FAITH

LIVE faith

Mission Trips

BY ANTHONY BUI PHOTO BY JOSEPH REDFIELD

“ F OR everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?” (Romans 10:13-15)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Throughout the Bible, you will see a command from God to share the good news of the Gospel with the world. Yes, that can be done as you go about life where you currently are as there are coworkers, friends, family, and even strangers that you come into contact with every day that need to hear the good news of Christ. There are also countless ways for you to get involved and serve at your local church and community. There is no denying the fact that these actions honor God and that you are taking responsibility for your faith. With that being said, there are countless people groups that have never heard the Gospel or do not have a saving relationship with God. These are people that aren’t in your community. They are overseas, and even sometimes, just a few states away. Though the distance may seem daunting, looking at these two verses should instill a sense of urgency that overcomes the The purpose of mission trips has nothing to do with yourself. It has everything with obeying and honoring God with your actions.

miles. Mission trips are a great way to fulfill God’s command to us. It is also a good chance for children to actively practice their faith by sharing it with others on these trips. During the school year, children realistically can’t do this. They have classes and other responsibilities that shouldn’t be neglected. That is why the summer is the perfect time to go on these mission trips. Most churches will have sign ups and info sessions throughout the year. Once you sign up for one, some churches will even have training sessions in order to best equip people for whatever specific ministry they will be doing. Whatever it is, come eager to learn and ready to step out of your comfort zone. The purpose of mission trips has nothing to do with yourself. It has everything to do with obeying and honoring God with your actions. Yes, you do grow in your own walk with Christ, but that should not be the sole reason you go on a mission trip. There should be a yearning in your heart to bring the Gospel to places that so desperately need it and to bring hope to situations that seem so hopeless. Going on a mission trip shouldn’t be something that someone has to twist your arm into doing. You should want it, and when you want it, God will be honored no matter what happens. You just have to take that first step. When you do, you will have the chance to impact someone’s life for all of eternity. In a society where most people would consider mission trips overly invasive and just for show, remember that for Christians there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend (John 15:13). Jesus did that for us, and it is ultimately our responsibility to bring this good news to those around us as well as those far distances away who may have never heard this news before. ■

Why We Should CANCEL

Cancel Culture

BY EMILY DREZ

It’s no news that the Internet can be a dangerous place, but now there’s a new crisis among teens and young adults that is lurking among the world wide web. This crisis is a method to put down other people who do something the mainstream media considers offensive or contrary to popular belief, and it is extremely harmful for our youth’s mental health.

PODCAST

As the writer here, I do not condone any harmful words or actions for which some people need to be held accountable. Rather, I am emphasizing the dangers of this specific type of groupthink that forces a person into a mindset that is damaging to themselves and the people around them. This mindset assumes someone must be humiliated if they uphold values and opinions that do not meet the media’s standards, and it has a name: cancel culture.

WHAT IS CANCEL CULTURE?

Cancel culture stems from the belief that certain ideas, words, or actions are unacceptable based on a social agenda that requires political correctness. If a person says or does something against this belief, they are “canceled,” which means they face harsh criticism from their peers and are usually shunned altogether. It’s a common phenomenon with celebrities in particular, as a small group of people can be quick to cancel an artist and try to ruin the artist’s career. For example, something a singer posted 10 years ago may resurface on the Internet today and be considered socially unacceptable, even if no one thought twice about it when the singer originally posted it. Another example would be when someone faces judgment for not posting something in support of a specific political or social movement. These are based on another idea that spurs cancel culture: being “woke.”

“Wokeness” is another word for “political correctness.” It has been around for a long time, but it is especially prevalent now that we have the world rushing at us with quick-fire speed–and right in the palms of our hands. These days, our phones give us unlimited access to just about anything, including tons of pressure from the media to be politically correct. The idea is, if you are not “woke,” you face a list of consequences, including being publicly ostracized by friends and strangers alike. Though those who partake in cancel culture are the minority–a group of people that are almost exclusively teenagers and young adults–their voices can overshadow those who understand the true danger of it.

HOW IS IT HARMFUL?

