11:30pm
Today was nice. Energizing and relaxing at the same time. First we went to church. I thought, you know, it's Nebraska, it's gonna be a little church. Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong. It was so big it had directories hanging from the ceiling like what you'd find at a mall. We got lost trying to find the sanctuary, then when we found it, we realized that our entire church could fit in just the sanctuary -- and we have a fairly good-sized church (about 600 members). But the church we went to in Lincoln (I think it was Berean or something) had about 2,700, more than 4 times our church's size. We all were taken aback. Garrett exclaimed, "PJ, I thought you said there was nothing in Nebraska!" PJ, mesmerized by the dozens and dozens of hand-painted pictures in one of the hallways, merely said, "Well, it appears I was wrong." It was really cool. The service was amazing.
We learned basically the camp schedule after that. Sounds like a work of work and a lot of fun at the same time. You'll learn our schedule during the following days. It's kind of long and confusing to put on paper right now, and I'm getting up about 6:00 in the morning anyway to get ready. So I have to go to bed now, actually, but I want to write a song. I've got the chorus down.
So I got to swim, then play volleyball for 2 hours until it got dark. I absolutely suck at volleyball (the only thing I'm remotely decent about doing is serving, but I have pianist's wrists, so they're a little more fragile and are incredibly bruised and swollen right now), but it was fun anyway.
Can't waitu ntil tomorrow!
Quote of the day: Clayton can't swim, so he requested that he not be involved in pool games for camp. Garrett says, "Clayton, if you drown in 3 feet of water, you were never meant to be alive."
Btw, Lauren, Porsha, and I are bonding great.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
June 21st, 2008 - Day 1
1:17pm
We are close to halfway to our destination in Nebraska. Riding in a 15-passenger van has a way of bonding you as a team, perhaps a little too much. You know you've been in the van too long when Cameron suddenly calls out, "Can you play with a mermaid? Yes, no, or sometimes?" (He was playing that little electronic 20 Questions game).
Earlier in the morning, the entire team except PJ, Ves, and me conked out. Neil, who's sitting next to me (spoooooky) woke up when Ves brought out the Chex mix and hasn't been able to find a comfortable sleeping position since. I'll probably attempt to nap later.
Already we've had a couple adventures. First of all, at a rest area, a bunch of the guys sprawled out in the grass next to a "Keep On Sidewalk" sign. Then when we had lunch at Culver's, Neil and Clayton stopped up the salt and pepper shakers by sticking napkins in them (Beau was kind-hearted enough to undo their work). Then we attempted to look for a Wal-Mart. First of all, the GPS led us down some weird roads. Then Cameron insisted we passed Wal-Mart, we went back, discovered it was actually Lowe's, and it took forever to get back on the road. Then when we got to our "destination," we discovered Ves punched "McDonalds" into the GPS instead of Wal-Mart, which was nowhere around. Everyone was laughing.
So yeah. Haha.
6:26pm
Almost an hour away now. Something pretty interesting: Garrett can solve a Rubik's Cube in 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Rumors are his record is 1:45.
We're gonna eat at an Italian buffet called Valentino's soon, so...yeah.
11:26pm
We arrived about 9:00pm, and let me tell you, it is nothing like Jamaica. In Jamaica, we lived in a dorm so bad that the roaches practically had to wear slippers, but man, you ought to see what us girls are living in now. Outside it looks like a huge barn, but inside it's so huge and clean and log-cabin-smelling. It doesn't even feel right, like we're being too blessed right off the starting gate. Plus, it's such a big house for 5 girls. The 10 guys have to sleep in a nice-sized-but-considerably-tight-for-a-group-of-10 room in the basement of the camp director's parent's house. It's nice, really nice ("like the Hilton compared to last year in Jamaica," PJ says), but a little small. Us girls all have beds to sleep in (plus a jacuzzi!), guys have the floor. We were told that us girls got the huge house instead of the guys because the lady who owned it (a friend of the camp director's, who's on vacation) thought us girls might be a little neater than the guys and didn't want her house all messed up. Haha.
So we're here, and it's awesome. The camp's a little smaller than I expected, but I know God's gonna work through us.
