Thursday was our last day on the worksite. We only worked half the day. I think some of us were upset that we don't get to see the finish project, but we still made a major impact on Ms. Bowen's life.

Amber told her that one day we are going to come back and check on our ramp. We helped out a lady that couldn't be more deserving of the help. I guess I can only speak for myself, but helping her and this whole week in general made a major impact on my life as well. We spent the rest of the day spending group time eating yet some more fast food, sonic this time, and having group time at the beach. We were in the water at one point in time and the lifeguard had us come in so the water was only at our hips, but other than that the beach was fun.

We went out to eat and Saigers got a foot long hot dog! We all went shopping at the boardwalk. I would say what we all got, but that would ruin a few presents that some of us got people. Devotions that night was intense and had the most impact on me out of all the devotions we had all week. They had us write on a paper anything we wanted to tell God and put it in water and watch it dissolve. Personally, this had a major impact on me. I even called my mom to tell her what I wrote on that paper. Just want to say, I love you mommy and daddy! I wish I could say that now after this trip I am a perfect example of a Christian, but that would just be a lie. Like everybody, I have my imperfections. I can say that this trip has changed me and helped me to improve my faith. I LOVE YOU GOD!    --Liya (thank you Arby's lady)

Wonderful Wednesday

It’s Thursday evening. We are done working at Ms. Elizabeth’s property. We successfully built two platforms and the ramp. We learned how to align the ramps to the platforms by a guide string. Pam, Dustin, Amber used the power circular saw, Dustin drilled the holes, Mr. E measured, and measured, and measured up the lengths for the support posts, we learned to level and properly nail in the decking boards. We can’t wait to show our pictures of the project we built. Although we didn’t complete all of it, the next group coming will be able to take over and finish.  Every day at our worksite we circled up to pray for God’s blessings and guidance for our work.  We have grown in our love for each other and have a deeper appreciation for each other. We have learned that we need to take God’s Love with us wherever we go and do in our lives weather we are out in our community, school or work. This has been such a learning experience for all of us that we will carry it with us for the rest of our lives!!-Eric Piazza

Sometimes it’s just so easy to just move onto the next thing without stopping and “smelling the roses” so to speak most often the time we spend “smelling roses “ is the time we see, hear, and feel Gods presences. For me that time was the late night long walks on the beach after chapel, or when I stood back at the work site for a second looking at our group working together; the wind through the luscious green leaves, the ping, ping, ping of many hammers going at the same time, the drill spinning through the wood, the saw blowing sawdust into the air, the crunch of water bottles as someone quenches their thirst ,and the people hurrying all around the grounds like busy ants all working together to achieve one goal. It’s a sight that makes one smile whatever mood they are in. We all have battle wounds from this trip; sunburns, scratches, banged thumbs, and bruises. Though we all so have battle prizes! Knowing that a sweet older lady will always have a little something to make her life easier, the thought that we can smile a little brighter, the fact that we can all feel a little better about ourselves, the fact that we grew closer to God, the fact that we could work for God serving him with all I have, are what we will bring home not shirts, bracelets, or like SONEONE ELSE underwear.-victoria Goodwin

Terrific Tuesday

I am amazed at the amount of people that have asked, "Where's the blog? Why aren't you posting?"  Okay, okay.  I've got the point.  I need to update.  That I can do.  Where we are staying does not have internet, so I have been getting up SUPER early to walk down to Starbucks (bummer) to use their free wifi. 

Since we are here to work, I guess I should show you what we have been doing.  We are building a wheelchair ramp and a deck on the front and back of a trailer. 

Monday Fun Day

(I am sitting here at the coffee shop and I just realized my camera is in the room....bummer.  Pictures will be uploaded whenever I can find someone's WiFi to borrow).

So much has gone on in the past 24 hours.  Let me stop, take a breath, and try to remember it from the beginning. 

Camp officially started last night with an opening worship service.  We sat on benches with our backs to the ocean.  As we sang, praise and worship songs were projected onto a huge screen on the motel.  It was truly a beautiful experience.  One song mentioned God being in this place and wind was blowing as we heard the ocean waves.  Talk about being able to feel His presence!

Our first day of work was today (Monday).  We met our resident, Mrs. B.  She is a WONDERFUL woman with a strong faith.  She owns two trailers on one property.  She lives in one and is hoping for her son to move into the other.  Her husband passed away and her son was shot while at work a few years ago.   Our group is so excited that we have the opportunity to help her. We will be building decks on the front and back of both trailers, as well as a wheel chair ramp on her home-a 55 footer! 

One of the biggest perks of the job was getting to use sledge hammers and  POWER TOOLS!!!!!!!!!! 

Today’s message asked the question, “Do you trust God?”  The team began by performing this skit.  Our leader, Roni, gave a great message about trusting God, even during the storms in our lives.  Tomorrow our teens are meeting after breakfast to share what that means/has meant to them.  I am soooooo excited about what we are doing and how God is moving this week.  AND IT’S ONLY MONDAYJJJ!

And now…..Victoria: I really really loved Roni's message. It just struck home so to speak. I really love waking up in the morning and going for a walk on the beach and taking a swim mid-day and then going for a walk at the end of the day yet again on the beach. Missing you all- I've been having the time of my life though. (what she forgot to say was that all this beach time is a necessary short time period that is fully needed to cool down from the 90 degree worksite.)

Tire Trouble

I’d like to say that day two of traveling was great. I’d like to say that we arrived early enough to stop off at the beach.  I’d like to say that I still don’t know how to change a tire….but I can’t.  We had a MINOR travel mishap.  Our tire blew!  Luckily for us, Eric P. was driving and did a great job leading us safely off the road.  Between Eric’s know-how, Pam (and Frank on the phone), and Justin we were able to get it changed in short time-

BUT the spare was flat. Aaaaahhhhh!!!!  I am so glad to say that we are here.  WE ARE HERE!

In devotionals this morning, I challenged the kids to think beyond themselves this week.  Using Corinthians 3:17 “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” I asked them to look at this week as a way to work FOR Christ. Here’s what that means to a few of them:

Victoria Goodwin-A.K.A. apple juice

To me it meant that I can do whatever in and for the name of Jesus Christ. It meant to me that God gave me talents to be used for his glory. P.S. love you mom and dadJ

Troyer M. Lehmont

I think that this means that in whatever you are doin’ you should find a way to spread God’s word and love to the people your helping.

 Before I let you go, I had to share a video and a few pictures of our roadside fun.

Now, let’s get to workJ!

 (The girls made the most of their situation and made sure their toes and fingers were lookin' good!)

 (Justin and Saige cooling off after our big adventure!)

The view from the Baymont Inn

Six and a half hours (and one Mickey D's stop) later, we are here in Athens, Ohio catching a few zzzz's before we make the rest of the journey tomorrow.  Our plan is to be at our destination by 6 P.M.  We will have an opening worship...and then the hard labor begins.

...and away we go!!

This blog is for you. Yep, you. We want to keep you, our parents, grandparents, church family, and my cutie pie hubby up to date on how our mission trip is going and what we are busy doing. We will try to post each day of our trip, as well as upload photos and videos.

First of all, thanks so much for your support of this trip. A few weeks ago, I was bitin' my nails and fretting over the lack of funding. Because of your support we are able to go out into the world and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Continue to pray for us. I am hoping for big things to happen. I want the youth to grow closer to Christ and closer to each other. I want them to have the chance to share their faith to a non-believer. I want to use my talents to better someone's life. And let's be honest...I want to soak up the rays and get a little color on these pasty legs. You canleavethat part out when you are talking to the Big Guy!

Well, here we go!