The world has changed in ways that keep our heads spinning. Technology, travel, entertainment, consumerism, and the increased growth of the suburbs make life run on fast mode in a constant, forward motion. What if you could take a week to travel back in time and experience a farm community as it was 30 years ago?
The founder of Wonder Voyage spent the summers of his youth with his grandparents in the small farm town of Paton, Iowa. That town of 300 people, 7 streets and 2 churches has hardly changed in the last 50 years. Travel back in time on a missions trip or pilgrimage and spend a week on the Iowa Farm Experience, becoming a part of a farm community. Serve those who desperately need strong arms and bright smiles. Why not genuinely change a community in 7 days?
Overview
- Join a historic church in fellowship and see what a real community church is like.
- Visit Iowa’s only genuine pilgrimage spot: Grotto of the Redemption.
- Feast on Grandma’s cooking. There is none better!
- Aid an elderly community in desperate need of help to complete a multitude of work projects.
- Learn how to live the farm life.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- DAY 1 – A MIDWEST JOURNEY
Welcome to Iowa, the definition of Midwestern life. This week we will immerse ourselves in the beauty, simplicity, and slow pace of farm town life. Once we settle into our homes for the week we will explore our small town and experience some homemade mouthwatering local cuisine. After dinner we will have some time to relax and get acquainted with our new surroundings. We will end our day with discussion and preparation for the week ahead. - DAY 2 – CREAM OF THE CROP
Today we will serve the individuals whose hard work and determination continue to bring life to these small towns. Through small projects for the elderly throughout the community we will show Christ’s love. Our lunchtime will be heralded by the “farmers call to dinner.” After a day of giving, serving and loving the people of the Heartland, we will venture out to a local creamery to experience a glimpse of farm living. On our way home we will shop for the Wonder Voyage tradition of Stone Soup where participants will compete in serving each other meals. We will close our day with discussions on how we can serve in our own home towns. - DAY 3 – FRONTIER LIFE
Our third day begins with a service project for the whole community to enjoy. We will serve at a local library and school. Community is important for the survival of this region. Following a day of service, we head off to learn more about the old west at a special frontier village. This will help us understand the pioneer way of life and how the “west” was won. We will come home for our second Stone Soup meal and enjoy an evening of fellowship. We will end our day with discussion about how we can use what we have been given to bless others. - DAY 4 – THE GIFT OF SERVICE
Today we continue to give back to the community by serving on a local farm. In the afternoon we will have some fun from atop a tractor. We will wrap up our day by exploring another small town, and taking in a round or two of bowling. At the end of our day, we will return home to discuss our day and get some much-needed rest in preparation for adventures. - DAY 5 – FOOD, FUN AND COWS
Today we will experience the gift of community while serving in a number of ways at the Community Fun Day. There will be food, games, and plenty of fun for everyone. Cow Pie Bingo anyone? If we still have energy left, we will take a short drive to a local favorite past time. We will close our day with some barbecue and fellowship as we share our experiences. - DAY 6 – SERVING IN WORSHIP
We will worship today while serving at a special outdoor community church service where three local congregations come together. After worship, we will enjoy a picnic lunch and some fun with paddleboats, fishing or a dip in the lake. As our week comes to a close, we will gather for a huge countrified celebration meal and special time of fellowship to reflect on our moments of service, wonder, and community this week. - DAY 7 – BACK HOME
We rise on our final day in the Midwest, taking with us a piece of the Heartland. As we pack our bags to return home, we take with us a new understanding of our gifts of service and a new appreciation of the Great Plains.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Iowa
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