Cancel culture is detrimental to our youth’s mental health, and it doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. It feeds our children the idea that they are not allowed to think for themselves or make their own decisions. Instead, they are forced, often unintentionally, to believe in what everyone else believes. When your child is force-fed the notions of cancel culture as they scroll through social media, they start to think that cancel culture is the proper way to treat those who think differently from them, and they forget their sense of individualism. They may participate in cancel culture to spare themselves any criticism or to fit in with everyone else. They may even face cancellation by their peers and be subjected to a lot of bullying, which can make them feel anxious, depressed, and utterly alone.

WHAT CAN I TEACH MY CHILD?

For starters, make sure your child is not living so chronically online that they let the Internet make decisions for them. Teach them to make opinions based on their own values and not according to what other people think. There’s nothing wrong with thinking differently, so long as these thoughts are well-founded and not harshly imposed on others. It is never okay to humiliate someone publicly for their opinion; instead, remind your child to peacefully coexist with different opinions, even those with which they may strongly disagree, because there will be differing perspectives no matter where your child goes or what they do in life. And, if somebody crosses a line, teach your child to vocalize how that person’s words or actions were hurtful without being disrespectful. ■

Spend the Night

at the Museum

PODCAST

WHERE TO STAY OVERNIGHT AT A MUSEUM, AQUARIUM, OR ZOO THIS SUMMER

BY ANTHONY BUI PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2021-22 COVER KID SEBASTIAN O.

NIGHT at the Museum (2006), along with its two sequels in 2009 and 2014, has fascinated children with its on-screen displays of life in a museum after everyone else has gone home. Now, children can experience that themselves, as there are several establishments that have developed overnight programs that allow a child to live out their cinematic dreams. Though the children won’t find themselves in a battle for the Smithsonian alongside exhibits that have come to life, they can still have a learning experience that is both fun and unique.

Dozin’ with the Dinos

At the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, families and children ages 6-12 can enjoy a fun overnight stay by purchasing either the standard, premium, or tour packages. Explore the different exhibits late at night and doze with the dinos. ■ fieldmuseum.org

Operation Slumber

Located in New York City, New York, the

Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

Complex gives children exclusive access to the ship and space shuttle pavilion, and they get to sleep on the aircraft just like sailors did. With a guided tour, unlimited simulator rides, and planetarium shows, it is bound to be a night of fun and excitement for everyone. ■ intrepidmuseum.org/overnight

Smithsonian Sleepovers

The Smithsonian Institution is hoping to resume their Smithsonian Sleepovers for the Summer of 2022. With a variety of experiences to choose from like the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum’s Udvarhazy Center, or the National Portrait Gallery, children will have options when picking their next adventure. ■ smithsoniansleepovers.org

Overnight Adventures

The Tallahassee Museum in Florida offers an overnight experience that is a fun and engaging way to learn about the cultural and natural history of the Big Bend region. It includes plenty of hands-on activities, themes, and customizable options like a night prowl, animal encounter, crafts, and games. ■ tallahasseemuseum.org

Safari Night

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo offers a night of fun and learning as your safari guide leads your group on walking tours of different parts of the zoo. With hands-on activities and animal encounters, it is bound to be a great experience. ■ brzoo.org

Sleepovers at the Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa offers two customizable overnight programs in Adventures after Dark and Sleep with

the Fishes. Each sleepover can be customized to your specific party. ■ flaquarium.org

Sleep Under the Sea

At the Georgia Aquarium, you can count fish instead of sleep as you fall asleep at night. With access to countless presentations, a bedtime snack, a complimentary breakfast, as well as guided tours and activities, children will sleep great in front of their gallery windows. ■ georgiaaquarium.org

Family and Adult After Hours Programs

Experience the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden with your family after everyone else has gone home. ■ cincinnatizoo.org

Family Overnight Safaris

With access to up-close animal encounters and to select exhibits after hours and in the morning, along with a morning scavenger hunt, your family is bound to have a fun and educational time at the Bronx Zoo. ■ tickets.wcs.org

Sharks after Dark

This event at the New York Aquarium includes a behind-the-scenes tour, animal meet and greet, commemorative keepsake, movie in the Hudson Canyon exhibit, an evening snack and morning breakfast, and admission to the aquarium. ■ nyaquarium.com

