Flagstaff, AZ - February 2024
- Cultural Compass
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Contributor: Wyatt Thompson
Leaving the Nashville airport, we were disappointed that we would be apart for three and a half months. So, we eagerly awaited our third excursion to Flagstaff, AZ, where we would see the Grand Canyon. However, we were most excited to be back together as a group and to do life together. From the moment we arrived in Phoenix, AZ, the community was reunited and experienced tremendous growth during the excursion. From the snow and the mountains to the conversations and character building, the Flagstaff Excursion was a very memorable experience.
Hospitality Team and Worship Team – Leading from Behind the Scenes
On this trip, I was given the opportunity to serve on two teams: the Hospitality Team and the Worship Team. On the Hospitality Team, most of the work is completed before the trip. I and my teammates each took five of our peers and frequently checked in with them. I texted them individually once per week to see if there was anything I could do to help them as they prepared for the excursion and if I could pray for any requests.
On the Worship Team, I again had the privilege of arranging the daily worship setlists. I again considered the devo topics and created appropriate setlists. We studied conflict resolution and its three roles: the offended, the offender, and the mediator.
When we studied the role of the offended, we sang songs that reminded us that God redeems our conflicts. When we studied the role of the offender, we sang songs that reminded us that we all need Jesus to help us restore our relationships. When we studied the role of the mediator, we sang songs that reminded us that Jesus is our Mediator.
A Grand Itinerary
On the first day, we flew into the Phoenix airport and drove north to Flagstaff. After we landed in PHX, we waited a few hours for everyone else to arrive. Then we drove north through Sedona to our house in Flagstaff. About an hour into the drive, we stopped at Rock Springs Café for a bathroom and snack break. This was a neat rest stop because they had delicious snacks, an entire floor of Christmas decorations, and quirky theming throughout the property. Then we drove through Sedona which was absolutely stunning at sunset.
On the second day, we stayed in and had a day to relax at the house. We were given the opportunity to play games, talk, watch a movie, or take a nap. This was a welcome addition to the itinerary. While we appreciated getting to see parts of Branson and Nashville, we felt like we needed more time together during the day. This allowed us the time to fellowship in ways that we had previously not been able to do.
On the third day, we embarked on a one hour and forty-minute journey to Grand Canyon National Park. The drive itself from Flagstaff to the canyon was an adventure. Some parts were covered in snow while others were mountainous deserts. Throughout the drive, we circled the San Francisco Peaks. When we arrived at Grand Canyon National Park, we toured the South Rim at Mather Point and Grand Canyon Village. The contrast between the layers of rock, shadows, light and snow created a magnificent scene. Every angle provided a different, but equally beautiful, view of God’s masterpiece.
On the fourth day, we had another relaxed schedule. We started with a coffee order from Dutch Bros. For lunch, we ate at Wildflower, which is similar to Panera. This was a nice spot to enjoy lunch while gazing at the San Francisco Peaks. Then we drove to Downtown Flagstaff to shop and tour the city. This was such a unique city to visit as the historic buildings created a nostalgic western atmosphere.
On the last day, we woke up early to drive back to Phoenix. Upon arriving in the city, we stopped to take pictures in front of The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, before we arrived at the airport and returned home.
The Peer Dynamic – The Strengthening of the Community
It had been four months since everyone was together in Nashville. Between the trips, we had seen each other online, either on community day and hang-out nights over Christmas break. However, I believe that the time apart allowed us to be closer together in Flagstaff.
When we landed in PHX, we were thrilled to see each other in person. Our mentors strategically planned who would sit in each vehicle so that the community would continue to grow among those less familiar. This turned out to be very effective because we were comfortable with each other and we were genuinely interested in what others had to say.
While at the house, we treasured our time together, naturally entering group conversations and activities. On the last night, we even stayed up later to find out more about our churches and their practices. Because we have Christ at the center of our community, we overlook the ancillary details. We value and appreciate each other for who we are, and we enthusiastically looked forward to our final excursion.
Final Thoughts
From the incredible views to the amazing conversations, the Flagstaff Excursion was an unforgettable trip. Leading from behind the scenes – by being there for my peers and contemplatively choosing the worship setlist – stretched me in new ways to serve my community. Seeing the rock formations in Sedona and The Grand Canyon as well as touring Downtown Flagstaff resulted in some amazing memories. Lastly, getting to know one another on a personal level brought a deeper appreciation for each other. Like Branson and Nashville, this trip left a remarkable impact on my leadership.
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