ReCreation…..incredible week!!

Recreation

Well….. we are driving back from NC and will be in late tonight. What an incredible week.  I am not even sure if the word Incredible can adequately explain this week. God has been so faithful and worked so powerfully through our group this week.  Yesterday was our final day of work.  We were not able to finish our roof unfortunately because the recreation folks did not bring enough shingles.  We were a little disappointed but came to the conclusion that it was not about us and that another group would come in and finish up the work.  The roof was a beast to work on.  The angle and landscape made it very difficult but we made it work.

Amy Vance was fearless and was scaling a ladder that was almost perpendicular to the ground over 10 feet.  Alex, Chris (AKA Steve), and myself had to hold the ladder for safety.  It was funny that while we were working on the roof the group that had been running septic lines up a mountain worked there way close to the house.  We were all quoting Monty Python and the Holy Grail.  We have decided that we are all going to get together and have a Monty Python party since several people have not seen it.  We all voted to have it at “Steves” house….. although Austin said he did not want us to because he would have to clean up.  Thanks Robin…. we are looking forward to coming over even th0ough you were unaware of that decision!!  I cant wait for you all to see the pictures of the house and especially the septic line that a lot of our students worked on all week.  It literally was a long line up a mountain to a drainage field that our students dug.  It was not sand like we have in florida but clay and stone.  One of the aspects of our groups assignment this year was that it was the biggest jobs ReCreation has ever had.  It was a collaboration of many organizations both non profit and government.  In fact, yesterday all of the different heads of the groups (15 people) showed up at the sight to see what was going on and discuss strategies for all of the other details that needed to take place to complete Mr. Hughes house.  Tracy Ball was walking by the group in their discussion and they invited her to join them in praying over this house.  So here is a group of government officials and others praying!! How powerful!!! God truly used our group to impact Mr. Hughes and I am so thankful that we got to be part of this.

I have to say that favorite part of this trip was each night during our team time where as a group we talked about issues of faith,shared our hearts, and prayed together.  I can’t help but think that this is what Acts chapter 2 talks about as what it means to be part of the church. We really seemed so close and connected, it just felt amazing. We get so caught up in the workings of life, school,entertainment, and all of the other distractions in life that we forget about what it means to be a community of believers who reach out to others, pray together, and worship together.  I hope that all of the things we talked about this week…we actually follow through with.  ReCreation 2010 students and adults…may the God of the Universe continue to use each one of you in powerful ways and may we continue to be open to his leading.  Thanks for a great week and for blessing Mr. Hughes!!

Here is some perceptions about our adults and students….

Our adult leaders are amazing.  I cannot begin to tell you have great it is to have a wonderful group of adults who love the Lord, communicate in a healthy way with students, and understand our call to minister to others.  They have really engaged with our students and I am so thankful for their presence here.

Tracy Ball-  Despite being an University of Alabama grad Tracy is amazing.  Just kidding ….about the college…not about the amazing part!  If you do not know Tracy she has a wonderful personality and is one of those people that our students and others connect to very quickly.  She was such a positive part of our trip and just dove right in to our painting of the house.  Even after getting stung by a hornet on the top of her head several times she just kept on plugging on. LeAnne joked about her bad driving but she is driving the bus right now and doing a great job!!

Chris Layne-  Chris is now “Steve”.  We all call him Steve now because Alex Confer kept calling him that in our blog.  It is one of those things that just stuck and he is such a great sport and just went with it. He may just have his name changed!!  Chris is one of those guys that I see as being such a great father and exemplifying what a true man of God looks like.  I hope to one day go on a mission trip with my son and hopefully I have as good of a relationship as he and Austin do.  I have been through confirmation with Chris and now on this trip and I love to see his heart and the emotions that come from him.  He is a great guy and I would love to serve on another mission trip with him.

Audra Croup- Audra and I both drove the suburban and got to spend a lot of time talking on this trip.  Audra is awesome!  She has a wonderful heart for Christ and I have thoroughly enjoyed our conversations.  She and her family attend All Saints Episcopal but her kids go to both of our youth programs and I love the fact that our churches interact and work together.  We talked about the importance of being Kingdom focused and not so much on denominations. It is sad to me that so many people get caught up in that and not on what unites us. She is a hard worker and is so loving and compassionate.  she spent a great deal of time speaking with Mr. Hughes and he so enjoyed that and I believe he was moved by her companionship this week.

Brenda Stauffer-  Brenda is the adult on this trip that I have known the longest.  She was a youth volunteer for a number of years at our church and was also a Youth Minister herself several years ago.  She has a true heart for ministry and it is obvious in the ways that she interacts with our students.  She also is a really hard worker!  She scaled that steep roof and pulled off the hot metal roofing that was on there.  It was amazing and I was impressed with her spider man abilities.  I am thankful that she is working with our students again and it was great to have her on this trip.

Michael Strange-Poison Ivy- So far Michael Strange is the only one who got some poison ivy. He has some on his face which looks like a scratch. He is a trooper though and has been labeled as the hero of the trip.  When we were rafting Leanne got pinned under some rafts on this one rapid.  Michael truly stepped in and helped Leanne refusing to let her go and made sure that she was safe while pushing the other rafts out of the way.  His attention to and attitude to others has been amazing and what a great personality and spirit he has. God has gifted him with a compassionate and loving heart for others.  I am looking forward to seeing how God uses him in the future!