Roar and Snore Safari

There are a variety of different options for different people, including an adults-only night, at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. ■ sdzsafaripark.org

Nightcrawler

At the Zoo Atlanta, families can spend the night while enjoying activities that are designed for families with children ages six and up. There will be interactive activities, team challenges, zoo tours, and opportunities to learn more about all of the wildlife there. ■ zooatlanta.org

Overnight at the Science Center

Located in Oakland California, The Chabot Space and Science Center offers two unique overnight programs. Families will enjoy fun hands-on programs, interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, as well as stargazing through historic telescopes. ■ chabotspace.org

Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover

Discover the oceans, tops of the rainforest, and outer space with this unique overnight experience at the California Academy of Sciences. Once you are finished with that, find a nice spot next to the variety of different exhibits like Claude the Albino Alligator, and drift off to sleep before enjoying admission into the academy the next day. ■ calacademy.org

Night Ops: Live-Abroad Overnight Adventure

This overnight adventure is perfect for those aircraft carrier enthusiasts. Visit and spend the night aboard the USS Hornet located in Alameda, California where you can learn all about the ship and sailor’s lives aboard it. Sleep in the crew’s quarters, and eat in the mess hall as you truly dive into life above a U.S carrier. ■ uss-hornet.org/overnights

Overnight Camping: USS Kidd

Experience the close quarter life that U.S. sailors experienced onboard the USS Kidd. The full two-day itinerary can be found online which includes a personal guided tour of the ship and its history of how it got its nickname as the “Pirates of the Pacific,” as well as a scavenger hunt. The night concludes with a good night’s sleep in the berthing compartments. ■ usskidd.com

Travel Abroad on a BUDGET

BY EMILY DREZ

PODCAST

It’s summertime! That means you’re probably planning a family vacation, if you have not done so already. Traveling with young children can be a daunting task, especially if you’re thinking about traveling abroad. You may be wondering, how will my child handle a long flight or a foreign country? What if they misbehave or get homesick?

The good news is, there are several measures you can take to make sure your family vacation abroad will be fun and safe–without breaking the bank. While it might not be the most budget-friendly idea to go overseas for your family vacation with only a month’s notice, it’s definitely something to consider for next summer. Sierra Lytle, a travel advisor at House of Travel, offers some advice on what you can do.

HOW DO I PLAN AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?

Plan ahead of time! “I do suggest you start planning for international travel about 10-11 months out,” Sierra says. “Airlines release availability about 11 months ahead of time. Typically there is good pricing about a week to six months after they release the availability.”

Make sure everyone has the proper vaccinations–and not just for COVID-19. Plenty of countries recommend tourists be vaccinated against specific diseases that may not be prevalent in the United States. You also want to make sure everyone has passports that are still valid.

For the long flight, it’s important to bring books, toys, and games to keep your children entertained, and keep a small blanket for when they want to take a nap. Along with the toys, have your child bring a security blanket or a stuffed animal that reminds them of home so that they will feel safer while being overseas. Don’t forget the snacks!

WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO?

“One of my favorite destinations is Italy,” says Sierra. “I think it has a great variety of things to do for families. Europe is starting to open back up a lot now, so Greece, Ireland, England, and France are other fun destinations that are also family-friendly.”

As far as places that are too dangerous for kids, you should avoid cities that are too crowded or have streets that are too narrow, winding, and steep. Before you book a trip, do some quick research to make sure the area is safe for children and has child-friendly attractions.

HOW DO YOU PLAN AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP?

“Lots of tour companies specialize in family and generational trips,” Sierra answers. “If you decide to go with a tour company, you don’t have to worry about planning all the little details. They do everything for you, from luggage handling to tour guiding, to handling transportation.” It’s also important to book any train tickets about threefour months ahead of time and five-six months in advance for rental cars. You need to plan your tours and sightseeing in advance, too, because tourist destinations can fill up quickly.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

Make sure you pack lightly. Sierra suggests limiting yourself to a carry on or a backpack and one suitcase per person; give your children small suitcases so they can roll it themselves. Even if you’re only visiting one country, you’re still going to move around within that country and have multiple accommodations.

