This is such a hard post to write because there are just not words for how wonderful this trip was. It was wonderfully fun, wonderfully frustrating, wonderfully enlightening, all around wonderful. Here's a rundown of our trip:
Day 1: Traveling! We spent a long time in the car and made it to Georgia. It was a great day of getting to know our team.
The Team
Day 2-More traveling but we made it to our destination...Camp Seafarer in Pamlico County!
First glance of where we were staying..our accommodations were top notch! Picture Pine Cove with the bay in the background. Breathtakingly beautiful!
Day 3-We started the day very early..4:15 a.m. here and 5:15 a.m. there. Each morning they played Mandisa's "Good Morning!" which always got up pumped up. That was followed by announcements then our Godly words of encouragement with a short worship. Worshiping with 1700 people is an awesome experience! We were warned the first couple of days could be chaotic. They were but we made it through. We met our homeowner for the week on the first day. We weren't always with her but she was still our homeowner! We finished each evening with optional evening worship. On this particular day Andrew and I did a very easy ceiling demo then dirt work under a home that wasn't quiet so easy. Augusta and Bryce were chosen one morning to dance!
Day 4-We attending a local Methodist church. There were maybe 20 members there and about 50 Volunteers from the camp. It was my first time to hear a women minister. She was good. It was interesting... We headed back to the camp to wait for a job. They had 250 more volunteers show up than expected so jobs were scarce while they scrambled to find more. I didn't want to sit around so Andrew and I went to help clean cabins. There was a miscommunication and our team headed out on a job and didn't tell us because they thought we had gone on another job. Oh well. We met a lot of fun people that day!
Day 5-My new friend, Tina a.k.a "Bulldog", had found another home that needed a bit of work. We went with her. I do not think that Tina knew that I was an "less skilled worker." They pulled our "more skilled" workers to finish a roof. (a tropical storm was being forecasted for Day 7) We pulled staples, poured lots of lysol, and picked up lots of trash. They brought in a youth group (who made me feel very old. One 18 yr. old girl kept telling me how much I reminded her of her mom and also told her youth leader how uncanny it was. Really? I'm now that old? I know I have an 18 yr. old but I didn't want to look like one. Maybe it was just the way I acted?) to help us and sheet rock finally started going up. We pulled staples. Oh, we did insulate the outside walls! All by ourselves!
Day 6-Bulldog needed more skilled workers (That was not me but it was Andrew. Poor guy..stuck with his unskilled mom) We went back to our original house and did whatever we could find. We helped the roofers get the old roof off, (we stood on the ground and took it from them) picked up shingles, and formed a relationship with Mrs. Hilda, the homeowner along with some additional team members that were from our church. They were working hard on getting only the roof done because of the storm. There were probably 12 people up there. The highlight of my day....They brought in 3 roofers that were some of the most skilled roofers and they were women! I told them that one day I hoped to be like them and be so needed on a job and how much they inspired me. One of the women, Krisanne, held me by the shoulders and told me that she could tell I was a hard worker and it would happen. She just knew it would. She encouraged me in so many ways that day. That evening Andrew and I skipped worship and had our own Bible time on the pier. We took the time to also take some pictures. Worshiping our Lord on the water was a great experience.
Day 7-We had only 2 hours on the job because of the tropical storm that was blowing in. It brought about 6 in. of rain which brought flooding on the job sites and a tornado 60 miles away. Andrew and I, along with our new friends Dani(elle), William, and Andre, went to start insulating a house. We didn't get a lot done but knew we needed to head out because we were in so very low lands. We headed back to camp and enjoyed a great afternoon at the camp during a tropical storm. We ate and some campers took advantage of the mud and mudded'. Our Augusta was one of them.
After lunch, Steve, the founder of the organization, shared his testimony. It was so moving. Andrew is still talking about it. Seven people were saved after that! PRAISE THE LORD!~!! We knew two of them so the tears were flowing! Eight Days of Hope then held their first annual Talent Show. We weren't sure what to expect and wondered if we might head to the cabins for a quick nap (the rain would stop for about 15 minutes) but oh my stars! We had such a blast! We loved every minute of it. We laughed so hard we cried at times, we teared up because we were so moved and just had a great time! After dinner, it was nice to sit in the cabin and relax with our bunkmates. Andrew and I were on seperate sides of the camp (girls and guys) and I think that was great for both of us. He had the chance to be one of the guys and I had the chance to meet others also. (He was bunking with people from our church. No judging!)
