The morning began with a devotional and commentary from Linda, followed by a breakfast of Bacon and French toast casserole. It's a great start to a day when your spiritual and physical hunger are met.
We had a quick meeting to decide where to eat tonight. We took Linda's recommendation and went to Billy Ray's in Prestonsburg. More on that later.
We are now in our fourth evening together and have bonded as a group. Our conversation has become much easier and deeper. As a group, we can now express our thoughts and feelings in a way you can only do when you feel safe and comfortable and around friends.
As we discussed our job sites and how our days unfolded, the discussion, which in the first couple of days revolved around our work, had shifted almost exclusively to our interactions with each other, our site patrons, and our CAP site leaders. As we discussed before coming on Mission, the work is essential. Still, the relationships formed between missioners, mission staff, and the families we serve hold the true blessing of mission trips. Those relationships, stories, and memories will change you and make you long to come back repeatedly.
Sorry, I mixed up the Brown and Blue teams in yesterday's blog. Sorry about that!
Brown: Theresa and Joe spoke a lot about Lilly and Miranda today. Lilly had moved her doll into her new bedroom overnight. She was overjoyed at the prospect of moving into the room herself. Her joy and happiness was on full display. Lilly drew a picture and presented it to the team. Miranda, who at one point was hesitant to spend time with the crew for fear of distracting them, spoke and opened up to them about her life, trials, and pain. Theresa mentioned letting Miranda know she is loved and that we would pray for her, which brought her to tears.
Purple—The team discussed that they had not yet met their patron, but that had not dampened their enthusiasm for the trip or the work. They understood that she was not in a place where she was ready to meet them, and that was okay. The team has formed strong bonds with the team leader, Robert, and Americor Volunteer Jay. Both of them shared their personal stories, opened up to the team, and shared a ton of laughs. They enjoyed the growth in the relationships between the team members.
Blue—Again, their discussion centered around relationships. Their patron, who the team was told was an extreme introvert, visited them at the job site again today, introducing the team to his new dog. The team was overjoyed that he had felt comfortable enough with them to overcome his fears and open up to them.
As mentioned earlier, we went out for dinner tonight. I sat toward the center of the table and heard so many personal stories and laughs from each end of the table. Everyone was sharing stories, laughing, listening, and enjoying the company of friends. What a beautiful tribute to the Mission experience.
During the meeting, Larry commented on how open, light, and effortless the conversation was this evening.
Lucas commented on how relationships have grown among the teams. We have come a long way in four short days!
Elizabeth spoke about how she has taken many notes and pictures and can not wait to get home and share her experience with those she loves. She also talked about how comfortable she is sharing with, asking questions, and receiving advice from her team members.
Karin spoke about the value of hands-on giving of time and talents, which she finds invaluable. This opened up a discussion about how many of us feel this feeling is amplified when the service is provided in the name of God.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our two youngest participants, Micheala and Isaac. It must have been daunting not only to be headed to the unknown of their first mission trip but to find out that you're the only two teenagers (the rest of us are just slightly older than that). They have both been tremendous additions to the mission family. They have risen to every task and every challenge with a smile, enthusiasm, and 100% commitment. Whether it be working with a screw gun, painting or sanding drywall as in Michaela's case or moving hundreds of pounds of dirt around in a bucket, sweeping up messes, or using a caulking gun as Isaac did, both did their best and never complained. After this trip, they both have a lot of new Aunts and Uncles looking out for them.
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