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What's Your Journey?

Everyone has a story about Spirit West Coast and now it's your chance to tell yours. Below are details of your adventure on the way to or at Spirit West Coast, or where God has brought you on your Journey.


How SWC changed my life
Submitted: August 5th, 2008 12:50:10 PM
This year was the first time I have ever been to SWC and oh how i loved it! When my brother first told me about it, I thought it was just going to be a boring little concert we people preaching about how much they loved Jesus and how much their life had changed and all that stuff,so I didn't really want to go. But I had no choice so I had to go. Right when we got to SWC I felt different. All of a sudden I actually wanted to jump out of the car and race to the entrance!We stayed at SWC for the whole day until the last performance the NEWSBOYS were done. I loved SWC so much I am looking forward to camping out with my family over there next year! Ever since i went I've been listening to K LOVE and AIR 1. I just want to thank Jesus for giving me the chance to learn that I could still have fun and praise him at the same time.
Submitted by: Ilyanna Danielle Hendricks
See you next year.
Submitted: August 5th, 2008 12:50:01 PM
Only 51 weeks until we begin to get together again, but who's counting.
Submitted by: 
only 360 days until next year
Submitted: August 4th, 2008 12:53:15 PM
I have gone to SWC for the last five years with my children...but this year was different. Before we even left the Humboldt County line I found myself "Rocking a Kilt" with the boys of B-squad. Our number one mission was to breakdown religious walls and just honor God by having as much fun as possible this side of heaven. A banana suit.......some wild clothes.....and a non-stop dance party........Mission Accomplished!
Submitted by: Bo from Humboldt (B-squad)
OUR FIRST TIME BUT NOT THE LAST!
Submitted: August 4th, 2008 12:16:12 AM
ME AND MY HUSBAND DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT ABOUT SWC. WE DID NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANY IN APPROPRIATE THINGS SAID OR DONE AROUND OUR KIDS. WE CANT FIND MANY PLACES ANYMORE WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT THOSE TYPES OF THINGS. BUT THEN AGAIN YOU CANT FIND MANY PLACES WHERE EVERYONE LOVES THE LORD JUST LIKE YOU. EVERYONE WAS SO PLEASANT AND FULL OF LOVE. MAKES ME THINK ABOUT WHAT HEAVEN WILL BE LIKE. WE ONLY DID ONE DAY THIS YEAR BUT WE ARE ALREADY PLANNING FOR THREE DAYS NEXT YEAR! SEE YA NEXT YEAR 2009!!! YEEAAAAHHH!
Submitted by: KIMBERLY HINOJOSA (SANGER CA)
Joyful Anticipation!
Submitted: July 25th, 2008 11:22:41 AM
Our first SWC was four years ago when my husband took our two younger children and I on a surprise trip for our anniversary. The three of us had no clue where we were going until we arrived. I remember being struck by how wonderful the people were. The SWC staff are glad to welcome us and be helpful all weekend. They encourage us to submit our prayers, many have prayed with us, and they make time just to chat for a bit. And our fellow SWCers are especially friendly and polite. No inappropriate clothing, language, behavior. Just families and people of all ages smiling and having fun the entire weekend. Kids and teens high-fiving or giving free hugs on the bridge. And the inspiring musicians, candid faith sharers - I told my family that I was sure that is what heaven is like. Two years ago we rented a motor home and drove to the Grand Canyon via Las Vegas, ending our 12-day trip at SWC. Camping there made that year extra special! We now look so forward to coming to SWC each year for a slice of heaven on earth. Thanks and many blessings to everyone for making this such a joyful tradition. Can't think of a nicer way to spend our wedding anniversary with the family!