Potential prayer request: Neil was feeling bad earlier during dinner, had to use the bathroom for a while. At first I thought he felt really tired or nauseated and maybe had to throw up, but Ves said that he was on the verge of tears. So I don't know what's going on, he didn't talk and he seems fine now, so maybe it was a strong bout of homesickness, but hopefully he's okay.
So we met the camp director, Jeff, and his wife Trisha (who's 8 months pregnant), and their 2-year-old son Rylan. They pretty much explained what we were doing at camp. We'll get a tour tomorrow. We also met Nana and Papa, Jeff's parents, which is right next door to the camp. Us girls are staying 2 or 3 miles down the road.
So here we are.
We are close to halfway to our destination in Nebraska. Riding in a 15-passenger van has a way of bonding you as a team, perhaps a little too much. You know you've been in the van too long when Cameron suddenly calls out, "Can you play with a mermaid? Yes, no, or sometimes?" (He was playing that little electronic 20 Questions game).
Earlier in the morning, the entire team except PJ, Ves, and me conked out. Neil, who's sitting next to me (spoooooky) woke up when Ves brought out the Chex mix and hasn't been able to find a comfortable sleeping position since. I'll probably attempt to nap later.
Already we've had a couple adventures. First of all, at a rest area, a bunch of the guys sprawled out in the grass next to a "Keep On Sidewalk" sign. Then when we had lunch at Culver's, Neil and Clayton stopped up the salt and pepper shakers by sticking napkins in them (Beau was kind-hearted enough to undo their work). Then we attempted to look for a Wal-Mart. First of all, the GPS led us down some weird roads. Then Cameron insisted we passed Wal-Mart, we went back, discovered it was actually Lowe's, and it took forever to get back on the road. Then when we got to our "destination," we discovered Ves punched "McDonalds" into the GPS instead of Wal-Mart, which was nowhere around. Everyone was laughing.
So yeah. Haha.
6:26pm
Almost an hour away now. Something pretty interesting: Garrett can solve a Rubik's Cube in 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Rumors are his record is 1:45.
We're gonna eat at an Italian buffet called Valentino's soon, so...yeah.
11:26pm
We arrived about 9:00pm, and let me tell you, it is nothing like Jamaica. In Jamaica, we lived in a dorm so bad that the roaches practically had to wear slippers, but man, you ought to see what us girls are living in now. Outside it looks like a huge barn, but inside it's so huge and clean and log-cabin-smelling. It doesn't even feel right, like we're being too blessed right off the starting gate. Plus, it's such a big house for 5 girls. The 10 guys have to sleep in a nice-sized-but-considerably-tight-for-a-group-of-10 room in the basement of the camp director's parent's house. It's nice, really nice ("like the Hilton compared to last year in Jamaica," PJ says), but a little small. Us girls all have beds to sleep in (plus a jacuzzi!), guys have the floor. We were told that us girls got the huge house instead of the guys because the lady who owned it (a friend of the camp director's, who's on vacation) thought us girls might be a little neater than the guys and didn't want her house all messed up. Haha.
So we're here, and it's awesome. The camp's a little smaller than I expected, but I know God's gonna work through us.
Potential prayer request: Neil was feeling bad earlier during dinner, had to use the bathroom for a while. At first I thought he felt really tired or nauseated and maybe had to throw up, but Ves said that he was on the verge of tears. So I don't know what's going on, he didn't talk and he seems fine now, so maybe it was a strong bout of homesickness, but hopefully he's okay.
So we met the camp director, Jeff, and his wife Trisha (who's 8 months pregnant), and their 2-year-old son Rylan. They pretty much explained what we were doing at camp. We'll get a tour tomorrow. We also met Nana and Papa, Jeff's parents, which is right next door to the camp. Us girls are staying 2 or 3 miles down the road.
So here we are.
Mission Trip 2008 - Nebraska
June 21st-30th - Lincoln, Nebraska (Camp Sonshine)
Trinity Youth Mission Team (grades 9th-12th)
Team: 11 students, 4 adults.
Adults:
PJ (youth pastor)
Carmen
Deb
Veselin
Students:
Porsha (freshman)
Rachel (sophomore...me)
Beau (sophomore)
Ian (sophomore)
Neil (sophomore)
Brede (sophomore)
Logan (sophomore)
Clayton (junior)
Garrett (junior)
Lauren (junior)
Cameron (graduation senior/college freshman)
Trinity Youth Mission Team (grades 9th-12th)
Team: 11 students, 4 adults.
