A Look at Kansas BC - by Jimmy!!

As many of you know, our office interns (Jimmy) work really hard throughout the summer helping us with lots of things that help us create a great base camp and a great summer for our teams. The following was written last night (Monday night) and is their perspective on the Kansas Base Camp that was held this weekend:

Dear Diary,

When you imagine Kansas do you think of tractors, wheat fields and tornados? I do. Surprisingly, that’s pretty accurate. Except for the tornado, we’re still waiting on one of those to show up, but the rainy weather might help that along. The staff and interns all have secret aspirations of becoming storm chasers.

The ride up to Kansas was 9 hours in a mini van with not much to do. When the scenery outside is mainly plains and scattered trees you are left with two options: talk to each other or dance. Our van chose the latter. The only thing more exciting than watching Caleb and Allison coin new dance moves was the toll stop in Kansas when both of our vehicles were attacked by a swarm of over 100 bees. No one knows where they came from or why they felt compelled to dive bomb into our windows, but they did. As a whole, I think we were more freaked out by the other cars staring at us in shock as if we had somehow caused the bee attack than the actual bee attack itself.

Arriving and unpacking the trailer was easier than it looked, especially since everyone was exhausted and ready to get to bed. Waking up the next morning was when the fun really began! Once the students arrived, energy was at its peak and everyone’s game face was on.  In a strange way it was exciting to see folders and notebooks and pens handed out to students and their parents and know all the mundane office work we did throughout the week being put to good use.

This was only a shadow of enjoyment compared to taking on the roles of the inexplicably cranky employees of the iGosian airport, or the ridiculously excited members of the iGosian people waiting outside the airport for American travelers. We always strive to remember that the attitudes and pestering questions serve a greater purpose - preparing the teams for what they might face on the field. As always, we had a lot of fun with this Kansas team.

The remainder of the day has been much more calm than yesterday, aside from the iGosian celebratory dance early this morning, which if you haven’t done, you definitely need to learn.

Overall the base camp thus far has been, in the opinion of this intern, a success. Worship has been amazing - Jourdan Burkes and Kristen Massey are amazing with the music thing. The teachings by Brad and AC are really challenging the students - and I’m always challenged as well.

Be praying for the students as they leave Tues morning at 3 am - they have a big journey ahead of them. We’ll be leaving shortly after that, pray we’re not too exhausted on the ride home, we need energy for more dance parties!

See you back in Texas!

Love,

Jimmy

2 Comments

Emily Martin, June 8th 2010 | Posted in Base Camp

Jimmy!!!

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at iGo? Are you interested in getting to know our staff on a deeper level and experiencing missions mobilization first hand? If so, then you should be a Jimmy! Every summer we have 6-8 interns that serve alongside our staff who are collectively known as “Jimmy.”

Jimmy plays a huge role in recruiting students for the coming year, assisting with the logistics of mobilization, talking with students on the phone, organizing and running base camp, and much more! Imagine yourself at Base Camp with food AND your suitcase!

A lot of time will be spent in the office preparing for Base Camp and completing various administrative tasks. Jimmy is not, however, just an office job. It is an internship – both in the office and outside the office. One of the most important aspects of Jimmy is the spiritual growth and development you will experience through intentional discipleship and Biblical community.

Are you teachable, loyal, servant-hearted and a hard-worker? Do you like to laugh and have fun? Then come Jimmy with us this summer! Click HERE to visit our website for more info and the application. Hurry! The deadline is approaching fast!

New for 2010!!! James “Rowdy” Rodgers is joining the iGo Global staff this year. Rowdy has been working with media for years running the media presentations at Super Summers and Hot Hearts conferences. We are looking for 1-2 students this summer who have media and techy type skills. Rowdy is a great teacher and you will have a great opportunity to enhance your skills in video editing, medial production, etc. as you help mobilize students.

2 Comments

Emily Martin, February 5th 2010 | Posted in Base Camp, Emily, Uncategorized

Who’s Your Favorite iGosian?

As many of you know, iGosia brings with it many interesting features - most notably, its people. Below we’ve highlighted four of our favorites (check out the bios underneath the pictures) and we want you to vote for YOUR favorite iGosian! You may very well have encountered this very iGosian at Base Camp this summer. If so, be sure to leave a comment about your experience.

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1.  The Fake Bus Pass Salesperson  If you’re looking for the “bus to iGosia” you’ve come to the wrong place. Despite any promises she may make, her ticket will only grant you access to a “bus tour iGosia” As if selling you a worthless bus pass was not enough, she refuses to negotiate pricing with anyone. Offering anything less than 5 iGo will result in a verbal reprimanding with such intensity that it may bring you to tears.

sarah-2

2. Almost a Security Guard  After being rejected as a real security guard and being denied the official black shirt, she has made it her ambition to prove herself by enforcing food laws during the culture meal. Note the baggy clothes and intense facial expression as she tries to look bigger and tougher than she actually is. She doesn’t necessarily enjoy inflicting pain on American thieves and stooges, but she is willing to do whatever it takes to prove herself in order to become a real iGosian security guard.

ky-3

3.  The Non-Salesman  Most iGosians at the market will go to great lengths to get you to buy their products, but not him. He has made it his sole priority to remind foreign customers at the market that certain products are “No for Sale.” Regardless of whether or not you try to purchase an item from him, you will certainly know before the closing of the market that his items cannot be purchased.

bethany-4

4.  Silent Salesperson  This mysterious woman is known for the unexplainable swings in her pricing of certain items and the fact that she never talks…ever. Several theories have arisen as to why nobody as ever heard her speak. It could be: 1. The result of a physical condition. 2 Insecurity due to her inadequate English. 3. An attempt to make herself seem even more mysterious. 4. An extra means of evasiveness to prevent people from trying to negotiate pricing.

Vote for your favorite iGosian!

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2 Comments

Emily Martin, November 6th 2009 | Posted in Base Camp, Funny, Jonathan, Ky, Sarah

Favorite ‘09 Base Camp Quotes

We LOVE doing Base Camp and every year we pick up new quotes from our students and staff. These quotes have a way of weaving themselves into our daily conversation throughout the rest of the year. We wanted to share them so you can start using them too! Post a comment and let us know which one is your favorite, which one you use, or other favorite (and appropriate) quotes from YOUR Base Camp. Here are our top five favorite quotes from the 2009 Base Camp.

1. Those people spoke nothing but Muslim to me.

2. Um…yeah, our dorm is on fire…

3. No for sale!!

4. People! People! People! It’s legal tender!!

5. We were working together…by ourselves!

10 Comments

Emily Martin, September 18th 2009 | Posted in Base Camp, Funny