Words can’t express how wonderful this trip was for me! There’s a love for kids that cuts to the core of my soul. So for the Lord to allow me to go on a mission’s trip to Alaska, to work with kids, was just a dream come true for me! Thank you Lord!
From the beginning, I was in awe about the planning that was taking place for this trip. I could feel Mike’s love for the Lord through his preparation! He was not going into this trip halfheartedly. In all that he had, he was going to prepare himself and the team for the mission. As part of the preparation, our fearless leader, prepared a “wonderful” two week devotion in hopes that our hearts would be prepared. I thought…”with my schedule, I’ll be lucky to fit in this devotion.” Well, my pastor has a saying; if the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy! So, I purposed myself to read the devotion and pray. The very 1st day, my heart was touched. Mike had listed specific names for us to pray over each day. I found it to be so rewarding. Praying for these kids that I didn’t know but that I will soon meet. The planning continued with prepared lessons and continual encouragement. Thank the Lord that it did! Our trip began with some challenging obstacles and without our hearts being prepared, we could have easily been discouraged and thrown off course. Whether we were laying on benches in the Anchorage airport due to a cancelled flight or not having a planned place to stay, I can honestly say that we never got discouraged. It’s pretty hilarious, the devil really thought that he was going to derail our trip. The joke was on him! God orchestrated our journey and new that He had put a faithful leader in charge to prepare our journey. So, thank you Mike Mason for being faithful and for helping to keep me accountable. It is very obvious that the Lord put this team together.
On the first day we went out to visit and wow, it was awesome watching the kids run out to hug Melinda and Mike! First thing out of their mouths was “we received your post card and can’t wait to come to VBS”. And true enough, they came storming the doors on Sunday afternoon. It was such a blessing to meet and put a face with the prayer. I knew that when it came time to say goodbye, I was going to want to pack them up and take them home with me. They were so excited to be there! They loved the songs, the puppet skits, making the crafts, playing the games, the baby song and especially hanging out with Haley and Jay.
Watching Jay and Haley and how they interacted with the kids was just incredible. The willingness that the two of them showed in helping with the set up each day, their engagement in the small group activities and patience, truly amazed me! Both of them have a wonderful gift and I truly believe that God has something in store for these two.
When I first started going on missions trips I thought about how I could bless someone else. It didn’t take me long to figure out that every time I do missions work, I’m the one that gets blessed! And this trip was no different… I was blessed to meet some of the most amazing people! Mike, Melinda and Jay, I’m so thankful that the Lord brought you into my life! It was truly a blessing to serve the Lord with each of you! Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Jane thank you for your faithfulness to do Gods work! What a wonderful ministry that you are doing. Mrs. Sally and Mr. Ray, thank you so very much for making me and Haley feel like we were at home. Kellie & Josh, Tony & Megan, Barney and Meagan, John and Lorae, thank you for the wonderful meals and all that you did to make our trip exciting. And Mrs. Joyce, what can I say… now I’m going thru boot camp to lose the weight that you helped me put on!!! In all seriousness, thank you for the wonderful meals and for your love for the children! McGrath is lucky to have you. And lastly to my VBS kids, I love each and everyone of YOU! Thank you for allowing this Georgia girl to share Gods love with each of you. I pray I get to come back and visit with you again real soon!
Be confident in knowing that you have a VBS team from Alabama and partially “Georgia” that loves you and that’s praying for you! God has some big plans for YOU!