Sr. Youth Mystery Mission Trip 2026
“Navigating the Waters – Life, Liberty, and Jesus’ love!”
On our way to the mystery destination it was a lot different than I thought it was going to be. Instead of everyone watching videos we were laughing, napping, and socializing. We talked, Garret and Ms. Leslie sang, and many were taking pictures of the amazing scenery. In the end, everyone on this trip connected to each other in some way whether it was talking about a dead bear or yelling at each other to take pictures, we all got closer and experienced god’s gift of friends. (Josh)
Last night, we were in Roanoke Virginia, and we went to the Roanoke star! The Roanoke star was made in 1942, to symbolize the progressive spirit of Roanoke! The star is 88 1/2 feet, and is visible from 60 miles! It’s lit up every night until 12! It was a huge beacon on the mountain and made us think about the Magi following the star to find Jesus. (Daniel)
When we went to college Lutheran we were immediately met by pastor David who then gave us a tour of the church. After that we explored the youth room and found lots of cool things to do like air hockey, table tennis and lots of couches. Finally in the morning we got up and got ready then went to the chapel which was very nice and did our daily devotion. (Brady)
We got to tour Roanoke college which was an awesome adventure! We found out about the fun events that they do. We got to go see the dorm rooms and we saw the library. We also got to go see the Virginia synod and learn about Lutheran churches in VA and talk about the camps we love. It was and amazing experience! (Beth)
Our canoeing experience was something... Gabriel and I got our canoe stuck on rocks and couldn't move it. Luckily, Pastor Eric and James paddled up stream and got to Gabe and I but we couldn't get the canoe unstuck. Trying to get the canoe unstuck and then waiting with the canoe for help and then when help arrived trying even harder to get the canoe unstuck unsucceasfulk so we just had to leave it and hop on the canoe with Pastor Eric and James it reminded me of how we hold onto so much and won't let go even if it's keeping us from growing but once we leave all that we hold onto and join in our savior Jesus we can appreciate life and what God has made. (Garrett)
On Monday we went canoeing! Although we encountered some rough waters, it allowed us to embrace the spirit of the mystery tour and go with the flow. We got to see some pretty scenery and make some cool memories! (Addi)
Tuesday morning we went to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, which welcomed us with open arms, letting us park our bus in their parking lot for our day in Charlottesville, and allowed us to do our morning devotional in their sanctuary. He then went to University of Virginia and explored its beautiful campus, learning about its historical significance. On campus we visited The Rotunda, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the stairs to the Rotunda is where we filmed the Wednesday devotional. (James)
On Tuesday, we went to a place called the haven!
It’s a day shelter for the unhoused in the Charlottesville area, and is known for its no barriers policy, meaning you don’t have to meet any requirements, or prove anything to be able to acquire integral assistance, regarding food, heat/ac and clean restrooms.
They have a lot of amazing resources available to help get people back on their feet, and programs to help stop homelessness at the root.
We packed hygiene kits for their clients using the generous donations from living springs! (Alyssa)
We went to Thomas Jeffersons house called Monticello, we had a tour guide tell us all about the Jeffersons and the house. He wrote the Declaration of Independence. I appreciated how the tour made sure to tell the story of the slaves that worked at Monticello and that they still hold reunions for all his descendants from some of those slaves. (Beth)
Today we went to Shenandoah to do prayer and devotions. We talked about things that touched us over that day and just random little things here and there. And we were all very inspired and interested in this girl siting in her car playing that guitar and singing and it was very beautiful. We were all also very mesmerized by the beautiful sun set and that just made the moment even better. We all were talking about the amazing experiences we had that day and we were all connecting with each other and sharing Gods light and love. (Hailey)
On Wednesday, we went to CART! I cleaned big water buckets to prepare for a new horse they are getting on Saturday! Then I helped install some rubber stuff that a horse needs to kick sometimes when shes mad. I Then got to wash an adorable horse named Frankie! She is so soft and sweet. Then I helped groom, wash, and walk with a horse named rocky! He is super loud and spirited but adorable. I hope to go again it was so fun! (Beth)
On Wednesday, we went to CART! I cleaned big water buckets to prepare for a new horse they are getting on Saturday! Then I helped install some rubber stuff that a horse needs to kick sometimes when shes mad. I Then got to wash an adorable horse named Frankie! She is so soft and sweet. Then I helped groom, wash, and walk with a horse named rocky! He is super loud and spirited but adorable. I hope to go again it was so fun! (Beth)
What can I say about helping with the C.A.R.T. It was so COOL, well mainly… I got the crazy job of picking up horse poop 💩. Beside that I was allowed to groom a Horse named Rocky. Rocky was so cool. He was a ginger. He was so beautiful. I also was allowed to get ticks out of him which was neet? But scary because Rocky kept flinching and hitting me with his tail. So in the end I this is my new favorite service project. (Josh)