Day 8-We headed back to insulation job and there were only 4 of us there. That was nice because it was busy everywhere else. We finished at lunch (yay us!) then went to the little convenience store and ordered some cheap hot dogs. Think of a very little store with all the locals. That's what this was. There were some other volunteers there and we had fun visiting with everyone. One of the guys, Tattoo Mike, was there with his dad. Tattoo Mike had joined the family of God the day before (!!) and sat down to talk with us for a minute. Andrew was still hungry but I wanted to save our money for the ride home. Tattoo Mike overheard this and bought Andrew a hamburger. Andrew was so humbled. Such a sweet thing to do! We went back to Mrs. Hilda's and worked for the afternoon. Robin Fisher came and attempted to teach me to hang siding. That was an experience! She was such a patient teacher and I am so grateful that she took that time with me. The camp opened up their water rides for the evening and Andrew, Augusta, Dani and I rushed back to enjoy them. Look closely at this picture and you can maybe see the zip line we rode down. LOVED IT! And I was called a cool mom. Heck yeah!
Day 9-This was our last day of work. Crunch time! We worked hard this day! We were trying to get a lot done. The roof was completed, the vinyl siding, painting of two rooms, yard work done, the attic insulated, and electrical done. I know there was more but I can't remember! Andrew worked hard with Mr. Mike and I am so proud of him!
The completed project!
Mrs. Hilda, the homeowner
We were running very late that night but it helps to have people in high places! Augusta was a selfless server all week and saved dinner for our team of 20! Yay! We ate a quick dinner then went and started packing. Side note...the camp offered to do laundry for us and Augusta and I had put ours together one day. Well, that somehow got lost. I didn't lose much but Augusta lost 90% of her things. :-( This is a great lead in to my bunk mates. They were great and had big hearts!!
Day 10-The day we headed home. Such mixed emotions. We were ready to see these faces
but loved being where we were also. So we had one more breakfast with our friends
took one more look at the view
grabbed one more hug
and hit the road.
One thing I will have to say..we loved traveling with this group. We had a blast with all of them! We loved getting to know all of them and I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed their company.
Day 11 was more traveling and then we arrived here
If you are looking for a family missions trip, this is the one!
Eight Days of Hope is an amazing organization. I cannot say enough about the wonderful work they do. Andrew and I cannot wait to go back next year and see our friends. We are planning to go as a family, God willing!, and take an additional truck and tools which are always needed. Here's an email I shared with my home school group and it's so true:
My son and I recently returned home from our first missions trip. We went with 8 Days of Hope to Pamlico County in North Carolina to rebuild homes that had been destroyed when Hurricane Irene came and flooded the lower lands and also the lower income families. 1700 people gathered together and worked for the Greater Purpose, not just to build homes but to show the love of Christ. I have no words to describe how it was but I did learn some lessons from it. Here is one:
We worked on a home of a woman that lived alone. Her ex husband had tried to kill her the year before so not only did the floods ruin her home but so had his fist. Her grown son has done his very best to help her but it's been a lot of work and a lot of money. She has a FEMA trailer but they (FEMA) were coming to remove it the day we were scheduled to leave. Our team knew that we could not finish her house but we were there to do as much as possible. During the week, a FEMA representative showed up. Some of the team tried to convince this representative to leave the trailer a bit longer so this women had a place to live. The representative wouldn't budge. Some team members were very discouraged and voiced this, while some quietly went away and prayed. (This story came from someone else who was on the site and not on our team. I do hope it's true!) FEMA is not taking this trailer because another person needs it due to a natural disaster. They are taking it because "it's the rules and her time is up." This trailer will sit on a lot while this homeowner will possibly have to live in her horse trailer. You would think the homeowner would be discouraged and scream but that never happened. She was thankful they had given her this trailer for as long as they had and was grateful that a team had shown up to help her as much as they could. We, as a team, completed a lot of work but her house is still not liveable. But our homeowner could not thank us enough. We had formed a relationship with her and there were many tears (well, mine) as we left.
I thought about each of the people represented in this story and wondered, "Who am I in this?" Am I...
The FEMA representative? Do I refuse to budge even if it's for a greater purpose? Do I refuse to try and help those who need help? Do I fight for the wrong rules?
The Team members? Do I work hard on tasks even if I know that they will not be completed they way I think they should be completed?
The team members that were discouraged and showed it? Do I voice my complaints loudly and forget that little ears are listening? Do I forget that there are always unsaved around and that my talk represents my walk?
The team members who silently left to pray? Do I trust in God alone that He will answer and has the best plan for my life even if it's not revealed at that moment? Do I lift all my concerns to Him instead of complaining?
The homeowner? Am I grateful for what I have, even when others do not think it's enough? Am I grateful for the volunteers in my life who work hard on my behalf and yet get nothing out of it but a blessing? (I use "but a blessing" very loosely because that is the greatest gift of all.)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14
I pray that this little story has helped you in some way. I encourage you to take your family on a missions trip. You will be amazed at how God opens your heart and your eyes. And as Christine said, you will come back grateful for what you have. My son and I agree that we both have a different perspective on things now and we are going to be Gumby's-flexible and bending to His will and His will alone. Forgive me Lord when I do not act humbly and do not represent You.