Submitted by: chatiPati
Family Reunion
Submitted: July 25th, 2008 11:21:22 AM
I am not good with the written word so please forgive the wording of this post. Machinery I understand. I have been involved with SWC every year. One year I attended but did not work, and one year I worked but did not attend. there those who have done more much more than me, and I have been paid more than most. Because of SWC god has given my son back to me. That would be Neil Bates see his post. That one event would be more valuable that all the work time and money it has cost me; but god has given me much more. Every year it is like going to a family reunion with a 1000 of my closest friends. I measure my year by how much longer until SWC. The 2nd year (my first working) more than once I was involved in breaking the laws of physics. Putting 50 amps in the front of a electrical panel and getting 180 out of the breakers. It would be like having a 50 cup bucket and pouring out 18o cups. I am not a young man (ask anyone in electrical)but my 1st year I worked all day and night, and I could. I get teased about being the energizer bunny in Monterey. God energizes me as necessary. I come expecting God do do something and every year he does. That is one of reasons why I am excited to return every year. With my son I had an experience that will say with me the rest of my life. In 2007 we were in Del Mar Neil's first SWC as a Christian. I do not remember who was singing, but I lost in the singing when I realized he was singing with his hands raised praising God now that is a sight to make a Dad glad. On the drive home back to San Jose I got to listen to my son and grandson sing praise to god, it seldom gets better. I have more but I do not want this to be too long.
Submitted by: Len Bates Asst. head electrical dept. (Man with the black hat)
God gave us a Trailer
Submitted: July 24th, 2008 06:59:53 PM
For some reason, whenever my youth group brings up Spirit West Coast and we start planning for it, I am the only girl that is going. Last year I was 18 and I was the only girl going. We found numerous people to be that person I could hang out with because not only was I the only girl going, I was the oldest teenager going. However they all fell through. The three boys that came with us were 13. (Sons of adults who wanted to go) We go to work at Spirit West Coast. We go two days before and we set up chairs and tables and help out. My closest friend at church is my age, but she and her sister have band camp the week after and sleeping on the ground and working the year before really messed up their backs and their tempers for the week to follow. My friend, Kayla, did not want to go, her sister had other commitments and could not go. Well, all year Kayla said she would go to Spirit West Coast if we had a trailer; which are expensive to rent. The numerous people that we asked to come to provide me with someone to talk to and enjoy the event with all fell through. Even to the extent of her being injuried to where neither her or her son could go. It came down to the last week and there was nobody else. Finally, Kayla got up one night during youth group and asked our youth leader to go outside to talk to her, after asking me if I would be the happiest person in the world if she were to go. I said, "Yes!!!" knowing she didn't want to go and I really didn't want her to go because of me. Well she came back 15 minutes later with tears coming down her face and said that she would go. She put herself aside for someone else. And was grateful and I couldn't have thanked her enough. She had truely blessed me. She went and told her mom and I thanked her mom and her mom was really surprised. So my dad and I went home; my dad is really involved with SWC and getting our information together and making contacts. Kathy, our new cook who took the place of Diane, the lady who was injured, called my dad up and said she had a trailer she could offer us. My dad yelled my name and told me the new. I was so happy, Kayla had blessed me and now she was being blessed. I had tears of joy. It was 9:30 at night so it was too late to call Kayla and tell her, so I decided to keep it a surprise. My dad called our youth leader and explained everything and we decided to keep it a secret. So the next day, I got to the church late from working that morning and Kayla was moving stuff into the trailer, she saw me and she threw ice at me, but I was ok with that because she was happy. God blessed us before the trip and it turned out to be a great event. I learned my lesson in putting others before myself and how God does bless when his children are obediant and willing. Kayla sacrificed her being for me and my being. I thank God for friends like her and his blessings that never end.
Submitted by: Sarah
GOD blessed us this year!
Submitted: July 15th, 2008 11:46:01 AM
2007 was our first year at SWC, and we had an amazing time! We were definitely impressed, and felt so loved and welcome. So this year as money was a lot tighter than last year, we decided not to go this year, and guess what? We won a raffle from last year and won two free weekend passes. So we took it as GOD's way of saying that we need to be there, and it is working out!! See you all there!!! AMEN!!!!!
Submitted by: Kristy Rojas-Redwood Valley, CA
SWC Monterey 2008 Here we come!
Submitted: July 3rd, 2008 02:41:56 PM
I am a BIG fan of SWC! Its like the highlight of my year!I have been going to SWC since I was little. Im 16 almost 17 now. I go with a BIG group from my first church and we reserve this HUGE spot and basically dominate the hill!lol Its sooo much fun! If you arent sure about going to SWC,I STRONGLY encourage you too reconsider. It is a once in a lifetime experience. something different always happens and its amazing to see how God changes peoples lives! So I will see you there! SWC Monterey or bust!
