Day 6: Thursday, June 26

Lake Charles, La. (Senior High)

Rachael B.:
1. How will your life be different when you get home?
When I get home, my life will adjust a lot because I have really changed and become a different person this week. I will have more respect for my parents and elders, and I will work harder on working together with the ones around me.

2. How have your relationships changed this week?
My relationships this week have changed a lot, because I have worked hard this week on not just talking to the same people. I branched out and tried to talk to a variety of people, and because of that, I have established relationships that mean a lot to me.

3. How do you think this trip will change the group?
After this week I think that this group will have grown closer together, and I feel like we will work together better as one rather that individual people.

4. What are you going to do when you get home to remember this week?
When I get home, I want to write down all of the things from this trip that I don’t want to forget. The things that I want to remain close to my heart, and the things that have helped me change into a better person. I have experienced a lot this week that is very close to my heart, so by writing them down, I will be able to go back later and remember the things that have helped me become who I am today.



Amanda S.:

When I get home I think my life will be different because I now have more experiences and I now see the world in different eyes. I have seen God in many faces and those faces are the people who I have grown closer to. I have talked to people I don’t usually talk to and people who I have never talked to. I have also grown closer to God each and every day. I think this group will be different because we have grown closer to each other and met new people and we have had experiences that we will never forget. When I get home I am going to try to talk to my new friends and new people. And I am going to stay close with God.

Day 5: Wednesday, June 25

Lake Charles, La. (Senior High)

Matt G.:
Today was probably the hardest day of the week because it was so hot and humid all afternoon. We worked on shingling the roof that we started yesterday and finally finished it. Although it was really hot outside we still had a great time by dancing roof to the “Cupid Shuffle” on the roof, and watching my amazing guitar solo!! Today was a great day and all of us had a fun time working together! !!!

Rachel M.:
Today was basically the final countdown. We all knew what had to be done…. and we did it. It was super intense because we knew we had to finish today. We put in the same ceiling about four times, and I think a few of us were close to tears, but it got finished and looked really good. It felt good too, and I knew God was there in that feeling that pulls you forward when you’re frustrated, through to the feeling of a job well done. The week started with chaos, and ended where it felt like everything was going to be okay. And it really was much better than okay. Today was a day where all felt right in the world. Thank You, Lord!

Jill B.:
I must say that I think today was the highlight of the week mainly because we got a ton of work done, and it was one of the most fun days I have had this summer. We boarded up the whole side of a house (not to mention I got to show off some of my AMAZING circular saw skills), and we sang Bohemian Rhapsody on top of a roof. We got hot and sweaty and we made a ton of jokes. We worked until we got blisters and were sunburned…and then we danced some more. It was an awesome day. It was moments like these when I felt like the early mornings, the repetitiveness of cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch had really paid off.


McCulle W.:
I didn’t realize the impact of my work, the monstrosity of the job, or the hope we had given these people until someone we weren’t helping at all were put in awe over our commitment. Walking to the vans after lunch at the community center when the day care let out and this huge kid approaches the fence and asked us what we were doing. Matt S. replies that we were here to help clean up houses and everyone kind of joined in something to that effect and the kid has a look of joy and amazement as he slowly replied “you came all the way down here to help us?” that’s when it got me I was stunned that they thought that they should be passed over and that look of happiness at the realization that he and his town had not been forgotten. That was worth more than a couple days of work or a donation. The end solution is what I like to see. What makes me feel the best. I wish that everyone could experience the joy that me and that kid shared as we both realized the good in the world.

Day 4: Tuesday, June 24

Lake Charles, La. (Senior High)

Amber F.:

Today I arrived at a new work site with a new group to work with. Half of us hadn’t worked here yet and were not exactly sure on what to start doing. However, that didn’t last long. The adults and youth who had been here before quickly took others under their wings and explained how to the various jobs around the site, allowing work to start quicker than expected. There were four main jobs: working on the roof, reinstalling the insulation, sawing the wood to be used for other work, and what came to be known as the black hole, which is where I started off working. The Hole was, well, a hole in the living room of the house, which was being made in order to put new wood in the place of the rotting wood. When I arrived I found out that all the work yesterday’s workers (meaning Dad, Michelle, Brian, and Alex) had done had to be completely destroyed in order to pull out more rotting wood. Basically I had to help these remarkable people tear apart a whole day’s work and start from scratch. However I was amazed that not one of them complained and quickly began working on getting the job done.

I also spent time working on the roof, where I realized I cannot operate a hammer to save my life. Anyway, I saw God in every person up there who had been working many hard hours before I started, in the 108 degree sun, and were still going strong until the job was done. Everybody was so amazing and working so hard all day.