*Please forgive the spacing. I have no idea why blogger is posting this way.*
The Team
Day 3-We started the day very early..4:15 a.m. here and 5:15 a.m. there. Each morning they played Mandisa's "Good Morning!" which always got up pumped up. That was followed by announcements then our Godly words of encouragement with a short worship. Worshiping with 1700 people is an awesome experience! We were warned the first couple of days could be chaotic. They were but we made it through. We met our homeowner for the week on the first day. We weren't always with her but she was still our homeowner! We finished each evening with optional evening worship. On this particular day Andrew and I did a very easy ceiling demo then dirt work under a home that wasn't quiet so easy. Augusta and Bryce were chosen one morning to dance!
Day 4-We attending a local Methodist church. There were maybe 20 members there and about 50 Volunteers from the camp. It was my first time to hear a women minister. She was good. It was interesting... We headed back to the camp to wait for a job. They had 250 more volunteers show up than expected so jobs were scarce while they scrambled to find more. I didn't want to sit around so Andrew and I went to help clean cabins. There was a miscommunication and our team headed out on a job and didn't tell us because they thought we had gone on another job. Oh well. We met a lot of fun people that day!
Day 5-My new friend, Tina a.k.a "Bulldog", had found another home that needed a bit of work. We went with her. I do not think that Tina knew that I was an "less skilled worker." They pulled our "more skilled" workers to finish a roof. (a tropical storm was being forecasted for Day 7) We pulled staples, poured lots of lysol, and picked up lots of trash. They brought in a youth group (who made me feel very old. One 18 yr. old girl kept telling me how much I reminded her of her mom and also told her youth leader how uncanny it was. Really? I'm now that old? I know I have an 18 yr. old but I didn't want to look like one. Maybe it was just the way I acted?) to help us and sheet rock finally started going up. We pulled staples. Oh, we did insulate the outside walls! All by ourselves!
Day 6-Bulldog needed more skilled workers (That was not me but it was Andrew. Poor guy..stuck with his unskilled mom) We went back to our original house and did whatever we could find. We helped the roofers get the old roof off, (we stood on the ground and took it from them) picked up shingles, and formed a relationship with Mrs. Hilda, the homeowner along with some additional team members that were from our church. They were working hard on getting only the roof done because of the storm. There were probably 12 people up there. The highlight of my day....They brought in 3 roofers that were some of the most skilled roofers and they were women! I told them that one day I hoped to be like them and be so needed on a job and how much they inspired me. One of the women, Krisanne, held me by the shoulders and told me that she could tell I was a hard worker and it would happen. She just knew it would. She encouraged me in so many ways that day. That evening Andrew and I skipped worship and had our own Bible time on the pier. We took the time to also take some pictures. Worshiping our Lord on the water was a great experience. 
Day 7-We had only 2 hours on the job because of the tropical storm that was blowing in. It brought about 6 in. of rain which brought flooding on the job sites and a tornado 60 miles away. Andrew and I, along with our new friends Dani(elle), William, and Andre, went to start insulating a house. We didn't get a lot done but knew we needed to head out because we were in so very low lands. We headed back to camp and enjoyed a great afternoon at the camp during a tropical storm. We ate and some campers took advantage of the mud and mudded'. Our Augusta was one of them.
After lunch, Steve, the founder of the organization, shared his testimony. It was so moving. Andrew is still talking about it. Seven people were saved after that! PRAISE THE LORD!~!! We knew two of them so the tears were flowing! Eight Days of Hope then held their first annual Talent Show. We weren't sure what to expect and wondered if we might head to the cabins for a quick nap (the rain would stop for about 15 minutes) but oh my stars! We had such a blast! We loved every minute of it. We laughed so hard we cried at times, we teared up because we were so moved and just had a great time! After dinner, it was nice to sit in the cabin and relax with our bunkmates. Andrew and I were on seperate sides of the camp (girls and guys) and I think that was great for both of us. He had the chance to be one of the guys and I had the chance to meet others also. (He was bunking with people from our church. No judging!)
Day 8-We headed back to insulation job and there were only 4 of us there. That was nice because it was busy everywhere else. We finished at lunch (yay us!) then went to the little convenience store and ordered some cheap hot dogs. Think of a very little store with all the locals. That's what this was. There were some other volunteers there and we had fun visiting with everyone. One of the guys, Tattoo Mike, was there with his dad. Tattoo Mike had joined the family of God the day before (!!) and sat down to talk with us for a minute. Andrew was still hungry but I wanted to save our money for the ride home. Tattoo Mike overheard this and bought Andrew a hamburger. Andrew was so humbled. Such a sweet thing to do! We went back to Mrs. Hilda's and worked for the afternoon. Robin Fisher came and attempted to teach me to hang siding. That was an experience! She was such a patient teacher and I am so grateful that she took that time with me. The camp opened up their water rides for the evening and Andrew, Augusta, Dani and I rushed back to enjoy them. Look closely at this picture and you can maybe see the zip line we rode down. LOVED IT! And I was called a cool mom. Heck yeah!