Submitted by: Michelle
My first time to SWC-Monterey!
Submitted: July 1st, 2008 07:59:18 AM
Last year was my first time to SWC! I Have to say in all my years that I have been a christian, (since 1995!) I have always been wanting to go to SWC and last year was the first year. I am now coming back and volunteering! I can't wait til SWC 2008 in Monterey! It was awesome meeting some of the artists like Building 429 and speaker Krystal Miller from Columbine! The lord has it in my heart since last year to come and was uncertain because of funds but since I am volunteering it is going to be awesome! I was touched with how the speaking spoke to me! Thank you everyone at SWC!
Submitted by: Alicia Prioste
Flying to AAAA LONNNNGG WAY!!
Submitted: June 15th, 2008 07:11:02 PM
My family is flying in just to go to SWC..Our very first one. From what I hear it should be amazing!!! Please pray that GOD uses this time to bring us together as a family & shows my teens that they are not the only christian kids out there! Can't wait!
Submitted by: Spud Family
from las vegas with love
Submitted: May 21st, 2008 01:43:20 PM
we're a little local band in las vegas who won a competition to play spirit west coast in del mar. (Atlas Takes Aim) we're amped and excited.. the only problem... we don't have a big vehicle to carry us and our gear. so, our drummer's family decided to make a road trip and they are bringing their toy-haulers and motorhomes down for the weekend and taking all our gear down with them! it's going to be one huge motorcade for a tiny little band called Atlas Takes Aim. Fun!
Submitted by: Mason & ATA
Submitted: May 21st, 2008 01:19:25 PM
We will be coming from Indiana and we are so-o-o excited. We have been coming to SWC Del-Mar since the first year and love the great music and worship, being with fellow Christians, welcoming new believers, and being in the presence of God.
Submitted by: 
looking forward
Submitted: May 20th, 2008 11:24:45 AM
Since last year I have been looking forward to this years SWC. Our church is a small group, but we sure do enjoy congregating with the masses at Spirit West Coast. For the past 3 years I have enjoy this event with my kids and the kids from our church. So Sunday morning we will leave Lakeside at 8am to get to Del Mar by 9:15am. We are making posters and it will be Spirit West Coast or bust. Can't wait to worship with Todd Agnew. Spirit West Coast or Bust!!!
Submitted by: AnnaMarie
Sweet 16
Submitted: May 19th, 2008 07:09:33 PM
Today is my daughter Stephanie’s 16th Birthday. Most girls would opt for the pomp and foof of a sweet sixteen party , but Steph has opted out of both party and gifts to go to Spirit West Coast in Del Mar! She and her dad, Cam, will be flying all the way from Denver, Colorado. She and dad are really excited about the awesome bands that are playing, especially her favorite, Skillet! Her friend, Britni, lives in San Diego and will be joining her Saturday (a special gift from dad). Have a fabulous time, Steph! We're so proud of all you do for the Lord, including your upcoming mission trip to Costa Rica. Happy Birthday! You ROCK!!
Submitted by: Susha
Returning Home to the Lord
Submitted: May 2nd, 2008 08:28:52 PM
My sister and I took our two families to SWC for the first time in 2004. My husband had long ago stopped having a relationship with the Lord, but was willing to go with me and our two children. He enjoyed himself so much that it was always he that said we had to go again. So for the following three years the seven of us attended SWC in Monterey. I watched as my husband slowly reached out to God and recognized our Lord was working in his life. He once again accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior. God must have known that the way to my husband's heart with through a side door. Praise God for SWC! My husband and father of our children went home to be with our Lord and Savior on November 27, 2007 following a massive stroke at the young age of 45 years. We are so grateful to know that we will see him again when it is our time to be with Jesus.
Submitted by: Janette M
our journey(1T412)
Submitted: May 2nd, 2008 08:28:00 PM
Hi! this will be our 2nd journey as a youth group we are so excited and can't wait to get there. alot of our kids are having a hard time affording it but we're trying our hardest to sell tickets to baseball games and washing lots and lots of cars! We can't wait to see jars of clay and pillar! with love from tucson Arizona.
