Part 2

It is funny. As I try and remember the mission trip. I will be honest. The first couple of days were a bit frustrating. I think learning to do deal with a slightly different culture and just how they ‘did’ things. I think mostly it was the old additive of wanting things to go ‘my way’ or how I think they ‘should’ go.

We finally got working on Monday. Which was supposed to be Monday morning at 8, which turned more into 9:30, which was a huge frustration on my part. The work days went until about 4 PM or so, but there was about an hour and a half for lunch.

I think by Tuesday I was ready to pull out my hair and had a slight break-down. Which is funny, because if I look at the trip as a whole, I have said and will continue to say that it was one of the best experiences I have had. It took me coming to ‘my end’ in order for me to let go and let God do His work. From that point on, I just relied on God and His peace and His purpose.

By time Thursday morning rolled around, the bus was gone by 8:05 and some of the work teams were out by 7:30…so it is funny how when we let go, that is when God really does His work.

Some of the work we did included dry walling homes, painting, clearing debris from the beach and a bit of yard work.

Here is a snippet from one of the students who wrote for our upcoming newsletter.

My name is Natalie Lays, and I will be a freshman this coming school year. As my first mission trip, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. When I reflect on the trip, there is always one thing that jumps into my mind. That is the sense of hope that can be found in every citizen of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Nine months ago, Hurricane Katrina destroyed practically the whole city. A Wal-Mart and a Sonic were the only businesses still operating. Some houses lost their roofs, and others were destroyed completely! The beautiful nine mile area of beach was polluted by a wide variety of rubble; everything from books and chairs to metal shelves. After all of this, wouldn’t you think people would have lost hope? I sure would have, but they didn't. Nine months later people were still enthusiastic about rebuilding and getting things back to normal, not knowing whether another hurricane of that force would strike them again this season, bringing them right back to where they started. It was a pleasure to work with people who had such a positive and hopeful outlook on life. Their attitude was very contagious and has definitely impacted how I live each day.

The day after we got back from Mississippi, a few of us were asked to speak at church. That evening, David Williams, Sarah Hahn and myself shared a bit of our experience. I will say this and continue to say this…these kids are remarkable. To be in High School and really have an understanding of what being a Christian is. Something that I didn’t really grasp until a few years ago. Can you imagine if they continue on this path, where they will be in 10, 20 years. It is amazing to think about.

Soooo, they have won my heart. Not only the kids, but the sponsors as well. I have to give kudos to my friend Kellie Steeples, without her I wouldn’t have been able to pull this trip off. My thanks to her. I am amazed at the people God puts in your life. he he loveya girl!

Also to the other sponsors and all the many people who gave their time, their prayers, their donations. Thank you.