Adults:
PJ (youth pastor)
Carmen
Deb
Veselin
Students:
Porsha (freshman)
Rachel (sophomore...me)
Beau (sophomore)
Ian (sophomore)
Neil (sophomore)
Brede (sophomore)
Logan (sophomore)
Clayton (junior)
Garrett (junior)
Lauren (junior)
Cameron (graduation senior/college freshman)
Post Trip - Day 4 - June 22nd, 2007
Read and think about John 14:1-3.
The disciples are getting nervous. Many people are formulating their plans to kill Jesus. Even Jesus has been mentioning that His time with them is running out. Jesus seems to sense their uneasiness and He shares words to calm their racing hearts. "Don't be troubled..." "Trust in Me..." and then He starts talking about room assignments? What is that all about? Just like He reminded the 72 of who they were, now He's reminding His disciples of where they belong: heaven. This world is real, but it's temporary. Heaven can seem so far away, like it's just a mystical place we read about in fairy tale. But the truth is that our time there is going to be much longer than our time here on earth. You may think you've returned "home" from your mission trip, but the truth is that this really isn't your home. Heaven is.
Read Philippians 3:30. Paul mentions a few times in his writings that we are citizens of heaven. Why? What does that mean to you?
Heaven is really our home. It is where we will live forever one day. Just like you have to pay a certain price when you live in another area to become a citizen of the U.S., Jesus paid the price and those who are saved are citizens of heaven.
How would your life look different if you started to realy live like this world is temporary and that heaven is your real home?
I would put off waiting for certain things, like sharing the gospel.
What are some specific things you can do to start making that happen?
LUAAT - Live Unashamed At All Times!
Spend some time praying for the believers in the location you visited on your mission trip. Ask God to strengthen and encourae them and to give them boldness for Him.
I am really starting to miss my mission tripper friends. I guess it was too quick a transition. I lived with them daily for 10 whole days anod now suddenly it's just me and my family. I know I'll see them most every Sunday, but...I still miss them. right now...I really kinda want to go back to Jamaica.
TRIP UPDATES
What was the best part about today? Chatting with friends online.
What was the hardest? Dad's busyness and stress.
What have you learned about yourself in ministry? I can be outspoken.
What was the greatest thing you saw God do on your mission trip? He said yes to nearly every prayer we had!! I guess they were all glorifying to Him.
The disciples are getting nervous. Many people are formulating their plans to kill Jesus. Even Jesus has been mentioning that His time with them is running out. Jesus seems to sense their uneasiness and He shares words to calm their racing hearts. "Don't be troubled..." "Trust in Me..." and then He starts talking about room assignments? What is that all about? Just like He reminded the 72 of who they were, now He's reminding His disciples of where they belong: heaven. This world is real, but it's temporary. Heaven can seem so far away, like it's just a mystical place we read about in fairy tale. But the truth is that our time there is going to be much longer than our time here on earth. You may think you've returned "home" from your mission trip, but the truth is that this really isn't your home. Heaven is.
Read Philippians 3:30. Paul mentions a few times in his writings that we are citizens of heaven. Why? What does that mean to you?
Heaven is really our home. It is where we will live forever one day. Just like you have to pay a certain price when you live in another area to become a citizen of the U.S., Jesus paid the price and those who are saved are citizens of heaven.
How would your life look different if you started to realy live like this world is temporary and that heaven is your real home?
I would put off waiting for certain things, like sharing the gospel.
What are some specific things you can do to start making that happen?
LUAAT - Live Unashamed At All Times!
Spend some time praying for the believers in the location you visited on your mission trip. Ask God to strengthen and encourae them and to give them boldness for Him.
I am really starting to miss my mission tripper friends. I guess it was too quick a transition. I lived with them daily for 10 whole days anod now suddenly it's just me and my family. I know I'll see them most every Sunday, but...I still miss them. right now...I really kinda want to go back to Jamaica.
TRIP UPDATES
What was the best part about today? Chatting with friends online.
What was the hardest? Dad's busyness and stress.