Day 9-This was our last day of work. Crunch time! We worked hard this day! We were trying to get a lot done. The roof was completed, the vinyl siding, painting of two rooms, yard work done, the attic insulated, and electrical done. I know there was more but I can't remember! Andrew worked hard with Mr. Mike and I am so proud of him!
The completed project!
Mrs. Hilda, the homeowner
We were running very late that night but it helps to have people in high places! Augusta was a selfless server all week and saved dinner for our team of 20! Yay! We ate a quick dinner then went and started packing. Side note...the camp offered to do laundry for us and Augusta and I had put ours together one day. Well, that somehow got lost. I didn't lose much but Augusta lost 90% of her things. :-( This is a great lead in to my bunk mates. They were great and had big hearts!!
Day 10-The day we headed home. Such mixed emotions. We were ready to see these faces
but loved being where we were also. So we had one more breakfast with our friends
took one more look at the view
grabbed one more hug
and hit the road.
One thing I will have to say..we loved traveling with this group. We had a blast with all of them! We loved getting to know all of them and I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed their company.Day 11 was more traveling and then we arrived here
If you are looking for a family missions trip, this is the one! Eight Days of Hope is an amazing organization. I cannot say enough about the wonderful work they do. Andrew and I cannot wait to go back next year and see our friends. We are planning to go as a family, God willing!, and take an additional truck and tools which are always needed. Here's an email I shared with my home school group and it's so true:
My son and I recently returned home from our first missions trip. We went with 8 Days of Hope to Pamlico County in North Carolina to rebuild homes that had been destroyed when Hurricane Irene came and flooded the lower lands and also the lower income families. 1700 people gathered together and worked for the Greater Purpose, not just to build homes but to show the love of Christ. I have no words to describe how it was but I did learn some lessons from it. Here is one:
We worked on a home of a woman that lived alone. Her ex husband had tried to kill her the year before so not only did the floods ruin her home but so had his fist. Her grown son has done his very best to help her but it's been a lot of work and a lot of money. She has a FEMA trailer but they (FEMA) were coming to remove it the day we were scheduled to leave. Our team knew that we could not finish her house but we were there to do as much as possible. During the week, a FEMA representative showed up. Some of the team tried to convince this representative to leave the trailer a bit longer so this women had a place to live. The representative wouldn't budge. Some team members were very discouraged and voiced this, while some quietly went away and prayed. (This story came from someone else who was on the site and not on our team. I do hope it's true!) FEMA is not taking this trailer because another person needs it due to a natural disaster. They are taking it because "it's the rules and her time is up." This trailer will sit on a lot while this homeowner will possibly have to live in her horse trailer. You would think the homeowner would be discouraged and scream but that never happened. She was thankful they had given her this trailer for as long as they had and was grateful that a team had shown up to help her as much as they could. We, as a team, completed a lot of work but her house is still not liveable. But our homeowner could not thank us enough. We had formed a relationship with her and there were many tears (well, mine) as we left.
I thought about each of the people represented in this story and wondered, "Who am I in this?" Am I...
The FEMA representative? Do I refuse to budge even if it's for a greater purpose? Do I refuse to try and help those who need help? Do I fight for the wrong rules?
The Team members? Do I work hard on tasks even if I know that they will not be completed they way I think they should be completed?
The team members that were discouraged and showed it? Do I voice my complaints loudly and forget that little ears are listening? Do I forget that there are always unsaved around and that my talk represents my walk?
The team members who silently left to pray? Do I trust in God alone that He will answer and has the best plan for my life even if it's not revealed at that moment? Do I lift all my concerns to Him instead of complaining?
The homeowner? Am I grateful for what I have, even when others do not think it's enough? Am I grateful for the volunteers in my life who work hard on my behalf and yet get nothing out of it but a blessing? (I use "but a blessing" very loosely because that is the greatest gift of all.)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14
I pray that this little story has helped you in some way. I encourage you to take your family on a missions trip. You will be amazed at how God opens your heart and your eyes. And as Christine said, you will come back grateful for what you have. My son and I agree that we both have a different perspective on things now and we are going to be Gumby's-flexible and bending to His will and His will alone. Forgive me Lord when I do not act humbly and do not represent You.
*Please forgive the spacing. I have no idea why blogger is posting this way.*
1 comment:
WOW! Love this Aimee!!!!!! What a beautiful missions trip and the fact that your family was able to do this together is just perfect!!!!
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