San Diego Academy’s Mission Trip goes Local
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there was also an opportunity for the group to visit a local nursing home and rehabilitation center to sing to the residents. Many of the people from CVRM expressed their appreciation for the upbeat, positive, and cheerful spirit of the students. “Whether it was peeling and cutting hundreds of pounds of potatoes and onions, holding toddlers with runny noses and coughs, making our group meals and more, the students would step up and volunteer to help,” said Stephanie Mayang, third grade teacher and vice principal. Mayang said people at CVRM were amazed that the students were there to serve over an extended period of time, allowing for relationships to be formed with the children. “At first they thought we were just a one-day deal, but when we kept returning day after day they knew we were seriously committed to serve in whatever capacity possible, and this developed a sense of goodwill and trust,” Mayang said. San Diego Academy is planning their 2018-2019 mission trip, which also will be within the United States. This will make it more affordable for students and help them open their eyes to see the needs around them. By Stephanie Mayang and Jessica Anzai Permaul
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEPHANIE MAYANG
uring Thanksgiving break, 15 students and four adults from San Diego Academy spent five days on a local mission trip volunteering at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. CVRM is a homeless, women’s, and family shelter that focuses on helping people with food, housing, clothing, counseling, and spiritual recovery. While serving there, San Diego Academy students worked in the kitchen twice a day; held children’s activities such as singing songs, distributing stuffed animals and books, leading out in arts and crafts, and playing games; packed and distributed 231 Thanksgiving boxes for the homeless people; and made cards for the volunteers, residents, and children there. “The mission trip helped me put into perspective how everyone else can deal with different things and it helped me feel what they were feeling,” Iyonia Hollie, junior, said. “It was a blessing to be able to be a part of this and help them know that they are not alone and that someone does care.” “I liked helping out with the kids, interacting with them, having fun with them, and making them feel special and happy,” Carlos Sanchez, sophomore, said. On Sabbath, besides all of the scheduled services at CVRM,
Students from San Diego Academy prepare food at Coachella Valley Rescue Mission during their Thanksgiving break.
Upcoming Events Sportball Parent & Me Class Every Sunday in February and March; ages 2-3, 9-9:45 a.m.; ages 3-5, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Mesa Grande Academy, 975 Fremont St., Calimesa. Come to MGA’s Sportball class for a fun way to interact and play with your child and get to know some of MGA staff. Register: www.mesagrandeacademy. org/sportball. From Sickness to Health (Feb. 10) 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Vista church, 720 Alta Vista Drive, Vista. Learn Blue Zone secrets from guest speaker Rico Hill for living better and longer. Lose weight, reverse diabetes, lower your blood pressure, and prevent heart disease naturally. Info: 760-726-5353. Annual Intermediate Handbell Festival (Feb. 15) 7 p.m., Redlands Adventist Academy, 130 Tennessee St., Redlands. Info: David Longa, 951-509-2321. Small Group Discipleship Retreat (Feb. 16-18) Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center. Contact your pastor for a discount. Hosted by Hispanic ministries. Info: Magbis Leonora, 951-509-2333. Friendships for Hope Gala (Feb. 24) 7-9:30 p.m., Paradise Valley church, 2701 E. 8th Street, National City. Attend this dining, music, and silent auction fundraiser to support war victims with English, education, and job training. Info: Amilcar Marrima, 619-315-6559, ipemarrima@ hotmail.com. TK/Kindergarten Roundup (Feb. 25) 4 p.m., Mesa Grande Academy, 975 Fremont St., Calimesa. All children entering Transitional Kindergarten (students turning five between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2) or Kindergarten (students who are five by Sept. 1) are invited to come learn about MGA. Info: Elisa Suphol, 909-795-1112, elisa.suphol@mgak-12.org. MARCH Pathfinder Kite Day (March 4) 8:45 a.m.–4 p.m., San Diego Mission Bay, Mariner’s Point; Mariners Way, San Diego. Pathfinder Kite Day is a relaxing day that brings parents and Pathfinders together. It is an event where parents can join in the fun of creating the kite together with their children. Info: Judi Jeffreys, 951-509-2265, www.seccyouth.com.