We are driving home...right now!
Yesterday, after we made the dorms and the grounds cleaner than we found them (our goal) we hit the road on our way to the Grand Canyon. We were very lucky to go see this majestic place off season and on a Friday. There were no lines anywhere, there was no traffic, and we got to be there when a lot of people in our group saw the canyon for the first time. I believe, "WOW!" was the most common statement. A few people commented that they felt really small next to this immense wonder of the world.
Some others in the group also decided that it might be fun to try to give me a heart attack by posing for pictures sitting or standing on the edge of the rim. We got back to the vans and I'm happy to announce that at least ninety seven percent of the kids made it back.
Following the trip to the canyon, and as a sort of celebration for a week well done, we all piled into the Road Kill Cafe in Selligman Arizona last night. Imagine, if you were ever a waiter or waitress, that you are in charge of "CPC , party of thirty six!" The waitress was a good sport and we all ate amid the fun theme of this place.
After dinner we made the last little jaunt toward Kingman and arrived during the first substantial rain of the trip. I have to hand it to Andrew at Kingman Christian Church, he welcomed us with a smile, stayed longer while one group got fuel, and all while we dripped rain all over his clean floor.
I, having never gone on a youth mission trip before, didn't know what to expect. I was ready for sleep but that would have to wait. It was time to exchange prayer partner gifts. We had been partnered up before we left and each night after chapel we paired off and got to know each other better, talked about the lesson, and prayed together. It was not very rigidly designed with only guidelines about how it "could" be done. There was one caveat however, you must make a gift for your partner. It should be meaningful, represent something to the two of you, and should be made from materials you used at the job site.
The gift exchange ranged from funny to hilarious, from touching to heartfelt. Even in my sleep deprived state it was a wonderful conclusion to our time together. Matt then opened the floor to acknowledgments and appreciations. I don't want to go into a lot of detail here but let me say that all the adult leaders are extremely proud of these young men and women!
When I told people I was going on a mission trip with a bunch of high school kids, they scoffed, "oh, sounds like fun." I was honestly excited about going on this trip but I didn't know then just how awesome it would be. If you are ever lucky enough to be asked to help with the youth of our church, I suggest you leap at the chance so you can see what I see...a wonderful next generation!
Finally, thank you all for following along with us, supporting us, and praying for us. It was an experience none of us will soon forget.
Yesterday, after we made the dorms and the grounds cleaner than we found them (our goal) we hit the road on our way to the Grand Canyon. We were very lucky to go see this majestic place off season and on a Friday. There were no lines anywhere, there was no traffic, and we got to be there when a lot of people in our group saw the canyon for the first time. I believe, "WOW!" was the most common statement. A few people commented that they felt really small next to this immense wonder of the world.
Some others in the group also decided that it might be fun to try to give me a heart attack by posing for pictures sitting or standing on the edge of the rim. We got back to the vans and I'm happy to announce that at least ninety seven percent of the kids made it back.
Following the trip to the canyon, and as a sort of celebration for a week well done, we all piled into the Road Kill Cafe in Selligman Arizona last night. Imagine, if you were ever a waiter or waitress, that you are in charge of "CPC , party of thirty six!" The waitress was a good sport and we all ate amid the fun theme of this place.
After dinner we made the last little jaunt toward Kingman and arrived during the first substantial rain of the trip. I have to hand it to Andrew at Kingman Christian Church, he welcomed us with a smile, stayed longer while one group got fuel, and all while we dripped rain all over his clean floor.
I, having never gone on a youth mission trip before, didn't know what to expect. I was ready for sleep but that would have to wait. It was time to exchange prayer partner gifts. We had been partnered up before we left and each night after chapel we paired off and got to know each other better, talked about the lesson, and prayed together. It was not very rigidly designed with only guidelines about how it "could" be done. There was one caveat however, you must make a gift for your partner. It should be meaningful, represent something to the two of you, and should be made from materials you used at the job site.
The gift exchange ranged from funny to hilarious, from touching to heartfelt. Even in my sleep deprived state it was a wonderful conclusion to our time together. Matt then opened the floor to acknowledgments and appreciations. I don't want to go into a lot of detail here but let me say that all the adult leaders are extremely proud of these young men and women!
When I told people I was going on a mission trip with a bunch of high school kids, they scoffed, "oh, sounds like fun." I was honestly excited about going on this trip but I didn't know then just how awesome it would be. If you are ever lucky enough to be asked to help with the youth of our church, I suggest you leap at the chance so you can see what I see...a wonderful next generation!
Finally, thank you all for following along with us, supporting us, and praying for us. It was an experience none of us will soon forget.
No comments:
Post a Comment