“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)

As we continue our journey, the Media Team volunteers at Good Shepherd Ministries as our fourth trip.

We started off the day by learning about Good Shepherd’s service for the homeless and neglected members of the community. By serving more than a thousand meals a day, providing people with shelter and clothing and help treating homeless people that have addictions, Good Sheppard strives to make a difference to those in need. We then headed up to the top floor where one of the housekeepers showed us how to make the beds. We had over 90 beds to make in under 2 hours so we split off into groups of two so that we can get the job done faster.

Francesca and Karen (mostly Karen) excited that shes almost done

Sebastian and Rachel

Kevin putting the bed sheets on the mattress

Dana and Kevin with a pink blanket

Mike and a bed that he made

Aaliyah putting on the final touches

Natalie climbing to start making the upper bunk

We then decided to head down to the cafeteria to have lunch. When we finished, we went back up to the dorms to finish the rest of the beds. Since the Media Team loves to have competitions, we tried to find out which team made the best bed.

Later on we headed downstairs and split into our east end and west end teams to film clips of our music video and to do some of the beds that are located down there. Once we were done, we helped move boxes that was filled with clothing into a storage room and moved food that was put into the pantry and kitchen.

Voted best bed by Mike!

Kevin giving a thumbs up while moving heavy boxes

Sebastian, Rachel, Neil, Karen and Aaliyah moving the food out of the truck

We ended the day with a little discussion and reflection on what we learned during the day. We realize that there are many people that are on the streets who are less fortunate than we are. We reflected on how we can make a little difference in our homes, schools and workplace. Before we parted ways, we also talked to a man who went to Good Shepherd for help before and thanked us for giving up our time to volunteer. We are still young, we still have more things to learn and experience in life, but this experience helped everyone grow spiritually as individuals and as a family.

For more information:

Home

Continuing our journey with this program, the Media Team takes on Centre Island for our third trip.

As we begin our adventure, Mike Consul started the day with a prayer after we got off the ferry. Then, we discussed about each team’s posters to give feedbacks and improvements. Our supervisor, Doris, informed us with some announcements about the upcoming Camp Day with Footsteps to Success camp. After our discussion, Mike decided to try to catch a fish for a bit.

When we finished with our morning topic, we decided to find a place to eat lunch. Shortly after lunch, the West end and East end team decided to film some clips for our music video, while Mike continues to fish.

After filming enough clips for our videos, the team decided to bike around the island with a quad-cycle – a bicycle with four people. Here we learned the true meaning of “teamwork” as we competed who can be the fastest. The first team consisted of: Neil, Rachel, Karen, and Francesca. Then second team included: Dana, Kevin, Keesha, and Sebastian. Lastly, the third team were: Mike, Chase, Doris, Aaliyah, and Natalie.

Each person in each bike had to pedal in order for it to work and be balanced. As we race and pedal away, the first two teams had to stop as both bikes broke down. Sebastian and Kevin were able to fix the bike easily, and even though Neil was on the opposite team, they still decided to help him fix their bike. Soon, we all continued our race and everyone’s competitive side was revealed, even Mike’s!

We then took a break for a few minutes to take pictures of the beautiful skyline of Toronto and just appreciate the scenery. After, we all went back to where we started and in the end, every team won!

Being all hot and sweaty after the race, we went back to the fountain to cool off. The water was very cool and refreshing everyone took off their shoes and went in the fountain. While everyone was just freshening up and splashing each other, Sebastian decided to collect the coins that was in the fountain. He sure is going to get a lot of bad luck!

This might be the end of our day, but this is not the end of our journey. We still have a lot to learn, experience new things, and practice life skills. This day just made everyone even closer together not just as a team, but as a family!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

In the words of our supervisor, Doris Adao, “there’s comfort in knowing you have a team to fall back on.” As we journeyed through this trip, we realized that through the struggles of steep hills and riverbanks, the reward of an amazing view was worth it.

Walking through an open field

Look how steep it is

Walking was so tough that Chase had to pick up a walking stick

Kyle leads the group!

After a few minutes of travelling through a field and working our way up the hill, we cam across an open beautiful view of the valley.

Look at that amazing view!

Everyone pulled out their phones to take personal pictures

I think the best view is on the right 😉

We learned that following a certain colour marked on the tree means that you’re following a specific trail. If ever you’re lost, just look for a common colour painted on the tree bark!

We built a shack while taking a quick break

Beautiful

We then learned the importance of team-building and trusting one another. We found a large fallen tree and every one of us fell backwards into the arms of our teammates. It was an intense trust exercise, but we all formed a stronger bond through this exercise.

Pose on the tree!

Chase walking by herself to the end

Does Rachel trust everyone?

Does Karen trust everyone?

After replenishing our strength from catching everyone by eating lunch, we set on a journey through the river. There were a lot of rocks in this river and by a lot, I mean A LOT —  Which made the venture through much more exciting. In this river, we also caught a couple of fish!

Rachel caught a fish!

River walking

Picture picture!

Kiss the fish

After venturing through the river and a couple slips and falls here and there, we finally made it back to the dry land. We hiked through the forest for a couple more minutes and then made our way to the bridge. We became 13 grumpy old trolls who lived under the bridge.

Chase posing in front of the beautiful forest

Picture under the bridge!