What have you learned about yourself in ministry? I can be outspoken.
What was the greatest thing you saw God do on your mission trip? He said yes to nearly every prayer we had!! I guess they were all glorifying to Him.
Post Trip - Day 3 - June 21st, 2007
Read and think about John 15:1-17.
Jesus doesn't have much time left with His disciples. They're having their last meal together and Jesus is sharing some important last bits of truth with His friends. So why does He seem to go off into a mini-gardening lesson? Because the relationship of a branch to a vine is a great illustration of how Jesus wants His disciples to stay connected to Him even after He is gone. Some people treated Jesus like a fuel pump: they can connect up with Him just long enough to fill up, and then they're off again. That's not the way Jesus wants it to be. He wants us to be continually connected to Him, constantly drawing all that we need from Him to live, love, grow, and bear fruit. You probably feel pretty fueled up after your mission trip, but you can only live off of that steam for so long. Continuing to stay connected daily with Jesus is totally necessary for you to keep living to Him and reaching people right where you are!
What is your plan to "stay connected" now that you're home?
Spend time in His word and in prayer. Never be ashamed to talk about Jesus.
Is there someone you can share your plan with who can hold you accountable to it?
No, not really.
Spend some time thinking about verse 5 and write down any insights God gives into how that verse applies to your life.
Isn't that truth. Without God, nothing would be possible. Who'da thunk that a church from a tiny town in Illinois could raise over $41,000 in 3 months? It could never have been possible without God. And we served Him on that whole trip, and GOd did produce quite a bit of fruit. I love how God has used us for His glory. He handpicked 29 of us from Illinois, plus 17 from Georgia and 5 from New York to spread His word in Jamaica. Out of the billions of people in the world, He picked us to serve in that area of Jamaica at that time. That still amazes me.
I've been so tired. My body clock is all out of whack. I don't even get sleepy till 11:30pm, then I wake up at 7:00am and just drag through the day. I'm so glad to be home but...in a way I still wish I were in Jamaica. It's weird.
TRIP UPDATE
What was the best part about today? Actually relaxing.
What was the hardest? Don't know.
What was the funniest thing that happened on your trip? There are so many funny memories that I can't decide.
What was teh biggest thing you learned about yourself on your mission trip? I learned how compassionate and encouraging I really am.
Jesus doesn't have much time left with His disciples. They're having their last meal together and Jesus is sharing some important last bits of truth with His friends. So why does He seem to go off into a mini-gardening lesson? Because the relationship of a branch to a vine is a great illustration of how Jesus wants His disciples to stay connected to Him even after He is gone. Some people treated Jesus like a fuel pump: they can connect up with Him just long enough to fill up, and then they're off again. That's not the way Jesus wants it to be. He wants us to be continually connected to Him, constantly drawing all that we need from Him to live, love, grow, and bear fruit. You probably feel pretty fueled up after your mission trip, but you can only live off of that steam for so long. Continuing to stay connected daily with Jesus is totally necessary for you to keep living to Him and reaching people right where you are!
What is your plan to "stay connected" now that you're home?
Spend time in His word and in prayer. Never be ashamed to talk about Jesus.
Is there someone you can share your plan with who can hold you accountable to it?
No, not really.
Spend some time thinking about verse 5 and write down any insights God gives into how that verse applies to your life.
Isn't that truth. Without God, nothing would be possible. Who'da thunk that a church from a tiny town in Illinois could raise over $41,000 in 3 months? It could never have been possible without God. And we served Him on that whole trip, and GOd did produce quite a bit of fruit. I love how God has used us for His glory. He handpicked 29 of us from Illinois, plus 17 from Georgia and 5 from New York to spread His word in Jamaica. Out of the billions of people in the world, He picked us to serve in that area of Jamaica at that time. That still amazes me.
I've been so tired. My body clock is all out of whack. I don't even get sleepy till 11:30pm, then I wake up at 7:00am and just drag through the day. I'm so glad to be home but...in a way I still wish I were in Jamaica. It's weird.
TRIP UPDATE
What was the best part about today? Actually relaxing.
What was the hardest? Don't know.
What was the funniest thing that happened on your trip? There are so many funny memories that I can't decide.