However there are two other important people, not involved in youth who need recognition. The first is Jimmy, a worker from the Mission Center who had come over to help work on the Hole. This fifty-year-old man never stopped working and gave very helpful advice and effort to the task. The job definitely could not have been done without him.

The second is Stella, the woman whose house we were fixing. I felt awful while working in the Hole, because the whole time she sat on her couch watching us tear apart her house, a sad and hurt look in her eyes. I could tell she was bothered by the necessary destruction, but who wouldn’t be? However, she talked and joked with us, complimenting us on our work, not once complaining. Her strength was eye-opening, and I am still amazed by her.

Today was a great day. Everyone worked, sweated, and finished our various jobs together. No one complained about the heat, or the work, or anything. Today I finally realized what a unique group of people our youth group is; one who is ready for anything without asking anything in return. And I’m glad to apart of it.

Paul F.:

Today we woke even earlier than yesterday. We woke up at 6:00 and at breakfast at 6:30. Our teams and work sites were changed to help us gain more experience from this trip. I got to my work site which was an hour away and got to work on the roof. Me and my team tore shingles off the roof and replaced them with new ones. We worked from nine to four with lunch being our only real break. We finished replacing more than half of the shingles in 104 degree weather. I saw God in all of the people who started and stuck with the roof work all day no matter how tired. I’ve seen God so many times this week this is my favorite mission trip so far.

San Marcos (Junior High)

Austin S.:

Today, we started out with another great breakfast of biscuits and gravy. I had some with and some without gravy, but either way it was still pretty good.

For the first half of work we pretty much did the same thing. Tore off a couple more, but after that we got to saw some wood. We had to cut the wood that still had lead paint in it. We did that until lunch (hamburgersJ).

After lunch, Beck, Blake and I got to work on the wall on one of the sides of the house. I did that for the rest of the day and I had a lot of fun.

And I couldn’t wait until Saltgrass Steakhouse for dinner where I had an excellent, juicy STEAK.

Bailey T.:

I saw God in Mr. Whiteman today. From the start, he was there for me. He reminds me of my papa. Today was fun! The owners’ son, Anthony, came out while we were working and the smile on his face motivated me to work harder and it reminded me of what we are really here for!! I miss my family but I can wait a few days!!

CJ:

Today we got moved to another work site (blue group) from Marshall to Seguin. When we got to Seguin, another church had already been working there all week. We were welcomed with warm and open hearts. The other church that was there was Grace United Methodist Church. There, I got the pleasure to work with the supervisor Matt. Matt and I got to build a porch on the left side of the house. I met a lot of new people today like Jordan, JJ, SY, and Matt. We had an awesome day overall and everybody that I met had a warm and welcoming heart.

Day 3: Tuesday, June 23

Lake Charles, La. (Senior High):

Photos from Lake Charles

David C.

Today we went back to Ms. Stella’s house, Neil and I started decking the roof today. We had to stop for a wail while Monty fixed the other end of the roof. Once Monty was done we got working fast and others joined as in decking, we got 10-12 boards down, which is most of that part of the roof. We welcomed every break because it was HOT up on the roof, at one point when Neil and I were on break Lynn brought us cold water and drenched our rags in the cold water, it was nice. Lynn was also one of the water Nazi’s who kept telling us on the roof to drink water. Trevor and Brennan cut all of our wood and did a good job. Watching the group tear down the shed was fun, and even funnier watching them take it away like ants. On the way home we played on the radios, I started looking for Natasha and Nickoli and ended as the leader of a Russian mob.

Matt S.

We woke up this morning to Mrs. Farrell singing the “Rise n’ Shine” song, which was nice! After breakfast we got ready to go on our hour journey… and YES MOM I PUT ON SUNSCREEN!!!!! Today, we got to put tar inbetween the shingles on the roof of Martha Simons’s house. It was steaming hot on the roof, but it was all worth it. We only got part of it done this morning, but I can’t wait to go back tomorrow to finish it. I feel like I worked hard, but I still have that burning desire to work harder and get this roof finished so it doesn’t leak. For lunch we had yummy sandwhiches and mucho fruit. Afterwards, we went to another house and began to scrape off the paint, which was kind of tough because my body began to tire out on me. We then took a break and went to get snow cones. I got the Bahama Mama, which was nice!!!! Next, we worked a little more, while the owner went out and put Gatorades and water into a cooler for us to drink. He then told some of us how the water got up to about 4 feet during the hurricane. Afterwards, we left and went back on our hour trip, and I’ve been taking it easy all night. I also got the terrible news that LSU won in the 11^th inning on Monday night, which is sad….

