Pasadena Reflections:
Lynn Menz, Trinity, Jefferson
I have been on the Pasadena adventure a few times before and
each trip is different. Different people each time make for new and
special times. This year there was a unique mission event after the
decorating was completed. Never before have I been involved in wrapping
over 600 sandwiches in such rapid fire succession the way Sandy and I
did. I think we should have some kind of medal. What say you,
Sandy? I was impressed with the operation and building we were part of in
Skid Row. We were a small part of much needed help for the homeless that
day.
The main reason for this mission adventure was to decorate
the Lutheran Hour Float and other floats. It presents the gospel message
to millions of people along the parade route and around the world via TV.
It was great to be part of our group as we decorated the Lutheran Hour Float
with the final roses on the last day, making it a sight to behold! Steve
did a great job with the greenery around the float while the roses were being
added. Work on the other floats was also fabulous as we worked on so many
of them during our four decorating days. And of course it was satisfying
to see the finished floats come out the building the last day and line up on
the street! I appreciated the day of the parade and just ‘being there’
with all the excitement to see our group have this once in a lifetime
experience! Our seating was so perfect, thanks to Chris. And I
thought it was great that we were able to break into groups for the various
activities after the parade and that everyone got to do what they wanted with
the rest of that special day. Some went to the Ronald Reagan Museum, some
to the Rose Bowl game and others to the beach.
I enjoyed the meals out with our group and all the talking,
laughing and getting to know each other. I especially enjoyed the young
people who were part of our group. I thoroughly enjoyed that they
interacted with me, an old guy, and shared with me and even responded to my
teasing! It was a special joy to see the family groups in our team
participating and sharing the adventure together! All in all, it was a
great trip. I am glad I was part of the adventures again this
year. Lynn Menz P.S. Awesome job, Ellie!!
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Dorothy Kruse, Zion, Ogden
The trip could not have been planned any better. The
highlights were working on the floats, seeing the great parade in person in
front row seats, seeing President Reagan’s Library and Museum and the Skid Row
adventure. All were very interesting.
I will never forget the great faith strengthening
devotions each evening and all the wonderful friends we made.
What an awesome week! Thanks for all your special
efforts. Dorothy
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Kayla Heetland, Faith, Adel
This has been an absolutely amazing trip! It has been so
great to have my whole family on this experience. My faith has been
strengthened by witnessing throughout the week and sharing time with a
group of people with the same beliefs. The complexity, amount of detail,
and amount of work the floats require amazes me. You could never even
imagine this by watching it on TV! Watching the parade on TV will never
be the same! It will be so much better now! Every float was so
different, but so gorgeous! The amount of different kinds of flowers and
seeds used on the floats was unbelievable. We spent the whole first day
working on silver leaf. It comes all the way from South Africa. It
was also so gorgeous to see a whole tent full of flowers! I
understand that the flower tent had over $1.5 million worth of flowers!
The Lutheran Hour float was absolutely breathtaking!
Not only because it was beautiful, but it was such a strong witness to the
millions of people watching the parade. The float also played "I Can
Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. The beauty of the float along with this
song was very moving. Watching the Lutheran Hour float move down Colorado
Blvd was the highlight of this trip. All our hard work and lack of sleep
was more than worth it. The beautiful float, music and the presence of
God was very touching and I am sure it touched many people's hearts.
Working with the homeless was a great eye opener to see how
blessed we truly are. It reminds you to be thankful every day for
everything we have. This was an amazing experience and I would encourage
everyone to become a Petal Pusher or go on another mission trip. God
loves You! Kayla Heetland
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Joan Nahnsen, Immanuel, Schleswig
The week spent with the Petal Pushers in California was an
exceptional experience for me. I especially enjoyed working with and spending
time with a great group of hardworking and friendly people. Ellie does a
good job organizing and keeping everyone taken care of. Working on the
floats, seeing all the beautiful flowers, and meeting people from all over the
USA who are Petal Pushers was fun. The parade was great, also the
weather.
The experience working with people on Skid Row was great
although I was a little leery about that area of LA. God kept us safe on
Skid Row and also on our travels to Pasadena. Thanks Ellie, Lynn and all
our IOWAY Petal Pusher group for a great week. God bless all of you and
hope we will meet again.
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