2015 World Renew Mission Trip

Blogged by: Jared

This year’s march break, my church youth group and I traveled to Franklinton, Louisiana for a mission trip to help people out after the disasters of Hurricane Katrina. Our journey started at the Alliston Christian Reformed Church where we left for Louisiana. During our 19 hour drive we traveled through cities such as Nashville and Cincinnati. In the morning we arrived into the warm weather of Louisiana. During the week, our group stayed at a small church called Bethel Baptist Church where we met Jo and Sharon. The next morning we went to a African American Methodist Church which was another great experience. After that we headed down to Gulfport, Mississippi for a beach day.The next day was our first work day where I went to another church called Bonner Creek Baptist church where we met the church owner Jerry and his wife. I ended up working on that church for the whole week. The job at hand was mostly painting inside and outside of the church. 

 After a week at work we had our final day out south. In the morning we left for a swamp tour. On the tour we saw snakes, herons, wild boar and alligator. After that we headed into the city of New Orleans. In New Orleans we went for lunch at one of New Orleans best restaurants, The Gazebo, where there was live music and great food. I had the catfish while a lot of others had alligator which was also very good. After that we had lots of time to roam around the city. The city has a very good culture where you will always see someone playing the blues. The next day we packed for the ride home. After another long ride home we were back in the cold Canada.

Visit Saint-Emilion!

Blogged by: Audrey

“Saint- Emilion” is a breathtaking village in south western France. This small commuity much like the rest of the country is stuffed with History, that can be seen throughout every single inch of it’s landscape.It borders the urban Bardeux, leaving this commutiy to be more rural.  Although this town is not commonly thought of when France is mentioned, it is a gorgeous part of the country. Tourists are drawn, to all the history, scenery and goods this village has to offer.

Travelers venture to “Saint-Emilion” for numerous reasons. Some seek “Saint-Emilion” for its lengthy vineyards and it’s fine wine. Others visit this community to taste their fresh baguettes and macaroons. Some might travel to “Saint-Emilion” for  it’s rustic buildings and, slanted streets. People also use “Saint-Emilion” as a shopping spot, this town has many small locally owned shops with various homemade goods. Why not find your own reason to love this french paradise.

Climate is  beautiful thing in “ Saint Emilion”. The temperature during the winter is warm and rarely cools off. However in the summer we start to get dry and hot temperature coming into play. This makes it an ideal place for those who prefer warmer weather than cooler weather.

“Saint-Emilion” is a not simply a unique town, but an vintage one as well. Almost everywhere in France has a vintage feel, but “Saint-Emilion” takes it to a whole new level. With its slanted streets, dated buildings, churches and even a castle! The large and enchanting castle that is located in this amazing town is named “ Saint-Christophe Des Bardes”.The views of stone pathed streets, and natural vineyards are breathtaking at the least. One of my favorite parts of “ Saint-Emilion” is it has many hills or pieces of land above the rest. This makes it easy to really take its scenery.  Maybe you will see rustic buildings and churches, or perhaps you will see it’s fresh green vineyards.

Overall who wouldn’t want to see such an important and gorgeous part of France. This country isn't just the Eiffel tower and Paris. It has many other small gems like this that can change the way you see France.