Rene G.

Today was amazing! The first hour was spent driving to the work-site, as usual. When we pulled up to the site, we saw a beautiful, pink house. But as we pulled around to the back of the house, we saw one of the things we would be working on; an entire wall made up of tarps nailed over insulation. This wall is what I worked on all day long. We had to pull all of the nails out and then remove the single piece of paper-thin siding that covered hardly any of the wall. It was a ton of fun, but it felt as though it were a million degrees outside! It was fine, though, because we kept ourselves occupied well enough, I think. First, Matt spit water as far as he could (his record was twelve feet!). Then, Baab decided to play with rolly-polies. She took them in her hand, made them roll into a ball, put them in her mouth, and spit them out. It was soo much fun, even though it sounds gross.

For lunch, we went to the Goosport Community Center and ate. There was a man sitting at a bus stop there, so I gave him an apple and others from my group gave him a sandwich and granola bar. He didn’t say thank you, or anything at all, rather. But I still felt good about what I had done, even without the thanks.

I feel like I really accomplished things today, especially since my group didn’t have a home yesterday. It was a day very well spent, at least in my eyes…

Alex P.

Today we worked at Miss Stella’s house again. We realized at about 10 a.m. that our food cooler had no lunch meat. We had chips, bread, peanut butter, everything but meat. So one van left to get some from the Wal-Mart that was about an hour away. Then, about an hour after they left, Keith realized he needed some supplies to fix our monstrous hole in the floor. His van had all the remaining food, and water. We’re stuck at this worksite in the middle of nowhere with no food, water, or supplies to finish the job. Lynne decided to call Keith, but discovered that not only did his van have the food, it also had cell phones. So we didn’t eat til 1:30.

Second half of the day, Jessica and I had to go under the house to pull nails for a support beam. We layed flat on our backs and wiggled up underneath. After a few minutes, we were able to forget about all the snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlies that were under there and how good it felt. Under the house it was only about 95 degrees. Then Lynne came and said “oh, you’re brave. Shelly Lofland just released a Black Widow and her friends, and they are extremely aggressive. I’d never moved so fast in my life. And that’s even with my whole body asleep. So we left Keith and Damian to get under the house with spiders.

San Marcos, Tex. (Junior High)

Photos from San Marcos

Jeremy G.

Monday: I saw God today when the homeowner came to her house that we were working on. She was so excited. She gave us all hugs. I also enjoyed destroying a wall with Adam, Jessica and Kendall.

Cameron D.

God I’m so glad that you worked through my group and through me as well Lord. I wish that you help us do the same. I pray that I get nicer and allow others to use the tools that I’m using at the moment. I praise you for the people like Ralph who do your will and for the helpers of the Southside Community Center who do your will and grace all throughout their lives. I pray that you keep us safe and out of harm throughout the entire week and I will praise you always. Thank you for guiding me through my life. I shall praise you always. Amen.

Jordan M.

Reflection: Where I saw God

Today I saw God in everyone in my group. We are all very crazy people, but they were able to put that aside and focus. When the day was done, they still talked about what we could do. I hope all the other kids were like that.

I also saw God in Mr. Whiteman. He was the only adult. He was also very busy. The group broke in half, so he was trying to do the best he could to help everyone. May God bless him.

*Regan and I tiled a whole kitchen! The boys tiled a closet and worked on floorboards.

Tubing was a blast! All the grass felt weird? I really want to go again! I’ve heard so much about mission trip. Now I know why they’re so much fun!

My Prayer for: God

Dear God, Thank you for this chance you gave me to come to San Marcos. Without you, none of this world would be here. I am grateful for the life you gave me. Amen.

Amy W.

Today I saw God in a lot of things. I saw God in our site manager Richard. He helped us whenever we needed it, no matter what it was. Also I saw God in a lost puppy we found. She always had hope in her eyes that she would get home and be safe again. I also saw God in one of the employees from the vet that came to pick up the lost puppy. She stopped everything she was doing to come pick up this dog. I also saw God in Chad today because when I couldn’t figure out how to do something, he came over and helped me. Today I also saw God in Ben. He came around helping us with whatever we needed. He also is taking on a lot of responsibility. I also saw God in Adam. He helped tear down a door without a break until he really needed one. I also saw God in everyone in our group. They were all so motivated to get the work done.

Abbey P.

First of all, Southside has been so good to us the past few days and we are so grateful for that.

I saw God many places today. I saw Him in my whole group because when we found out we had to fill up our hole and dig a new one, everybody offered help and no one was down or did nothing.

