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!