What was teh biggest thing you learned about yourself on your mission trip? I learned how compassionate and encouraging I really am.
Post Trip - Day 2 - June 20th, 2007
Read and think about Matthew 19:16-22.
He was seeking the truth. We'll give him that. He wanted to know how to get this eternal life he kept hearing about. He was rich and had many possessions, but he wasn't sure if eternal life was among them. He wanted it, so he went straight to the source to get a straight answer. It wasn't the answer he'd hoped for. Give it all up? It sounded impossible. He was at a crossroads: would he cling to all of the treasure he had stock-piled in this life, or trade it all in for treasure in the next? You may be at a crossroads as well. For you it's not a question of gaining eternal life, but it is a question of living with eternal perspective. You've spent the last couple weeks focused on things of eternal value, and now you're back in the "real world" and you have a choice to make: are you going to cling to the things of this world, or are you going to cling to Christ and His purposes?
Jesus called this man to give up what he placed the most value on, in order to know Him. Is there something in your life that you're placing too much value on, and it's getting in the way of your relationship with Christ?
No...I don't think there's anything so far.
Surrender that thing to God. As Him to help you live a life totally devoted to Him and His purposes.
Spend some time today praying for the people you ministered to during your trip.
Home feels so great. My bed is so warm and soft, the food is wonderful, and everything's just so clean. I'm so very thankful for all I have now. I never realized how many luxeries I actually had at home!
But yet...there are some aspects I do miss about the mission trip. I miss waking up and eating a big breakfast with my friends. I miss Pastor Harold's devotionals. I miss the tropical setting. I even miss the teams from Georgia and New York. Sometimes I just want to walk outside and hang out with my friends and some of the New Yorkers and Georgians.
But still, I love life back here at home. There is no humidity! Haha.
TRIP UPDATE
What was the best part about today? Getting my photos developed and looking at them!
What was the hardest? I miss some of the life in Jamaica...
What do you miss most from the place you were on your mission trip? I just mentioned it up there. ;)
What was the biggest thing you learned about God on your mission trip? TRUST HIM!!
He was seeking the truth. We'll give him that. He wanted to know how to get this eternal life he kept hearing about. He was rich and had many possessions, but he wasn't sure if eternal life was among them. He wanted it, so he went straight to the source to get a straight answer. It wasn't the answer he'd hoped for. Give it all up? It sounded impossible. He was at a crossroads: would he cling to all of the treasure he had stock-piled in this life, or trade it all in for treasure in the next? You may be at a crossroads as well. For you it's not a question of gaining eternal life, but it is a question of living with eternal perspective. You've spent the last couple weeks focused on things of eternal value, and now you're back in the "real world" and you have a choice to make: are you going to cling to the things of this world, or are you going to cling to Christ and His purposes?
Jesus called this man to give up what he placed the most value on, in order to know Him. Is there something in your life that you're placing too much value on, and it's getting in the way of your relationship with Christ?
No...I don't think there's anything so far.
Surrender that thing to God. As Him to help you live a life totally devoted to Him and His purposes.
Spend some time today praying for the people you ministered to during your trip.
Home feels so great. My bed is so warm and soft, the food is wonderful, and everything's just so clean. I'm so very thankful for all I have now. I never realized how many luxeries I actually had at home!
But yet...there are some aspects I do miss about the mission trip. I miss waking up and eating a big breakfast with my friends. I miss Pastor Harold's devotionals. I miss the tropical setting. I even miss the teams from Georgia and New York. Sometimes I just want to walk outside and hang out with my friends and some of the New Yorkers and Georgians.
But still, I love life back here at home. There is no humidity! Haha.
TRIP UPDATE
What was the best part about today? Getting my photos developed and looking at them!
What was the hardest? I miss some of the life in Jamaica...
What do you miss most from the place you were on your mission trip? I just mentioned it up there. ;)
What was the biggest thing you learned about God on your mission trip? TRUST HIM!!
Post Trip - Day 1 - June 19th, 2007
Read and think about Luke 10:17-20.
