Thought I'd forgotten about this didn't
ya.
Well it's been almost a week since the team has
returned. Hopefully most have gotten use to sleeping in their beds again,
drinking something other than bottled water or Gatorade, taking showers for as
long as they want, not having long forgotten muscles ache and not
tasting sheetrock dust in everything.
When we arrived home I sent an email out to the
team members asking for their thoughts on the mission. I got a couple back. Here
they are:
"I enjoyed working with and getting to know those on the team. I
enjoyed meeting Marvin & Kim, Lynn & Toots, Mildred & her son, Dan
& Melinda, Granny & her family, and even Dink. Didn't mind the work, but
painting that ceiling one more time (for the fourth time) was tiring! I
appreciate all the hard work everyone put in. It was a great team and I enjoyed
being on the lake watching everyone having a well deserved good time!!
"
"This
trip, to me, was exceptional in the quality of teamwork and cooperation
exhibited throughout the week. There was a spirit of caring and affection that
was great. I was impressed with the amount of work we accomplished and the
effort and quality of work given by the youth on the job site. It was a fun trip
J
and a spiritual trip. We were blessed by our homeowners and by each other. All
the good qualities seemed to rise to the top!"
It was an exceptional mission. The
team was a cross generational team with the youngest being 16 and the oldest
being, well let's just say that the oldest could easily work the socks off most
people half their age! This was the first time in 5 years that an
FUMC mission team had youth on it. Once again we were blessed by having Ed,
Kevin and Colin May from Elk Grove, IL join us. If there is a family that
exemplifies what it means to serve they are it. On this mission in doing the
work and in ministering there was no age barrier. Everyone contributed and
everyone cared about each other and the people that we served. Once again I
received more than I gave. God was truly moving amongst us and with us at all
times.
The wonderful people we encountered in
Guntersville, the beautiful scenery (some awesome sunsets over the hill across
from the church), the welcoming church family and the devotions of the team
members are just a few of the memories that I will carry with me from this
mission. There were new friends made, old friends reconnected with, bonds
strengthened and hopefully faith restored.
Once again thank you for all that kept
us in your prayers and supported us with donations of snacks, drinks and
financially. If you get a chance I hope you will ask a team member about their
personal experiences on this mission. And as you look toward Alabama please take
a moment to say a prayer for Carol and Matthew and Granny. While we are safe and
secure in our homes they are still waiting to get back into
theirs.
Peace and
Grace,
Jeff
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