Austin Layne- Austin has now received the nick name of “Purple”.  Let me explain why.  First off we have three Austins on this trip.  When they were going over the rules they explained that guys could not go in the girls area and vice versa.  There would be no purple (combineing boys (blue) and girls (Pink) to make purple.  Austin did not understand this….. so he is now “Purple”.  Austin was one of our ditch diggers and worked hard to get through North Carolina clay and rocks. I love his attitude towards everything and laid back personality that puts people at ease and easily connect with him. Amanda and Amy made him a hat that has his nickname “Purple” on it too….so hopefully he wears it!!

Rush Kimball-  Rush brought so much to our trip with his positive attitude and great work ethic.  He spent most of his time digging trenches and jack hammering through huge stones.  He was very determined and never gave up.  Rush joined our youth group this year and this is the third mission trip I have been on with him this summer.  I see God really building him up and will use him in powerful ways.  He is feeling a leading into ministry and I believe God will continue to build him up and use him in powerful ways in ministry.

Amy Vance- Amy was such a hard worker and definitely our group daredevil!  She was willing to do whatever was asked of her even if it meant scaling a very steep roof.  She is one of our roofing queens and spent the majority of time on the roof but beyond that was such a servant to others too.  One of the things that really stood out to me with Amy was her heart for others.  For those of you that know Amy you realize that she does not have a shy bone in her body!!  She is so wonderful to talk to and gets along with everyone and includes and reaches out to everyone making them feel part of our group very quickly. I have loved to see Amy grow in her faith from being a 6th grader to now a sophomore in High School!

LeAnne Ball-  I am going to name LeAnne as our student minister of the trip.  Each night at team time she had some great analogies of how God had been at work.  We basically got preached to each night from her…in a good way!!  The other students did not want to sit next to her because they did not want to follow up what she had to say when we went around the circle.  God is doing a mighty work in her life.  She had a couple of scary times on this trip with injuries but she is a trooper and made it through safely.  She brings a great attitude to our team and it has been wonderful to hear her heart and the ways in which God has used this trip to bring her peace in life and the things that are going on with her.

Lauren Nicholas-  It was so great to have Lauren on this trip.  She has a great sense of humor that makes me laugh and smile and she brought so much to our team.  She was willing to do whatever was asked of her and did it with a big smile on her face.  I loved hearing her share at team time because of the sincerity of her words as she spoke from her heart.  During our hang out times I loved hearing her speak with other students and what a sweet spirit she has and she always seemed so positive…even at 6am!! She was a ditch digger too all week and worked hard moving dirt and rocks!!

Amanda Finnell-  Amanda was our only senior on the trip this year and over the years I have grown to love her humor.  She is one of the funniest people i know…..and can burp louder than almost anyone!!  Amanda was a true leader on this trip in many regards and it she brought the UMBRELLA together…..ask your child about the umbrella!!  God is going to use her in powerful ways as she ventures off to FSU this fall.  She will be greatly missed but I know that she will stay connected to us and make a difference in the kingdom of God in Tallahassee.

Peyton Bailey-  Peyton is a young man of deep faith and conviction.  I am always amazed when I listen to him speak and the maturity of faith that he possesses.  He unashamedly expresses his faith to us and is an inspiration to us all in his wisdom that he brings.  He also has another gift that we discovered…. While painting in a very small room I think the fumes were getting to him and he came up with the cheesiest and corniest jokes ever.  I think he could send them to Laffy Taffy and actually get one published and a piece of candy!!  He even had Mr. Hughes, who does not have a voice box, laugh!

Austin Coye-  Another of our Austins that we have begun to call “Coyefish”.  I  cant remember who came up with it but it stuck.  Austin was another of our roofing queens and as soon as we arrived on the sight from the first day she was up the ladder laying shingles.  She worked hard this week but unfortunately got sick on our last day.  Even through her sickness she had a great attitude and brought so much to our group.  Austin is one of our strong leaders in our student ministry and brought so much to our team with her sparkalicious personality.(Sparkalicious is the slogan for cheerwine…..a wonderful drink they should carry in florida!!)

Austin Croup- Our other Austin we just decided to go with the last name and call him “Croup”.  Austin did an amazing job all week and brought so much to our team as well.  I have to say that I have a great admiration for Austin with his attitude in life.  He has type 1 diabetes or has explained it do us in simple terms to go with stereotypes (Skinny people diabetes).  We learned a lot about this and to see him all day long check on his blood sugar and keep up with this.  He has a tremendous attitude about it and maturity in handling it. I am not sure how I would handle this but he handles it so well.  I love his heart and hearing him each night share about the workings of God in his life. He speaks with a depth and conviction that is inspiring.

Alex Confer- Alex has an amazing gift with other people and including them and reaching out to them in a sincere and authentic way.  All week long Alex and i have harassed each other (which is the nature of our relationship!)  I joke with him but have a tremendous respect and appreciation for his commitment to Christ.  He has a true servants heart that I wish more people had.  One of the many funny things this week with Alex was his great attention to detail… Karen and Mark i know you know what I am talking about!!! How do you deal with that every day???!!. My check engine light has been on in my suburban for over a year.  I know what the issue is but don’t want or need to get it fixed.  This drives alex crazy as he wants to take my engine apart and fix it. Also, my back top brake light is broken and to appease him we had to take it out and go to a parts store.  It cost too much to replace…so once again he is frustrated…I love that he feels that way!

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