Leonard was definitely where I saw God. He kept motivating us and making sure we all got a turn with the nail gun. Even when everyone was hot and tired, he still was working and cracking jokes.

Our project is to give Dominga and her family a new porch. It’s a lot harder than you think but when we all work together it goes faster and smoother.

Chad had a lot of motivation to bring. Even though he had his camera he was still getting dirty and working.

Everyone has worked great throughout and even when it gets to the hottest part of the day, everyone keeps going and gets the job done.

Ben R.

I saw God when I was working on the house because I was having trouble and I had to ask God to help me out.

Day 2 Journals: June 22, 2009

Connor T.

Dear God,

Today was actually a ton of fun even though had to drive a long time on not so amazing roads. At our worksite most of us helped rip out the ceiling of a couple rooms that had water damage from the hurricane. Needless to say, there are a lot of exciting things and creatures hiding up in the rafters. Also, we completely filled up a huge trash dumpster with everything from bicycles to metal roofing and everything in between. Our nonstop work and persistence to finish a goal really reminded me what we are here to do, to serve God and help others. Overall today was a success, and I am look forward to working the rest of the week!

Tyler D.

Today we had cereal for breakfast, after I had about 5 hours of sleep. I didn’t actually feel that tired though. My work group has a lot of people including Luke, Devon, Parker, Mac, Paige, and Rene. There were some more of us too. We went to the wrong worksite to begin with, and then when we got assigned a different worksite, the lady was not home! It took us about 2 hours just to get to her house, and when we did, we didn’t do anything. Then we had a lunch of sandwiches in an air conditioned building. After lunch we went to Wal-mart to buy groceries. All of the kids went and looked at CDs for 25 minutes while the adults shopped. After that, we got ice and then back to the church! I crashed because I was tired. When I woke up, I hung out with friends for awhile and then had chili dogs for dinner. After dinner we went and played football and ultimate football. Now, I am in worship.

I saw God today in the lady who offered us the air conditioned building to eat in. She worked in the office and was so glad we were there.

Last week, I got to experience the world God created under the ocean (I was in Florida scuba diving and got at the church at 2 a.m. this morning). This week I am experiencing him by sharing his love with others, and by seeing his love acted out by others too.

My experiences today will make me be more patient in waiting for work because right now, I want to get out there and show God’s love through my actions!!!

Rachel M.

Today we woke up early so we could get out to our sites as soon as possible, and after a quick bowl of cheerios we were on our way. We piled into a van and drove… and drove some more until we began driving on a dirt road. Soon we were out in the middle of nowhere and pulled up to a shack next to a single trailer home. As it turns out, that shack was home to a woman named Stella. There were holes in her roof and rotting walls practically falling around her. We moved her many trinkets and treasures, along with a collection of furniture accumulated over the years, out of her home and began to rip out the walls and ceiling. It was there that I saw God today; In the strength of a group of children to rebuild a woman’s falling home. I feel that more than the foundation of the house was solidified today. Being here has opened my eyes and strengthened my faith. I can say that today I have become aware of God’s presence in God in all the small wonderful things, and even in the small shabby things we would rather ignore, because in the humblest of places, therein lies the Glory of the Lord. Amen.

Day 1 Journals: June 21, 2009

“19” (Devon, explanation later)

We are finally in Lake Charles, Louisiana. I am so glad to be on this trip this year, since I didn’t go last year. The drive was long, but the people in my van made it fun enough that it didn’t feel as long. I can’t wait to get started. I know the work will be hard, but I know it is all worth it. I hope that this trip will open my eyes to new things. I know from past mission trips that you always come back with new knowledge or a new perspective on things. Even if it is the simple stuff. I really hope that materialism or fear won’t get in my way this week. I think it will be enlightening to spend a week without the technological walls we build with our phones, iPods, and other electronics. We are staying in this little church in a little town called Gueydan.

We are all cramped in this one room with all of our air mattresses and sleeping bags, but I know we will make some fun memories in that room, as we have for years past. I can’t wait for this week to start.

I hope I can take all of the experiences I have here back with me, and continue to live my life with my new knowledge or new perspective.

Paul F.

We arrived here around 8:30, unpacked and set up our sleeping bags and did some worship. I hope to encounter God everywhere I look. I hope to see him in the eyes of the people whose homes have been destroyed, and in the people who we have helped rebuild their homes. I also hope nothing will cloud my vision to see God. I hope I will not be distracted by anything I left at home and focus completely on the people around us and their needs. I hope this will be one of the best mission trips yet. I hope…