Allow me to introduce you to the team. From left to right: Emma Glemaker, Dave Glemaker, Timmy Carpenter, Kelli Phillips, Brit Prescott, Chelsea Coggins, Austin Hinners, Heather Tan, April Rumelhart, Grace Prescott, Anna Honerlaw, Todd Hinners, Lindsey Hartenstein, Stevie Carpenter, Andrew Klenk, Logan Hinners, Joseph Metzger, Jimmy Slyby, Hayden Worth, and Judah Hartenstein! (Peter Guth not in picture)

How it breaks down: Adult leaders - Kelli and Dave, 13 kids from 6th to 8th grade, 4 High School leaders, one college leader, and me, Todd, your tour guide.

It has been my privilege to lead this trip for the second time. Pastor Brian Mease led the first two trips in 2007 & 08 and it has grown every year since. Along with my son Austin, Happy Project has been in our family from the start. Pastor Mike and his family have become great friends of ours over the years and the trip is about more than just the week we spend in Jackson. Many small groups from Hope visit the Happy Church throughout the year taking on repairs, painting, or just helping with whatever needs to be done. The kids from the Happy Church visit us on their trips north competing in bible quiz competitions.

Did you know the Happy Church Quiz Team consistently ranks in the top 3 in individual and team competitions? Our mission team will get a chance to test their quiz-abilities against the pros from the Happy Church during our trip.

This years VBS theme is Egypt - From prison to palace! We look forward to sharing about Joseph and making his story come to life.

Follow this blog as the trip kicks off on June 19th!