am of all of you, it is an honor to be your wife and your mother :) http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:28:47 -0700 Good Morning to All. Dear Emily,Lauren, and Team, First, Lauren thank you for the airline info on your return trip. It is just after midnight here, but I couldn't sleep....I kept thinking of you and all the work that is being done to help promote peace and a feeling of well-being for the children of Bosnia. I have had the children's song, JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN running through my head for the past few days and I am so thankful that you are able to bring that message to the children even without s http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:20:46 -0700 I went to Facebook again today and we thoroughly enjoyed all the wonderful pictures. We were amazed at the number of children in some of the groups. We are anxious to hear all about this wonderful trip. SUCH A REWARDING EXPERIENCE! We went to visit Uncle Dan today. He looks great and lost more weight. Have a wonderful trip home. Hope you will have some time in Germany. God Bless you and all the Team! Special Love to all, Grandpa & Grandma http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:51:53 -0700 Hi everyone hope you are have a good time. You all are in my prayers enjoy the rest of the trip! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:46:46 -0700 Hey Sweetie...and all you Peacemakers! What wonderful pictures! And what beautiful children! We can understand why so many of you keep going back again and again. It looks like it's been another extremely successful and fulfilling venture. We are so proud that you have chosen to be the hands of God in such important work. Bless all of you...and all the children of war of every generation. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:02:03 -0700 GO TO THE HOME PAGE TO FIND THE LINK TO THE LATEST PICTURES AND UPDATES. :) http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:12:00 -0700 You guys are in the home stretch now. I can't wait to hear all the stories when you all get back! Larry, I hope you didn't make the newbies play "Guess What's Under the Whipped Cream". That would just be mean. Pookie, I miss you like crazy and I can't believe you're making me wait an extra 3 days to see you!!! Oh and those video updates that you're posting everyday are awesome :P http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:24:20 -0700 Becks - captain and Barbara are home safe and sound. Dory arrives tomorrow. I can't believe you'll be home soon and the reunion will be here this weekend. Loved the photos. Especially the one of you with the four kids. Looks like you are having a great time - but then you always look happy and enjoy whatever you are doing. it was amazing seeing the swarms of people in some of the photos. Eric recognized some places. Can't wait for you two to share stories of your trips. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:11:29 -0700 Dear team - I have been following your progress and your incredible photos on facebook, and I am so inspired by the wonderful work you are doing! I also so desperately wish I could be there with you :) enjoy this incredible journey!! Love, - Alida IST Veteran '03, '04, '05, and '06 http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:45:37 -0700 Elizabeth, hope you are having a wonderful time. Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday. 1 - 2 - 3 http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:25:08 -0700 Dear Emily and Team, Today our house was like the United Nations. We had Sabina from Bosnia, Mateaus from Germany, Dr. R. Schwartz form both Germany and USA as well as his wife, Dr. H. Schwartz also from USA and Germany. The reason for this little get together was the Germany and England World Cup game. They missed it due to Zion's 250th year cellebration and all of the festivities of the ground breaking over the weekend. of course the Brazil and Argentina game had to be watched as well, so it became qui http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:17:34 -0700 Hi Sarah & Andrew - Your mom has been keeping us up to date on all you're doing - sounds amazing. We prayed for all of you in church on Sunday. Had what might seem a crazy idea but.... maybe when you come home you'd think about having a youth group lock-in (have we done those?) and present to your peers what you've seen and experienced. Hi to your dad as well. God continue to bless all you are doing. Love Eileen http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:12:36 -0700 Hi Chickadee, We hope your weekend was restful and rejuvenating. As I was driving home from SR this afternoon the children's song "Jesus Loves the Little Children" popped into my mind and I immediately thought of all God's children on the team and all the children's lives that you are touching. Our prayers for your safety and good health continue. I hope that the floods are subsiding and the camps are successful beyond your greatest expectations. Love to all. Mom and Dad aka...Marcia and Burt http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:01:15 -0700 Guidance...the Christ light is within every step you all take; move forward with zeal, spiritual energies, and compassion. Walking with ease and grace, you do not need to see the entire path ahead;the holy and righteous path unfolds before you. You find direction easily and move forward with confidence and God's Will and sharing your gifts/talents with so, so, so many; God bless. Give thanks for every challenge and every opportunity, knowing that Christ light illumines your path. I miss you, Mr Ed.. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:17:58 -0700 The pictures, the brief updates, the guestbook notes tell a wonderful story of a marvelous servant adventure and the community of family and church that surrounds you! Thank you for all you are doing, and for being such great ambassadors of the Good News! Our Synod is proud of you! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:42:07 -0700 Hey Sarah, Andrew and CJ!!! Hope you're rested and ready to hit the 2nd week runnin'!!! I'm sure this has been an incredible physical and emotional ride for you all so far! We think of you and pray for you every day!! Had lots of graduation parties this weekend. General Petraeus spoke at Joey's ceremony! Awesome!! He graduated from Cornwall 40 years ago!!! Nancy sounds great - we are keeping in close electronic contact (text and phone) with her! LOVE YOU ALL!! XO http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:12:20 -0700 Saw Frencesca and CPK tonight - she asked about you. Everyone at churched asked about you also - but of course I have heard nothing!!! Not even on my Birthday - but no biggie. I know you are having a great time and I'll hear all about it soon. Barbara had some news for us all from Chris. It has been interesting hearing Eric reminisce a little about his trip. Saw Jersey Boys today. Peace and Prayers to all as you begin your second week. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:15:06 -0700 Peace...Each person on Earth is like a seed, a dormant shell of pure potential, waiting to be transformed into a flower. You may not have discovered your divine attributes, but they are safely tucked within us, waiting to be called forth. Your perfect potential -the very essence of our wholeness-is there inside. This divine essence is our Christ consciousness. As we awaken to it, we are transformed into wholeness. Keep up your strength, sharing of faith, compassion; God will give you all the energies http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:18:37 -0700 Jajce story of two schools under one roof made it into today's sermon. You are all so on my mind and in my thoughts and prayers. I pray your final days are filled with wonder and awe. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 10:55:07 -0700 Hey Lou! Thinking of you and hoping all is well in Bosnia. Lots of people asked about you this morning at church (even Dr. Schwartz, who wanted to know how that "Yugoslavian girl" was doing, lol). Be safe, miss you and love you! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:16:05 -0700 How great it is to start my day by hearing all those happy and excited "Hello"s on the phone. (It was 4am though) I could feel the love you have in you for what you are doing over there. You make me very proud to be able to call you "My Lauren" and her friends. Stay healthy and safe. Love Momma,(Jean) http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 07:43:51 -0700 Greetings to all and a special hug to Emily. We are beginning our Sunday and Bishop Hansen is officiating at two services, which we don't ususally have during the summer. Last night we had our Dinner/Dance and so many people who have moved away came back to help us celebrate. Speaking of celebrating...we are praying that through you, the children can celebrate God's love for them. May you all feel God's constant presence and fill you with the same joy that you bring to those precious children. Love to http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 04:59:32 -0700 Good Morning. Chris, We went to the 5 p.m. Church Service last night. The Bosnia Team was in the Prayers. Today is a Special day for you Chris - the day of your Baptism. We talked to your Mom last night and learned of the beautiful view of the mountains right outside your window. You must be really enjoying this wonderful experience! With Special Love and Prayers for you and the Team. Grandpa and Grandma http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sun, 27 Jun 2010 04:41:42 -0700 Hello Everyone, glad to know everyone is doing well. That is good for you Pastor Mark. Remember don't drink the water Mark you don't want to come home sick again. Wishing you all the best and I am here praying with you all. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sat, 26 Jun 2010 19:28:25 -0700 Hey kids! hope everyone is having an amazing trip. And I hope Sipovo didn't completely wipe you guys out!!! Give Sarajevo a big hug for me! And make sure you all drink from the magic fountain! Jason knows what I mean :) http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sat, 26 Jun 2010 17:25:15 -0700 It is only 65 minutes until our first weekend worship service. We will, of course, be praying for all of you and the good work you are doing in Bosnia. I pray that you enjoyed your day of sabbath rest and are now recharged to continue to be the lights of Christ. We look forward to your safe return. Cindy - the Inquirer is really blah without your articles! Rick - I need your violin at VBS! Carrie - Rob is enjoying the paper route. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:25:38 -0700 Hi Chris, We pray for you and the Team every day. Grandpa makes sure he reminds me. We had a wonderful trip to Florida. Ashley and Steven went on line for us. WOW!! What a wonderful experience you are having - a God given gift. Hard to believe that you are very soon reaching the end. We'll be anxious to hear all about this trip. Hope you got to the Firehouse by now. With http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:48:04 -0700 Wishing good rest to all the team and hopes you are staying a bit dryer and out of the rain. Chris, keep hunting for a fire house and take lots of pictures. Rebecca, I know it is a daunting task we have given you, being the Chris keeper. Keep up the good work. (LOL) As always, our prayers are with you all on your last leg of the trip. We look forward to seeing you at the end of the week. Love, Mom L., Dad L., and Catherine http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sat, 26 Jun 2010 06:32:41 -0700 Arose with you on my mind, praying you are all enjoying Sarajevo, ice cream and much needed rest. Jesus would often go off by himself to rest and pray, may you find such moments for yourself today. Refresh and renew yourself for the days ahead. May blessings abound. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Sat, 26 Jun 2010 06:20:58 -0700 Hey Peacemakers! Did ya hear the score? World Cup 1, IST Incalculable! You always remind us of the difference between what's fun and what's really, really important. Bless ya all...and hope you're having fun, too! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:41:02 -0700 Hi Elizabeth, We think of you every day and hope all is going well. There's been a report of flooding; maybe not in your area. We are having a big heat wave with many days in the nineties and high humidity. We know all of you are bringing many blessings to the children you meet. We're looking forward to hearing all about it. Love and God's blessings and safe travel for all of you. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:37:59 -0700 Elizabeth and team; You are in our prayers. It's good to see the camps are going so well. Have a well-deserved day of rest. Love Mom and Dad http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:51:22 -0700 Beth: you have a mission, if you choose to accept it ... eat one ice cream and hug five kids for me every day!! I hope you are having an amazing experience sharing your joy with the children of Bosnia. I'm thinking of you! LYLAR ~ Alida http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:54:21 -0700 Dear Mark, If you are in Sipovo, please remember not to drink the water :) Love, Alida http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:53:22 -0700 Greetings IST/Bosnia. Special greetings to St. Paul's "7". With the first week under your belt it's time to rest and regroup. You are doing awesome work for God in a place needing His hope and promise. Our daily prayers continue. Hope the weather has been good for camps, it's very HOT here in NJ. Blessings to all as you continue your journey. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:28:52 -0700 Hi Ed and Travel Teammates ... Concentrate on your breathing, you can connect to the Infinite within you. Keep focused, driven, energized, praying, knowing God is with you all. Peace to you all http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:26:23 -0700 Hi Lovey, We pray that the camps are exceeding your expectations on all levels and that all team members are healthy. Continue to be lead by the Spirit and all things are possible. Max is whining to go for a walk...we haven't been out walking since you left. I miss my hiking partner. Since it is relatively cool right now, 8am Friday moring, I will venture out with the puppy. Be well, have fun, and come home safely. We love you. Mom and Dad http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:02:34 -0700 Chris and Becky - another hot one here, but a very nice thunderstorm just as we were setting up for the street fair so we all got soaked. Viv, Catherine, ToniAnn, and Eric helped me out since you two are doing more important work. Missed you a lot. Everyone asked about you and was so thankful for your help at the dinner last week. http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:48:00 -0700 Hey Peacemakers! The light shines in the darkness--and the whole world is transformed. It warms our hearts that you are bringing healing to a broken world. Meanwhile at home it's been hot and humid...and made hotter by the World Cup. We hope everybody wins...but Salander weeps for Denmark. We're thinking about you all the time, Sweetie--and feel the need to nag you to take good care of yourself. Luv ya! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:23:23 -0700 Hello Konnerth Family (minus the one holding the fort and dogs down!!) ) :))) So excited to see pictures!! Looks like an amazing time filled with fun, songs, games and FRIENDSHIP!! Leah and I just returned from M&P's upstate. It feels like 100 degrees with our ac broken -- and we are all whining. Bet you're glad you're not hearing THAT! Last day of school for Evan today! Onto 7th grade!! Life is good!!! We love you guys!! Stay safe and keeping on sharing that love!!! Hugs to all!!! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:03:00 -0700 Folks, if you haven't looked ahead-- in Saturday's devotion is this quote "It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes. ?Thomas Aquinas" Do me a favor--engage that spiritual practice and play a joke on Jason! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:38:32 -0700 My thoughts and prayers were strong and deep for all of you yesterday as you went to Kozarac Camp and onto the Concentration Camp of Trnopolje; I hope blessings occurred and that you will be able to return to Trnopolje Camp next year -- then, you were off to Prijedor what a busy, busy energy raising day for you; I wonder how the Peace House was to rest yourselves for the evening .... rejuvinating and renewing I hope Keep sharing your gifts/talents http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:24:05 -0700 Since compassion is your very nature, you feel profoundly peaceful when you share your compassion of God with others. You behold the divine within each person and respond with love. As you pray for others, the spiritual wisdom, understanding and unconditional love of God will fill your heart. My thoughts/ prayers are with you, Ed and the whole Travel Team -- I believe you were in Sanski Most Camp and Travnik Camp today Many blessings to all http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:16:57 -0700 Keep up the great work and stay safe! You continue to have my prayers...and keep those pictures coming! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:42:00 -0700 Pop and I love seeing the photos from Bosnia. The smiles on everyone's faces tell the story better then words ever could. May God continue to bless what you are doing there. Andrew.....you had your hair cut!!!!!! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:39:06 -0700 Hey Lauren hope all is going as planned. Think of you and your traveling buddies often. Enjoy the time you are having with the children and teachers. Love to you all. God Bless http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:28:06 -0700 that's crazy about all the flooding! I thought I saw everything in my 5 years there, but I guess I was wrong! Miss you guys like crazy, especially my Pookie. Oh and, Pookie, if you ever get on facebook, you may notice a message that I sent in the midst of a mini crisis. You can ignore that, lol. Everything's been taken care of, and I won't be having problems with a certain boy anymore :) Love and miss you all!!! Take Care!! http://www.servanttrips.org/guestbook/ Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:35:37 -0700