Mission Trip 2010 Day 3

Wow.  If there were an adjective above amazing, that would describe our youth group.  Today we were suppose to paint at Bayboro Baptist but we could not because they are having air conditioning issues where we were suppose to paint.  Since we could not paint, Scott (pastor at Bayboro Baptist) arranged for us to perform at an assisted living/nursing home in New Bern, NC.  Our guys and gals were so great at being flexible and not working on a firm schedule.  When we got there this nursing home was HUGE.  We ended up performing at three different locations; two abbreviated shows then our full show.  The residents there were so happy we came and had great things to say about our youth and their performance.  We even had a few residents who followed us from show to show.  We really touched a bunch of people.  A few even asked if we could leave Michaela with them.  I think Catherine and Mike would have an issue with that.

After the three concerts, Mike and Tracey fixed us hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings back at Bayboro Methodist Church.  They are great cooks!!  The brownies were to die for.

Today was a sad day for Laura as her grandmother ended her physical journey but began her spiritual journey with Christ.  The love and support that was shown by our youth was beyond words.  We also celebrated with Mary Ellen and Michael on the birth of their first baby, a boy named Devin.  The circle of life was very evident in the Madison Heights Baptist Church family this day was one life began, one ended her physical life and began her glorious heavenly life with Christ, and the youth were sharing the love of Christ with others in the meantime.  As Ecclesiastes states to every there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Yesterday I let the mission trip first timers write about their experiences so far.  Today, we are going to let the leaders of the open/closing rally and the leaders of the VBS classes share some of their thoughts.

Casey –  This year’s mission trip has been a very good experience. I never thought I would be in the room with 6 other guys.  But, it hasn’t been that bad. We all have bonded and became good friends.  (yes, even you Jeff) (Not that we weren’t already friends) This year in VBS, I took the role of a Pizza Man. It has been an interesting part to fulfill. The kids seem to enjoy it, so I guess it’s ok. I like being one of the older youth members this year. I feel like a boss! For those of you who read this, NEVER let Kaitlyn Cooke try to unlock your phone. She will figure it out and she will change the pass code.

2nd performance at a nursing home in New Bern, NC

Kaitlyn – This is will be the third mission trip I’ve been on and so far seem like it will be the most tiring of all trips but also the most fun. This year I am a music leader and the 2^nd - 3^rd grade VBS leader. I love being the music leader and looking out to see all the kids dancing and singing along, having a great time. The 2^nd and 3^rd graders are crazy, wild, and sometimes don’t like to listen, but when it comes to the lessons they are really interested and ask a lot of questions. Some of which I don’t know the answer to, yet when they ask the questions and want to know more it makes me feel great knowing that they are listening and really want to know more about God and how he can be part of their lives. Other than the VBS we have gone to three different nursing homes and sang for them. They may not always look like they are listening but when we finish the songs and go to talk to them you can tell they were and that they enjoyed it. In the last nursing home we went to there was a lady who I talked to and she told me about her daughter and how this was the best time of her life going on mission trips and being part of her youth group and I totally agreed. Being on these mission trips and being with this youth as been great. Not only that but we have so many fun times together. From trying to find a check out line (Jordan) or rocking out to music together we’ve grown exceptionally closer. Thanks to Jeff and Brenda for all the support and love they have for us. None of it would be possible without them. They made us a family. Special thanks also to all the other adults that came on the trip as well. This trip has helped increase my faith in God as well and I look forward to the rest of the week and more fun times with the youth group.

Morgan – I’ve been on two other mission trips and seems like this one will be the best.  The bus ride was long, but with great friends and karaoke the trip went by so fast. This year I’m a music leader and VBS leader for K-1^st. The only thing I can hope is to make a difference in the children’s life and have them get to know God. The kids can be loud and have WAY too much energy, but you know, that’s what makes it fun! Leading the music can seem like it never ends. The ending rallies seem to go on and on. But there is nothing I rather be doing then being up there singing and dancing like a five year old. The nursing homes have been so interesting. When you sing for older people you can never be sure if they’re actually listening, but as we go around and talk to them is clear that we’ve made impact. At the last one we visited we had a woman stand up and speak to us, it was a huge reminder of why we do this. Having God’s message come through us is an amazing feeling. Our youth have become so much closer in the past three days. It feels like we truly are a family. The ones who deserve the most credit and thanks are Brenda and Jeffrey. Without them this entire trip would have been impossible. Thank you so much! Lastly, I’m so happy that I received this opportunity, my faith has grown so much stronger and the only person I have to thank for that is my savior Jesus Christ.

Graham and his new buddy

Jordan- This would be my second mission trip I have been on, and truly both have been amazing. This year I got the chance of taking the role as Mac in the skit for VBS, and ill be the first to tell you that it’s a blast. I love getting up in front of the kids and making them laugh. Seeing those beautiful kids smile makes my world go round. I enjoy watching them participate in the rallies and seeing them have tons of fun. The kids are full of energy, which is great, except that us teenagers don’t seem to have enough energy in ourselves to keep up with them. I have never seen a group of children more willing to participate on the first few days like these kids do. They are very inspiring. I hope that everything that we are doing here makes a difference in the lives of others and helps to show god is great. Going to the nursing homes was my all time favorite thing we have done so far. Seeing the elderly enjoy what we are doing and hearing what they have to say makes me feel loved. They are so kind and very cute. This whole trip has been a bonding experience. All of us have gotten very close. I have seen sides of people that I didn’t even know existed. These guys are so amazing. The adults on this trip are so sweet and caring. I love talking to Catherine, she is very funny and inspirational. I absolutely adore everyone here and I thank them all for bring us here and letting us have such an amazing time.

Graham – This is only the second mission trip I have been on during my time in youth; it is only the third day, and already I feel that despite last year’s awesome trip, this one is going to be even better. Although we all complain about the full days of waking up early only to go to bed even later, they are as much fun as they are exhausting. Having the day full of fun and excitement along with the last minute schedule changes and constantly doing something has made this trip for me. There is never a dull moment and there is always something to be done with the help of some of the best people our church has to offer: our youth group. I have had time to become closer with and learn more about several members of our youth group; some more than I would have liked too. This trip is and has truly been an amazing bonding experience, where not only are we growing closer; we have the privilege to help others grow closer with God. I now feel that we as a youth group are not just friends, we are a family, and I don’t want to leave it for a second.

Our girls!!

Taylor – Although I’m one of the oldest in the entire youth group, this is the first mission trip I’ve ever attended. I have a huge responsibilties as I’m the leader of the 2-5 year old VBS class and I’m Water Woman in the rallies. My experience so far has been exhausting and overwhelming. Between the waking up early, dealing with kids all day, & staying up late because of the giggling in my room I haven’t exactly been the most…pleasant person every day. I think this past week (3 days) has helped everybody in the youth group. Even though we have our differences and our moments where we get annoyed by being around each other, we put things aside to make the best out of this trip. I’ve noticed that everyone has bonded, and we have become close. Everyone is always laughing and having a good time. Even though things have changed at last minute, and the weather hasn’t cooperated correctly…we have had a wonderful time and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store <3

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