My year on Outtatown was probably the best year I’ve ever experienced. Being in Guatemala and experiencing the culture and meeting new people is what I miss most about the year. Guatemala is such a diverse place with an equally diverse culture. You can go from a place of many riches, where people live in big hotels and shop at expensive stores, to the Guatemala City Dump where over 10,000 people live and work. God challenged me to think outside the box and have compassion for those less fortunate than me. He made me think about what I NEEDED compared to what I WANTED. God changed my life through Outtatown and it’s an experience I will never forget!

Lindsay Schellenberg, Brandon, MB
Student on 04/05 Guatemala

I need to say that Outtatown is perhaps the FINEST program I have ever had any connection to. My daughter made life long friends and made powerful spiritual growth with your wonderful leaders. I get teary eyed thinking about how amazing her year was! You are helping young people at a key time in their lives to unpack who they are and who God wants them/needs them to be. I have nothing but respect and high regard for all involved in this venture. The leaders are wonderful people and powerful mentors. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!

Karen Devoogd, Fresno, CA, USA
Parent of student on 06/07 Guatemala

I can tell you that without a doubt, my time on Outtatown was one of the most challenging, rewarding, and refining experiences of my life.  And it's probably the experience I'll forever be trying to re-create from now on.  The friendships I've made are so refreshing and honest, and really something I've lacked until now.  Of all the things you do-- be it adventure, service, traveling, or foraging new relationships-- Outtatown, and ultimately God, has a way of using it all to bring us closer to other people, closer to Jesus, and more in-tune to ourselves and the world.  I'm so thankful I went on Outtatown...I learned so much, and had so much fun doing it!

Deborah Wiens, Burnaby, BC
Student on 06/07 South Africa

When I first was directed to the outtatown website, I fell to my knees and prayed that this was something that my twin daughters might consider.  Their high school years proved to be very difficult for them and each needed to "know the world", "know themselves" and "know God"...to spread their wings and fly and experience the majesty of God's creation.  Each returned more grounded in every aspect of their lives...they had grown personally and spiritually.  They left with many, many questions about life and came home with the answers they were seeking.  The love and support from their peers and their mentors was unbelievable...they have made friendships that will last a lifetime!!!  As a parent...this is priceless!!  I now have peace knowing that as they continue along life's journey, they have the solid grounding they desperately needed to make wise choices for their future!  Many thanks Outtatown and God's richest blessings to you as you continue to serve our children.

Christine Forrer, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Parent of students on 06/07 South Africa

As a parent of an "Outtatowner", I can honestly say that putting my daughter on that plane was the hardest thing I've ever done, but it certainly proved to be the best time of her life.  Hearing about all her experiences, I'm actually a bit jealous that I didn't get to do that at her age.  I would certainly recommend this program to anyone.

Angie Ediger, Delta, BC
Parent of student on 06/07 South Africa

If you are looking for a year to meet people you will always love and remember, see breathtaking sites, and have God challenge your faith and the way you think, Outtatown is the place for you!

Casey McDaniel, Saskatoon, SK
Student on 06/07 Guatemala

Outtatown was definitely a wise investment for my son's future. I have seen only positive changes in him.  He is more mature, confident and is taking responsiblity for his actions.  I believe that Outtatown has prepared him for the next phase of his life.  Thank you!

Anastasia Smith, Snohomish, WA, USA
Parent of student on 06/07 Guatemala

I came into this year looking for adventure and friendship. Not only did I find these, I found God, and what it means to truly give my life to Him, offer everything I have to Him, and truly love Him. They say God works in mysterious ways. Well He's taught me life-changing lessons in love, humility, passion, worship, and leadership, and all along the way He used 40 of my closest friends as teachers to speak into my life.

Mark Klausen, Fergus, ON
Student on 06/07 South Africa

This past year of Outtatown has affected our family in a number of ways. I was surprised that my daughter wanted to take this huge step of being away from home for so long and living in community with approximately 30 other people. Learning to get along and love each other with all of your differences takes maturity and the grace of God. So this was a year of growth for her in that area as well as learning to serve. She’s always been a hard worker but I have noticed that she has an even greater desire to serve since she came home. She is also more confident in who she is and the gifts that God has given her.  She also made some wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime.

It was also a year of growth for me. I was excited for her that she would have these wonderful experiences, but I also had to learn to let go. She would now have to learn to make it on her own and I had to learn to trust God for her safety and well-being. He kept reminding me that He loves her more than I do and this was His will for her.

So both of us have grown closer to God during this time and saw Him show Himself in so many ways. Through email, I met some wonderful Moms of other students and we had a wonderful time meeting each other at Grad. We were able to support each other throughout the year. We would share prayer concerns and praise items and kept each other informed of any news we heard. It has been a blessing to me as a Mom.

I would highly recommend this program.

Sheila Careless, Winnipeg, MB
Parent of student on 06/07 Guatemala