Submitted by: Alive east youth 1T412
Our Journey
Submitted: May 2nd, 2008 08:27:33 PM
Last year was my families first time to SWC. Our worship team at church had won a contest on the effect radio to play down in Monterey. So one week before SWC Monterey, we bought tickets and spend the weekend down there. The band, A Rotterdam November, did AMAZING and have since gone on tour on the west coast. It was a great experience, and i hope to be able to do it again!!
Submitted by: 
Our First Journey to Spirit West Coast
Submitted: April 9th, 2008 03:07:40 PM
Last year (07) was our first adventure to Spirit West Coast with our Youth Group, (Youth Revolution) from Laughlin Nevada.. We learned ALOT on our very first trip to Del Mar, and the Biggest lesson was to NOT use Map Quest.. The map took us on the SLOWEST route and we missed TOBYMAC!!!! So extremely sad, but, it was the best week end that every single one of our kids had and we will be there this year ON TIME! Otherwise, it was the most incredible time of bonding with our kids as leaders and them one to another. The week end exposed them to the awsomness of the Father that we alone could not expose them to at home in Laughlin.
Submitted by: Summer
All in the Family part 2
Submitted: March 10th, 2008 10:07:10 AM
I attend the first year as a spectator..thought it would be fun to go camping with my fiancée and see 4 days of Christian music. I was not walking with God at the time but thought it would be a fun family event. My Mother and Father and younger brother came up for the event and we made it a family event. As the next year approached I decided I was done with God and strayed as far as I could from anything God was involved in. But my father came back and volunteered. He has done so since. Well I may have been done with God but thankfully he wasn't done with me. I believe it was 2001. When my wife and I decided to take my son to the aquarium in Monterey and since Mom and Dad were at SWC we should stop by and say hi. Well that’s when it happened... The electrical team was building transformer and panel boards and were a little behind so I started helping my father with the panel he was working on then the next. I went home with the fam and came back the next day to help more and played "hooky" from work for 2 days to help with the work that needed to be done. While helping I noticed that they had people running forklifts that did not have much experience so I told Dad that I would come back for tear down and help with the loading since I drove a forklift everyday for work. For the next 3 years I would come and help with the unloading of trucks and setup of the grounds then leave mid week back to work and come back at the end of festival to put it all away. But I wouldn’t stay for the event once again didn’t want to have too much to do with God. But had a blast working with my father and a group of men like no other. They all knew I wasn’t following God but never passed judgment on me they accepted me with His love. In 2005 I finally had enough vacation time to do setup event and tear down. So off I went tent in hand and a ton of baby stuff. We had a 10 mos baby old at the time. My wife joined me when the event started and brought my boys too. I got to witness God's power and awesomeness from an outsiders view...meaning I knew who and what He was and could do but was still fighting him. I continued to go every year since and look forward to it...my older Brother ended up getting involved with helping create and expand the I.T. department. His wife and kids came too which was awesome. It's like a huge fam gathering for us. 2007 was a rough year for me God finally had enough with me and let me enjoy the fruits of my sin and the lifestyle that I was living I ended up divorced, broke, and feeling soooooo out of control that I cried out to friends from SWC I needed someone to talk, cry and yell with. And had it not been for SWC and God calling those he did to be there I would not of had the people to talk to when I needed them the most. Well God got my attention and turned my life back to him and got closer with my Christian family and real Family who just poured and continue to pour God's love at me. I attended SWC Del Mar for the first time and as a God loving/following man. I made the road trip from San Jose with my 12yr old son. We had a blast to as if God was to make a good time even better my son accepted Christ into his life there at Del Mar. It was such an awesome thing to hear as he was with my sister-in-law. 2007 Monterey was totally awesome to finally be able to work with the volunteers there as a brother in Christ was such and experience. SWC has completely changed my life like I could have never imagined. I met my fiancée there. For those who are doubting God is there all I can say is call on him and "wait" he'll show himself in "weird" ways that will blow your minds. If you’re a parent I give this advice never stop praying for your children never give up hope my mother didn’t and she got to see God answer her prayers it took 15 long years but he answered. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year
Submitted by: Neil Bates
He reigns at SWC!!!!!!
