We expect that you have some quesons and we hope that these answers might help you a bit!

A Bus? Really? isn't flying faster (and easier?) Well, yes, ying is easier (and actually, it isn't cheaper). But taking a group of amazing people by bus is beer for the environment and WAY more fun. Just ask the group who drove to Toronto in 2011. For many, it was an wonderful trip that had a huge impact on their livesthey made UCC friends they are sll connected with, they saw places and experienced things they had never done before, ate more sandwiches than they thought possible, and enjoyed (no, really!) the bus part of the trip the most!! So we just drive and drive and drive? My Ipods music list wont last that long. We very rarely drive for more than a couple of hours without stopping to either have a meal, check out a park, look at the Worlds largest (tee pee, moose, goose, curling puck...the list goes on!), spend me with local UCC churches, and much more. We really try to make sure that we have a sense of the journey and it isn't all about just geng to Winnipeg. Andthere are some mes on the bus when we hope everyone puts away their ipods and connects with the people around them (we have quiet me, too) Some of us may learn how to knit (or other great travel acvies) and we will play group games, etc. We will bring some movies but last me, we didn't really watch themthere was so much else we wanted to do. Not that I always think with my stomach but We will be hosted for yummy meals in lots of churches along the way. The people in the local churches are so great about sharing food and me with us - it really is a highlight. We will also have some meals in local restaurants and picnics from the coolers in the bus. What about sleepingdo we sleep on the bus? Well, some of like to catch up on some sleep on the bus but every night, we stop for sleep on the oor of a host church. Our evenings include me to noce the gratude and blessing of the day, a me of reecon and vespers, a me to build community and check in. Everyone will need to bring a bed roll for bed me. Ummm. There are no showers on the bus. That could be a problem. No problem. We swim everyday. Great exercise and a cleaning and showering opportunity! Shower shoes are a good bonus. So when we get to Winnipegthen what happens? We parcipate in Rendezvous 2014A Naonal gathering of United Church of Canada with youth (Grade 9 and up), young adults and their leaders. We will experience dynamic worship, excing plenary sessions, workshops, exposure trips and amazing opportunies for building friendships! The event is at the University of Manitoba and we will be grateful to sleep in a bed again! There is more informaon about this part of the event at www.uccrendezvous.ca. And then we turn around and come home...on the bus...again? Yup. On the bus again! We will plan some stops we haven't seen and games we haven't played and well, you get the idea. Same great group and similar route and plan (but not totally the same). Ok, so this sounds pretty great - but, how much is it? We are thrilled that the Provision Commiees of VanBurrard and Westminster Presbytery approved the funding for this bus trip which means, we are able to pay for a lot of the costs. That being saidthere are sll costs. The bus trip is a sliding scale (based on what you can aord) of $300500 and it includes accommodaon, travel, all program expenses, any tourist or side trip costs and most of your meals (we ask that you budget for your spending money to include 4 meals you have to purchase yourselfwe will tell you when those meals will be closer to the date). You also have to pay for your RENDEZVOUS registraon which is $325 if you apply before March 1, 2014. So the total cost for 8 days of amazing life giving transformave experiences? Between $625 - 825. There are some funds that you can apply for to help with the cost. We can help you nd money so please don't let that be the only reason you don't come with us! I am still not sure. Ok. Well, we hope that you will talk to someone who was on the bus last me because we know how the experience shaped their life. If you would like more informaon or someone to chat with about this event, please contact Eric Hamlyn at eric @vanyaya.bc.ca or Pamela Jeery at pamelaj@shuc.ca or Mary Nichol at maryn@shiloh-6ave.net or Henri Lock at hlock@uvic.ca. These are the leaders of the bus and they are an amazing group of people who are so excited about the opportunity of me with you! OK. I am in! How do I sign up? That is so great! You can register and reserve your space on the bus at www.vanayaya.bc.ca. You need to pay at least $100 towards your bus costs at the me that you register. You can pay the whole bus part at the me that you register if you like but all the bus fee is due by March 31, 2014. Registraon is open unl the bus lls upand trust us, it will ll up so please register early! This event is open to all youth , going into Grade 9 in September 2014, and young adults. Dont forget - you will also need to register for Rendezvous 2014 (we can send informaon to you about that very soon). I have another question. And we would love to hear from you please feel free to contact Eric Hamlyn (eric@vanayaya.bc.ca) at 604-290-2432 or Pamela Jeery (pamelaj@shuc.ca) at 604-261-6377, local 205.