“Don’t forget to pack a universal plug adaptor!” Sierra says. Other important things to pack would be your passport, sunscreen, your credit and debit card, and good walking shoes. If you bring cash, make sure you’re bringing the appropriate currency of the country you’re visiting, such as the European euro.

HOW CAN I SAVE MONEY?

“The fall, winter, and spring are usually more budget-friendly times to travel in comparison to summertime,” says Sierra. But, if you don’t plan on traveling internationally for spring or fall break, there are still ways you can save money. Other than booking everything way in advance, you can sometimes package your airfare with accommodations and receive a discount. You should also establish a budget for souvenirs and snacks, and try to eat a meal in your hotel or rental space at least once a day. It can be costly to spend money on a tour company, so you can save money by piecing together the trip yourself and having it all planned out for when you get there. There are plenty of things you can see and do for free. ■

Lots of tour companies specialize in family and generational trips...

Parentcation

LEAVE THE GUILT BEHIND

BY SARAH BATROUS

IT’S vacation time! But, what if I told you that you could spend a vacation without applying sunscreen to little faces, just your own and your SO’s? Let’s talk about taking a couple’s vacation.

How do I forgo the guilt?

PODCAST

Consider this an extended date night, or at the very least, a break. You’re going to have many family vacations with your children in the future. Taking a parents-only one isn’t going to destroy your child’s psyche or make them hate you forever. Trust me, I would know. When I was little (probably your child’s age), my parents took a weeklong vacation aboard a cruise liner to Cozumel, Mexico. They left me and my younger brother in the care of our older siblings. We had the time of our lives playing video games, hanging out together, and being a little rambunctious. We may or may not have broken a few house rules, but I’ll never tell! While our parents missed us, they checked in on us as much as they could while taking the time to enjoy themselves. They came back home refreshed and ready to be Mom and Dad again. Don’t just take it from me. Plenty of local parents weighed in with their own advice: “Remind yourself you deserve it. Parents work so hard to give their kids everything they need and then way more. It’s easy to neglect ourselves and our relationships when we put so much focus on our kids and get caught up in the chaos and business of life,” advises mom Amelia Chandler. “If you’re not taking care of you, you aren’t the best version of yourself. A stressed adult isn’t good for the kids or the adult. So take the time to focus on you and your partner to be the best you for your kids, yourself, and your relationship.” To make it easier on you and your spouse, take timing into consideration. Going on vacation during the school year means the kids are busy all day and out of the sitter’s hair. “Vacation with your spouse while the kids are at school (if you have a good support group like grandparents), but include the kids on a trip during their holidays or in the summer,” comments Rebecca Leigh.

What Do We Do Together?

For your extended date night, recoup, and hang out together. Here’s my R&R guide:

1. You’re on vacation with someone you love! Try to stay present in the moment by putting the phone down and really focusing on each other.

2. Don’t book a whole itinerary. The only people you need to entertain are the two of you, not a bunch of rambunctious kiddos.

3. Plan a few things you would like to do at your destination, but leave lots of room for spontaneous activities. You’d be surprised how exciting (and rewarding) a late-night gas station snack trip can be.

4. Sleep in and talk before rushing out of bed. Nothing beats solid sleep and a calm conversation without getting interrupted by requests for breakfast.

5. Depending on where you go, enjoy the amenities to the fullest. Go to the pool or hot tub together, or maybe schedule a couple’s massage. Maybe you want to soft launch this whole “couple’s vacation” thing. What’s nearby but not too close to the children? Connect with nature by going camping (or glamping). Louisiana and Mississippi have plenty of state parks that offer tent camping and cabin camping. Go fishing, walk some trails, and more. Hot Springs, Arkansas is the closest luxury destination around. Spend the day hiking, exploring, and dining, or dance your way into one of several spas offering a dip in the hot springs (and a vigorous massage)! Vacationing at the beach is one of the most classic vacations you can think of. Hit the road and plan a visit to an Alabama or Florida beach without worrying about dragging the kiddos’ toys, floats, snacks, and other beach day prep with you. If you’re really excited to get out there, increase the buffer zone. Cruise liners are a great place to start. A Caribbean or Alaskan cruise is perfect for detoxing from social media and the family for a few days. Enjoy music, food, onboard events, and exploring a new vacation destination once your feet hit the sand. Overall, this is a vacation that is entirely up to you and one that you deserve. Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs out there, so don’t feel guilty about needing a break. Reconnect with your spouse and don’t be afraid to indulge yourselves. ■

Okay, I’m Convinced. Where Do I Go?