Submitted: February 25th, 2008 08:35:34 AM
What an amazing event! This will be our 4th year at SWC in Monterey! We met an amazing family our 2nd year and have been close friends since. We also have added two members of our family through Compassion International at SWC and just feel the His grace has added so much to our lives. Thank you God and than you all who do so much to put on this incredible event! You are truly gifts to all who attend!
Submitted by: Christy Chapman, Paso Robles, CA
Spirit West Coast Year 3
Submitted: February 8th, 2008 08:34:30 AM
My mom and I are so excited that SWC is right around the corner once again. It is now our tradition to go and camp together and enjoy the awesome music, the enlightening fellowship and all the fun and games. Weve nailed down all of our travel plans and now we are waiting for March to come so we can reserve our camping spot!!!!! SWC 2008 here we come. We cant wait!!!!!
Submitted by: JLG and Yo Mo
All in the family
Submitted: February 4th, 2008 09:59:40 AM
My Dad attended SWC the second year they did it and wondered if they needed any help in the electrical dept. Every year thereafter I heard story after story about SWC and the wild things the electrical crew did - things that were mathematically not possible to do with electricity that happened EVERY year. Unfortunately, SWC started the year after the Navy moved me away from the Bay Area, so I didn't attend my first SWC until 2004. In 2005, I attended SWC Del Mar and felt the tug on my heart to get involved. Being a Network Administrator, I wasn't sure what could be done, but thought I'd volunteer anyways. As it turned out, 2005 was the first year that SWC was looking to form an IT Dept. Coincidence? I don't think so. We were charged w/ distributing wi-fi to all the depts. Dad plugged me in w/ Kevin and Kenny, the rest is history. In 2005, we distributed wi-fi to SWC depts in Monterey. In 2006, we made the first public offering of wi-fi at SWC Monterey. We expanded in 2007 at SWC Del Mar. And, we made it free for all in Monterey 2007. This year looks to be even better as we focus our wi-fi on certain locations to make it even better than before. The amount of technical talent I've been blessed to work with at these festivals over the years has been mind boggling. The way that we can all come together for one common cause, to be the Central Nervous System in the Body astounds me. Last year, at SWC Del Mar 2007, there were so many off the wall stories of people w/ broken down cars and RVs on the way to SWC, broken laptops and servers, and numerous other oddities that we couldn't help but be excited to see what God was going to do. This year promises to be even more exciting. Be prepared!
Submitted by: Ryan B. SWC IT Dept
spiritual awakening
Submitted: February 4th, 2008 09:59:04 AM
At Spirit wast coast 2005, i got baptized in front of my entire church. they all came from the campsite to watch me become a member of the body of Christ. it meant a whole lot to me that they would drop what they were doing to see me become one with our maker. also my youth pastor was the one who baptized me. so that made it even more special.
Submitted by: Amanda Raab
From Pittsburgh, PA with love
Submitted: February 4th, 2008 09:58:18 AM
My husband and I found out about the Del Mar festival 2 years ago. We decided to make our journey from Pittsburgh to San Diego to visit a friend and his family coincide with the festival. It was wonderful, so last year it wasn't even a question as to when vacation would be. My husband and his buddy are more into the heavy music, we did a little head banging to Disciple, but we're a little too old for the pit. Last year I convinced them to see Newsboys. After it was all over, my husband was just blown away. It was such an emotional night. All the performances were fantastic. We got to sit and chat with folks from the area, as well as a guy from Arizona, and a girl attending college that was from Connecticut. We had a tremendous weekend of praise and worship and fellowship and have already started planning vacation this year. We can't wait!
