The following is my portion of the update letter from the Arizona mission trip. I apologize that it has not gotten into the mail yet, but it will soon, and I also apologize that you will have already read half of it when it does :) Robert's section is probably much more interesting than mine, though, so make sure you read it! (when it comes. which it will. soon.)
Here's the letter:
Although I went on this mission trip last summer, my time in Arizona this summer could not have been more different. We stayed with at the same church we did last time, and worked with the same missionaries, but the kind of work we did was stretching in a new way. Instead of working on the camp grounds to make it ready for the people to come, we worked during the camp to minister to the people. Our physical, emotional, and spiritual limits were all tested and pushed and I know that our whole team, one by one, came to the breaking point in which we had to fully rely on God’s strength in us through His Holy Spirit.
The work I did on this trip was not the only thing about it that was different for me. My role on the team last year was very simple: go, do what you’re told, and do it with a Godly attitude. This year, I worked closely with our team leader, Emily, who is the same age as I and a steadfast woman of God. Because of this, I glimpsed the leadership side of a mission trip on a much more personal level. I have worked before at Conroe Bible Church as a youth sponsor and I also spent this last school year leading a small group and God began, during these times, to teach me things about our relationship. One of the lessons I have been learning most is that of loneliness.
While I experienced the wonderful fellowship that comes with serving on a mission team, the experience this year was different than it has been before. I left for Arizona with Emily a day earlier than the rest of the team in order to help her prepare for our trip into the White Mountains. I learned practical things like how to tip hotel shuttle drivers and rent vans, but I also learned that being a leader is lonely. This is not a bad thing. Loneliness is good for us because it means we are experiencing something that only the Lord can share with us and that only the Lord can understand. The loneliness I learned as a small group leader is that the burden I carry for my girls can only be understood by the Lord and on the mission trip I learned that leadership means that one is separated from the rest of the team by responsibility. Because I was only helping Emily I did not catch the full brunt of this, but it was very healthy to learn. It made me check myself and my attitude and ask, “Why am I here?” There were lots and lots of moments when Jesus was the only One working with me and I was tempted to feel left out or afraid until He reminded me that this belonged to us and us alone. I am thankful for loneliness and thankful that He allowed me to share in His work among in the Apache Nation.
Another thing I have been learning over the course of my life is that God is sovereign. That is a fact easily known and a concept not easily understood. It seems like once I understand His sovereignty in one area, I quickly discover another in which I do not understand. The way the Lord brought His sovereignty to my attention during our time teaching vacation Bible school at the camp in Whiteriver was to show me His warriors. Most of the children we loved on came from broken and hurting families where they were often hurt by their families. Some children I could only pray for but I had the privilege to join with others in prayer. I was astounded by the spiritual burdens some of them had for their mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters. To see their hearts was encouraging, saddening, and humbling. I was at once angry that they were in these positions and hopeful for the rest of their nation because of where they were. I realized that God has called them to be a light in this world in a way that I have not been nor likely ever will be called. I learned that He is not afraid to give young children His Word and send them out to fight for His Kingdom. I was awed by the faith I saw in them and encouraged in my walk by their determination.
Some children heard about the Lord for the first time. One morning, I had the honor of doing the craft and I shared the plan of Salvation with them in small groups through making wordless book bracelets. They had so much fun making them and listening to the story I told for each bead. I know the Lord will use the missionaries there to continue to teach them those truths.
The love God has for these Apache boys and girls was made abundantly clear throughout the time we were with them and I am thankful to have been able to be a part of sharing it! Please keep them in your prayers and thank you again for partnering with me in this. May God bless you richly!
Here are some pictures that you probably won't see in the mailed letter (it's so exciting!):
Here are some pictures that you probably won't see in the mailed letter (it's so exciting!):
We took this on the way back down the mountain. It was too amazing to pass up!
We played lots of relay games with the children. LOTS of them. The best one was Drip Drip Splash which has the same rules as Duck Duck Goose, except in this one a cup of water dumped on your head means you're "it". Remember it for next summer. You won't regret it.
For the worship time and game time the younger ones would come and hang out with us. Trevin was a hoot and a half :) Just ask Molly, Rachel, and Mariah who worked with the preschool
The preschool.
Frybread and beans is a staple meal on the reservation. You don't even know how good it is! I'll make some for dinner sometime and invite you over.
Just like any VBS, we had to first learn the songs. The theme was "Jesus Is My Superhero." Can't you tell?
The guys were so holy.
And then they threw water balloons at us... With help and instigation from some Apache boys at the camp.
Molly was a devious pro.
I think she must do this a lot in her spare time.
One morning the sound equipment took too long to get set up, so we improvised. I loved it :)
On our last day in the White Mountains, we went to the movies! It was fun to chill with everyone after working so hard.
We had the best hosts ever at the White River Assembly of God church! I love the Jimenez and Warwick families! Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you, and thank you for taking such good care of us! I am in awe of what God is doing through all of you.
I owe all my picture gratitude to Mariah Straughan :)
