Blazer Game!!!

I love going to see a live basketball game! There's just so much energy and excitement! Last Friday we took some teens to go watch the Blazers game. It was an awesome, action-filled game and the Blazers ended up scoring over 100 points. Any time that happens they give out coupons for free chalupas at Taco Bell. So guess where we went after the game?! Check out the pics below.

Portland Service Trip

Thanks to all who helped out with our "Make A Difference" hats and socks drive. We had so many items to give away! The Youth Group wrapped them up into presents and last Saturday we handed them out to the homeless in downtown Portland. A lot of the teens mentioned that it felt good to give out the presents because they felt they were making a difference in another person's life, even if it was only a small gesture. Some of the homeless people we met were so happy to see us and were so thankful for receiving even just a pair of gloves or socks. They were all so nice and joyful as well. It's amazing to see all the hardships they have to go through and yet they are still able to be so joyful. The whole trip was such a cool experience and helped us all to really appreciate the many blessings in our own lives.

Check out the video of some of the pictures:

NCCYM New Orleans

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend The National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry in New Orleans. NCCYM is a conference for Youth Ministers and Youth Leaders. Some of the speakers and performers included Steve Angrisano, Mike Patin, Mark Hart, Jessie Manibusan, Fr. Larry Richards, Apex, and Jackie Francois. Twenty one Youth Ministers from the Portland Archdiocese attended and there were over 2,500 attendees at the Conference from all over the U.S.

It was a great experience to hear national speakers, get updated on current youth ministry trends, and network with other youth ministers. I took several workshops on youth ministry as well as college and young adult ministry. It was very refreshing and rejuvenating to be part of the conference!

The entire conference was infused with New Orleans style music, culture, and hospitality! This video clip is from the opening ceremonies:

Nothing like an energetic gospel choir to wake you up in the morning:

I also had a little bit of time to explore the city and sample some local treats and creole specialty foods like gumbo, jambalaya, turtle soup, po boys (big sandwiches), and more! New Orleans (or as the locals call it, N'awlins) is full of culture and history. Everywhere we walked in the French Quarter there were street musicians and restaurants playing lively jazz music.