Jesus sent out 72 of His followers to minister in surrounding towns and cities, and now they've returned, excited about the amazing things they have seen and done. Jesus' response to His returning mission team is good for you to think about today as you're fresh off the mission field. Jesus turns their attention away from what they've done, and reminds them of who they are. What you do changes. Your mission trip is over and you're back at home, but that doesn't change who you are. You are a child of God, set apart for God's purposes, an ambassador for Christ, appointed to bear fruit and share the Good News! Keep on being who you are, even though the trip is finished!
What have you learned about yourself and who God has made you to be during the last couple weeks?
I have most definitely become more outspoken on this trip. I've also learned how much of an impact my opinions have when they are heard. I mostly keep them to myself. I've also learned that I have a true heart of compassion and encouragement.
How can you continue to live like that now that you are home?
I will not be silent when it comes to matters about Jesus. Now that I know I can speak, I will.
Spend some time praying and thanking God that you are His child!
Last night was pretty great after the storm. I know now that I don't prefer to ride in airplanes unless it's night. I got on that plane and it was dark and it was quiet and I could see all the city lights below me. They were so beautiful! Then I pulled out the little table/tray thing in front of me, put my pillow down on it, laid my head down, and thought, "Well this is kind of comfortable. It's nice and quiet and dark and..." Next thing I knew, I was out for the next 2 1/2 hours. I was in such a deep sleep that I had no clue where I was when I woke up. It took me a little bit to figure out I was on an airplane.
So, we got home about 3:00am. Gosh, you don't know how great it felt to be back home. I walked through the door, smelled the Homemade-Apple-Pie-scented candle, and could've died from how good I felt. I pretty much collapsed on my bed and fell asleep.
Today I told my fam all about my trip. Tomorrow I'll pick up all 70 of my pics (yes, i took a lot on that trip!). Now I'm going to bed.
TRIP UPDATE
What was the best part about today? Explaining my trip!
What was the hardest? Dad had to get back to work, so he was kinda grouchy.
What do you miss most about your teammates? I miss just seeing them in the morning, all still sleepy! And just all the great times with them.
What short yet informative answer can you give to the question, "How was your trip?" (it is good to be prepared for this!) "Do you have a few minutes?"
Jesus sent out 72 of His followers to minister in surrounding towns and cities, and now they've returned, excited about the amazing things they have seen and done. Jesus' response to His returning mission team is good for you to think about today as you're fresh off the mission field. Jesus turns their attention away from what they've done, and reminds them of who they are. What you do changes. Your mission trip is over and you're back at home, but that doesn't change who you are. You are a child of God, set apart for God's purposes, an ambassador for Christ, appointed to bear fruit and share the Good News! Keep on being who you are, even though the trip is finished!
What have you learned about yourself and who God has made you to be during the last couple weeks?
I have most definitely become more outspoken on this trip. I've also learned how much of an impact my opinions have when they are heard. I mostly keep them to myself. I've also learned that I have a true heart of compassion and encouragement.
How can you continue to live like that now that you are home?
I will not be silent when it comes to matters about Jesus. Now that I know I can speak, I will.
Spend some time praying and thanking God that you are His child!
Last night was pretty great after the storm. I know now that I don't prefer to ride in airplanes unless it's night. I got on that plane and it was dark and it was quiet and I could see all the city lights below me. They were so beautiful! Then I pulled out the little table/tray thing in front of me, put my pillow down on it, laid my head down, and thought, "Well this is kind of comfortable. It's nice and quiet and dark and..." Next thing I knew, I was out for the next 2 1/2 hours. I was in such a deep sleep that I had no clue where I was when I woke up. It took me a little bit to figure out I was on an airplane.
So, we got home about 3:00am. Gosh, you don't know how great it felt to be back home. I walked through the door, smelled the Homemade-Apple-Pie-scented candle, and could've died from how good I felt. I pretty much collapsed on my bed and fell asleep.
Today I told my fam all about my trip. Tomorrow I'll pick up all 70 of my pics (yes, i took a lot on that trip!). Now I'm going to bed.
TRIP UPDATE
What was the best part about today? Explaining my trip!
What was the hardest? Dad had to get back to work, so he was kinda grouchy.
What do you miss most about your teammates? I miss just seeing them in the morning, all still sleepy! And just all the great times with them.
What short yet informative answer can you give to the question, "How was your trip?" (it is good to be prepared for this!) "Do you have a few minutes?"
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