“Doug, I was wondering if you would be willing to come with me on a short terms missions trip with our high school youth group this Summer….”
My sister Karen
That’s how the whole thing started.
Last year, Karen and our sister Kim went to Mexico on a short term medical missions trip. They had a great time as siblings- came home with lots of memories. So that was in the back of my mind when Karen asked me about tagging along this summer.
In 2008 Cedar Rapids Iowa was hit with a record breaking flood, left thousands of people homeless. A year later its old news, but many are still living in FEMA trailers so Karen’s youth group decided to work closer to home so I said “Sign me up.”
We reported for duty first thing Monday morning at the crisis management center, had a brief orientation and headed across town to meet our project manager Mike. Our job for the week was to hang drywall.
I had several highlights. Probably the biggest highlight was the good attitudes these young people evidenced. They had fun but knew how to work- we kicked butt, once we got the hang of it.
On one occassion we had to lift a 12 ft by 4 ft piece of drywall over plumbing pipes, another stack of drywall, then slip it into a tight corner. Three young ladies, a young man, and myself grabbed it like it was a feather- it slipped in perfectly. I told them afterwards I felt like I was on an Amish barn raising crew- what a sweet feeling.
Below are some pictures of our week:
Picture of our group on the last day- Karen and her hubby got it all new t-shirts to celebrate our week
Close up of some of the ladies
Karen is to my right w/ a screw gun. My niece Emilee is in front of us.
Couple of the kids using a sheet rock jack
Having fun @ the DQ after day 3
Niece Hannah with a screw gun
Here is Mac- one of my team members
Picture of me inspecting something 
Visiting with the neighbor
Things have been busy the past 3 weeks between a family reunion, another concert, guests from California, and this missions trip. It doesn’t look like it’s going to let up any time soon. I start my new part time teaching gig in just a couple of weeks- a construction program for Jrs and Sr high school students. I wanted to post something on the blog in case I have any regular readers who stop by from time to time.
Nothing too deep on this post- mostly wanted to stay in touch.
Tags: attitude, Christianity, discipleship, enjoying life, faith, family, Iowa, Jesus, leadership, Life, Minisry, pastors, personal, relationships, religion, spirituality, thoughts, Uncategorized, vacation, work
July 30, 2009 at 9:57 pm |
What a wonderful thing you did. I loved seeing the pics. You know I always enjoy those. It’s also such a good lesson for young people to see adults doing this for other people. Cheers to you.
July 31, 2009 at 12:37 pm |
Looks like a good time was had by all. And you sound insanely busy! Go go go! I love reading your posts!
July 31, 2009 at 2:25 pm |
I’m so glad you got to do that!
August 1, 2009 at 12:16 am |
Great pics! My 19yo daughter went to Hungary this summer on a short-term mission trip. She plans to go back next year and I just might have to go with her. =)
August 1, 2009 at 10:06 pm |
Inspiring account. SO glad you posted this, and the photos! I’m certain you helped those young people make memories which will last a lifetime.
August 9, 2009 at 12:32 pm |
Looks like your trip was very rewarding. The teaching gig sounds pretty awesome! I hope you like it! I’m sure the kids you have will be thrilled!
August 10, 2009 at 3:24 pm |
What a blast! Those are fun projects – especially when you know at least some of the people you’re working with!