Submitted by: 
Missionary in Uruguay
Submitted: January 18th, 2008 09:40:04 AM
My daughters and I enjoy Spirit West Coast Del Mar together. Chrissy is now on her mission in Uruguay. Here's a portion of an emai from her... Okay mom, check it, your birthday was seriously the best day in the mission. its was like amazing! I thought of you the entire day. So first we had an incident with my bike. We got a flat tire. So we went to fix it during our lunch time. We went to the relief society´s house for Lunch and they had this HUGE stage in their backyard. They live on the naval base. It was seriously Spirit west coast. I was in heaven! it made me really want to go and see the concert. They were doing microphone checkes, playing the guitar, playing the drums and everything. Ahhh man, it was fabulous! It definately was Mommy´s birthday. From a warm summer day to the beach, a delicious meatloaf and rice lunch, and a CONCERt!!! Ahh, they knew it was mommy´s day! So, just had to tell you about the best day ever. I even had my favorite uruguyian treat, a SURPRISE! oh my goodness, Mom, they are great. When you come we will have them!
Submitted by: Sheri Becar
Spirit West Coast, Del mar, 2007
Submitted: January 9th, 2008 02:47:14 PM
Ever since going to the the concert I have been inspired to let the music of the Lord stay continuously in my heart, actions, words and deeds. When ever a hand reaches out for help I do not deny it. Even if I only have fifty cents in my pocket, I give it to the stranger who asks. It is not my place to decide who to give to or even what it is used for. We are all under His wings.
Submitted by: Suzanne
My life changing moment
Submitted: January 9th, 2008 08:33:54 AM
In 2006 my mom and I went to Monterey for about the 4th time or so. Before I went, a youth pastor of mine was talking about hearing God's heartbeat which is love. The lastnight, I heard Michael Franzese speak. During his teaching I heard love, and I ran from the end where the main stage is all the way to where he was signing afterward crying. I talked to him and today we keep in contact.
Submitted by: Kayleigh Winter
A Family Affair
Submitted: January 9th, 2008 08:33:35 AM
I missed the first year of SWC and vowed I wouldn't miss the next. The second year, in order to afford the event, I volunteered so I could take my sons. I offered to be an assistant leader in SWC Merch. because I knew my boys would be off doing their own thing alot. Little did I know that being a volunteer would become our summer tradition. My second year there the boys began volunteering in the ice and water dept. I became the SWC Concessions leader the next year and have been there every year since. Over the years my nephew joined our group, my best friend and her son, my daughter in-law and future daughter in-law and many other family friends. My son is now a youth pastor and brings his youth. My other son is in filmaking school and is using his gift in the video dept. at SWC. It is definately our family event each year, but this is not the only family for us. Our SWC staff is family. We have watched each others children grow, prayed for our families through rough times, made lasting friends and rejoiced at the stories that are shared about the festival. Which takes us to the big family, the family of God. Where else can you go and worship with 20,000 people who love the same God with their whole heart, soul, mind and stregnth. How many hard rock concerts have alter calls where hundreds come into a knowing loving relationship with the Lord. Where else can you bring your kids and let them run, not worring if they are safe. You see SWC is a Family Affair. I want to invite you to make it your family affair. Better yet become part of the SWC family and volunteer. See how God will use you if you allow Him. It happens for us every year!
Submitted by: Tammy Garner SWC Concessions
IMPACT!
Submitted: January 2nd, 2008 02:08:07 PM
I've been honored to have been invited to a couple of SWCs (thank you Jon!) and it seems that SWC already has a reputation for being a God-glorifying event! I overheard a taco vendor last year talk to his friend about how "one of the Christians" turned in his friend's missing $1,000 that she earned from her food stand that day. He told her to check lost and found, she said "Who would turn in a Grand in cash?!" But she did and through TEARS, this guy was telling the amazing story about how "one of the Christians turned in Rose's money!" He was like a shepherd after seeing the birth of Christ: he couldn't contain himself! Rose said, "Only at this festival would that happen" I look forward to, again, having the opportunity to bless the socks of the people who work there day in and day out, and maybe they'll redefine their concept of "Christ-like" Join us! and hear some music while you're at it ;)
Submitted by: Aaron Shust
my first swc
Submitted: December 21st, 2007 09:40:21 AM
so last year i decided to save up my money to buy an all weekend to swc del mar with my best friend who did it anually. I was so excited becuase i have only been to 2 concerts before (both at a church) and it was really cool to be able to see so many bands. So we were at the headliner concert on friday night and i see one of my friends from school's mom sitting on the side of the stage!! I was so surprised because i had talked to my friend at school about swc and she didnt say anything to me about it. It was just so funny. SWC was an amazing experience for me and a great time to spend with my best friend and hear some great music and i am so excited to go again this year.
