Tuesday, June 17, 2008

GO Missions Trip 2008

Take a look at the pictures and see what a blast we had...




We just got back from the GO missions trip with our church. What an amazing 8 days we had. God was definitely there and we felt it each day. I'm blown away by the amount of talent these students have. The Lord has given them some wonderful gifts to use for Him. There were several times Jeff and I just sat back and watched them lead. We saw so many of them grow during the 10 weeks of training leading up to the trip but it's incredible the growth they actually have while on the trip.

We are so proud of each of them. Darius had to switch us to another team at the last minute and that was hard. However, we knew God had a plan in doing this and trusted Him to lead. It was weird not being with the team we had all through the 10 weeks of training but it worked out great. They were so excepting of us and were glad to have us as leaders. We kept teasing our old team that they were in our hearts and we missed them. I think it all worked out fine because we still got to hang out each day when we got back to the school.

I guess I should tell you a little bit about the trip itself... We took off around 7:30 on Saturday the 7th. The trip was going fine until the students decided we needed to stop every 1 or so to pee. By about the 4th stop Darius had had enough. We stopped and he had a talk with everyone and then we were back on the road with scheduled stops only. The first night we showed up and only had one room for all of us. Not the ideal set up when you have guys and girls but we made due. The following night another room opened up. The girls moved to the new room and left the gym to the guys.

Up in the girl's room we had lots of fun at night. We giggled, laughed, talked and even wrestled a couple of times. In the morning we all got back together and did a devotion. I had such a great time leading the devotions each morning. The first morning was tough because everyone wasn't sure about opening up but after that we had some really great conversations. I'm so glad Darius asked me to lead that. I'm already coming up with some great ideas to use next year!

Each evening we would eat breakfast, have quiet time, pray, go over what God did in our VBS for the day and then Darius would teach on something God had laid on his heart. During the time between "Holy Huddle" and "lights out" we had so much fun. We played basketball, boxed, blogged, made cards, play card games or just hung out. These students know how to have fun! One night the guys even put on a "glow stick show" for us girls.

It wasn't your typical camp food and I have to give a big thanks to Mark and Lynne! We had pot roast, baked ranch chicken, spaghetti, tacos and so much more. It was so yummy!

8 comments:

Julie said...

Very cool pics. I'm glad that you had so much fun and that everything went well. I'm proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone.

Jodi said...

Awesome. Glad you had a good trip. Thanks for sharing and letting us see pictures.

Shalee said...

Those pictures probably only show half the story of fun and joy that you all had that week...

One of the reasons that I wish I didn't have to work is so that I could attend weeks/trips like this with our kids. You've got some great memories that you're building not only for you, but for the teens as well. Way to let God use you, Stacey!

OneHappyfamily said...

Looks like you all had some fun while you were serving others. That is so awesome that you and Jeff had this chance. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering where you all were at.

Barbie @ Mamaology said...

This is such a GREAT thing to do as a couple! And what a wonderful age to build into! May God richly bless you and your hubby for all your efforts!

Unknown said...

That sounds like a fabulous mission trip! Thank you so much for your time and hard work with the kids! I appreciate it!

Susie said...

I'm so glad that you were able to go. I know it was hard to leave the two little guys behind but Aunt Sherry and I had a lot of fun and papa pitched in during the evenings! We tried not to spoil them rotten :)

This brings back such great memories of our times working with the youth! I actually miss those days!
Mom

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing such wonderful pictures. I am glad that you have a great trip. It's great that your children were involved. Today now more than ever we need to get our children involved more often.