How the Fatherhood Role Has Changed PODCAST

BY ANTHONY BUI

Being a father has never been easy, and it should not be something that is taken lightly either. It is a privilege, honor, and great responsibility, and when I look at my own dad, I can’t help but think about the line of men in my family and how the fatherhood role has changed over the years evolving into what it is today.

From my grandpa, to my father, and finally to my cousins who have recently entered into the role of father, the way that they raise their children, and the role that they play in their lives, has drastically changed. Looking outside my own family, I notice the same changes for those stepping into fatherhood.

FATHERS ARE MORE ACTIVE

One local dad, Brandon Foreman, expresses, “I think fatherhood has taken a much more active role. In the past, fathers were looked at as more of the providers, and the mother was the rock of the family. Today, with everyone’s crazy schedules and work life balance, it takes the whole family to keep things moving.”

With the rise of dual-income households and more women entering the workforce, life begins to move at a faster pace for these families. There are two work schedules to consider and two sources of income, and coupling that with the already hectic life that comes with raising children, “fathers are having to step up and be more than just a provider for the family. They must take a much more active role in helping and mentoring the children,” shares Foreman.

This means being there physically for the child, providing for the family, and being there for them emotionally and mentally as well.

FATHERS ARE EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED

To successfully help and mentor children, a father needs a relationship that extends beyond just casual conversation. Yes, your child’s physical health, grades, and progress on chores are important, but so is their mental health, dreams, worries and concerns, questions, and ambitions.

Fathers used to be portrayed as these rugged characters whose sole responsibility revolved around being the breadwinner of the family. Now, fathers are spending more time with their children physically, mentally, and emotionally.

FATHERS PARENT DIFFERENTLY

Because of this increased interaction, fathers have also changed when it comes to their methods of parenting. The role of a strict enforcer has evolved into more of a parenting style that differs from fathers of the past.

Dr. Sanjay Juneja, a local father, expresses, “I think in times past, kids were raised more by instruction than collaboration. Meaning, it was more of a patriarchal approach, kids aren’t supposed to do this, boys don’t do that; if you want to be a winner, you have to do this. There wasn’t much room for questioning or consideration of how a kid may have felt about something introspectively, nor the encouragement to voice it.”

Fathers now, oftentimes raised through instruction rather than collaboration like Dr. Sanjay states, understand that it is an outdated method for fathering your children. Yes, there is a time and place to be strict and instructive, but that should not be the go-to response.

Dr. Sanjay believes, “We should dive deeper into their personalities and the uniqueness of our children, and based on our observation, develop a plan accordingly. I feel that parenting isn’t about approaching things from the perspective of that’s what winners do, but rather, you become successful when you parent in a way that’s unique to your children and their personalities.”

This goes back to being present physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is not just about having a physical presence. Children today will grow up to envy their fathers if all they cared about was having this strong, physical appearance that demands respect and full submission without question or thought.

Children are a blessing. They are unique individuals with their own personalities, quirks, and fears. They should not receive fatherly love in a cookie cutter fashion of the past. Dr. Sanjay shares, “If we continue to take the approach of raising a child based on their individual needs and aggregate of unique personality traits and characteristics, it would lead us into a happier generation in the future with hopefully less division and more kindness in our dealings with one another.”

The cars we drive have changed drastically over the years. The devices we use to communicate with each other have as well. If the cars we drive and our means of communication can change and evolve for the better, the fatherhood role can as well.

Growing up, my dad was great. He raised me well and taught me many things that I will hope to pass down to my own children someday. There is no denying the impact that he had on my life and the love that he had for me (I am his favorite child after all). But, he wasn’t perfect, and no father can ever expect to parent perfectly. Let’s learn from the fathers of the past and happily embrace how the fatherhood role has changed over the years evolving into what it is today. ■

Which role have you chosen:

OLD SCHOOL OR UPDATED?