Submitted by: Leslie from O'side
Sleeping on the road
Submitted: December 21st, 2007 09:39:57 AM
I live in Arizona, and on my trip I had gotten to tired to drive. A friend I was with was also to tired to drive, and my brother was to young to drive, so I got off the freeway and parked in a Home Depot parking lot to sleep for the night, it was about 11pm. At around 1pm a police officer came up and knocked on the door as we were sleeping asking us what we were doing, so I explained the scenario and he was happy to 'allow' us to stay in a no over night parking area for our safety. He only asked us to place a note he gave us in the window so anyone else who came by would see it and know we were ok to be there. So... we all got back to sleep, but around 3am another police officer came up to the vehicle. He didnt bother to look for "the note" and proceeded to anoy us, but this time my brother had made his way to the back of the jeep where the blankets were, but he was kinda wedged between alot of camping stuff, so to the officer it looked very strange. He turned his search lights on us, tapped on the glass near where my brother was asking if he was ok, which he was, and came to the front seat again where I was and asked about what was going on again, and why I had someone in the trunk area of the jeep. So I explained everything once again, and received a second window note, even though I showed proof of already receiving one... Finally I was able to get to sleep again, and thankfully I wasnt disturbed again!
Submitted by: Mike Love
From high school volunteer to a young woman volunteer
Submitted: December 21st, 2007 09:38:55 AM
My journey to Spirit West Coast began when I was 16, it was the first ever Spirit West Coast in 1996. I was just excited to be going and seeing so many bands in one place, originally not signing up to volunteer, but once there, finding such a need, I pitched in! Every year after that my Mother, brother, and I would make the trip from Nuevo, Ca to Salinas, Ca to volunteer at SWC. My first two years were spent with two different departments, but then I found Artist Merch and I've been there ever since! I, unfortunately, missed 3 years of SWC-Monterey because of working at Disneyland when I was in my early 20s, but I have returned to SWC-Monterey AND Del Mar in the Artist Merch department, where I have "worked my way up the ranks" from a regular volunteer, to a shift supervisor! I enjoy volunteering so much that much of my time is spent working as opposed to seeing bands! Over the course of all of these years my mother and I have made it a tradition to stop in Solvang, Ca, a little Dutch town in central California, where we walk around and window shop, have lunch, and then buy some fudge! In the last 4 years I have brought a friend along to join in the tradition of traveling up to Monterey and down to Del Mar. Now, when we stop in Solvang, my friend and I buy little porcelain dolls to commemorate our trip up north. I look forward to SWC twice a year...it's like a home away from home for me! Thank you SO much for having these events!
Submitted by: Christine Rachuy
Long time in the making
Submitted: December 14th, 2007 01:14:42 PM
My journey began long before i was Hired October 31st 2006. I'd say God ordained since the day i was born. To sum it up shortly, i came from the Mortgage business, was let go from a great paying job, knowing God was going to drastically alter the road of my life. I just didnt know i'd lose my job, my apartment, my boyfreind, pretty much most of what was important. Most of 2006 was spent in prayer, waiting, anticipating. Then at the bottom of one of those Celebration Eblast, screams position open at the top of it's imaginary lungs. I'm thinkin there's no way i'd get that, but hey i'd try. So i did, and after a four hour journey from Castro Valley to San Jose, by bus, by Bart, and by lightrail, I'd met Dave Martinez, who is my boss. He'd interviewed me, i told him about my love for the gospel, my heart to evangelise, all the trials God has allowed me to go through to be well equiped to serve in Spirit West Coast. And well viola! Here I am. Doing something I could only have dreamed of doing. Sharing the Love of God through music to thousands each year. I've been beyond blessed. And I have a pretty good feeling this journey is only going to get better.
Submitted by: Elena Reza
SWC MONTEREY 2008 SWC DEL MAR 2008
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