Samoa Part 2

When we first arrived in Samoa, we really didn't have a work project. We thought we were going to build a large structure for group gatherings, but that was not the case. So, until we could figure out our main project we did some small projects to get started. First we pulled weeds around the property--we cleared all the fences and pulled weeds around the rocks and buildings. Then, we went into the town to help the YWAM staff clean up a building they are going to rent for a coffee house and offices. It was a rainy, muddy day and it was very dirty work, but the team worked hard and did not complain. We were able to really clean up the building and get it ready for painting.

It is a policy for teams to maintain a "prayer closet" during all hours that the team is working. The team members take turns praying for 1 hour shifts for specific requests, for all other teams, for the Samoa staff, for family at home, and for safety for the team. It makes such a difference in the success of the team and the project. God answers prayers in such visible ways. Prayer is the foundation of teen missions and is essential to maintaining our walk with the Lord.

Another special time is daily devotions. We have 30 minutes of personal devotions every day. This time with the Lord is such a blessing. God's voice is so clearly heard during these quiet times. It's amazing to watch the spiritual growth that comes from daily prayer and bible reading. I sincerely hope that all of our team members are maintaining his/her devotion time now that they are back home. Prayer is the key to the victorious Christian life.

Coming soon...Samoa Part 3: The Construction Project

Samoa Part 1

Ok, so I have been putting pictures together for a DVD that we can share with all of you and looking at the pictures has helped me to relive the special moments of this summer. I hope to share our summer with you in the next few posts. This is part one! :)

First, we left Boot Camp and headed to the Orlando airport to spend the night and fly to LA the next morning. When we went to check in, they informed us that they could not check our bags all the way through to Samoa (because we had a 12+ hour layover in LA). This meant we would have to claim our bags in LA and re-check them at the Air New Zealand counter. Sounds like a minor aggravation, huh? Well...picture this 44 duffle bags weighing 50 lbs each along with 22 carry-on bags. If you have ever been to LA you have to know that it is the worst planned airport ever. We had to push those 44 bags on carts nearly 4 blocks and when we got to our terminal, we realized they had to go up the escalator (we waited on the elevator for 20 mins. and finally gave up knowing that it would take hours to get all of our carts up at that rate of speed). When we finally got them all checked in (after several cart spills on the way) we were off to eat at In-N-Out Burger. If you have never been to In-N-Out Burger, you are missing a treat! It was so good (even better than What-a-Burger!). We enjoyed our food, watched jets fly over head, and played in the trees. We then went back to the airport and waited to catch our 11:30 p.m. flight to Samoa. It was about 11 hours long. We arrived in Samoa at 6:30 a.m. We were amazed at the beauty of the island. The houses were so colorful. There were chickens and pigs roaming everywhere. It was so different, we wanted to take in all that we saw. We arrived at the YWAM Samoa base at about 8:00 a.m. and were greeted by the staff (after we woke them up and got them out of bed! LOL) My first thought was feeding the team. We were told that we would have to go to town to purchase propane for the stove, the electric was pre-paid power, they had two vans but both were broken down. I had 16 kids looking at me and asking me "What's for lunch?" I bowed my head and said, "Lord, what's for lunch? There was a microwave, but when I plugged it in, it sparked and smoked, so I knew that wasn't going to work. I dug around and found a rice steamer and knew I had some soup mix. We set up the water filter and filtered water, mixed up the soup and cooked it in three batches in the rice steamer, opened a can of fruit, and at a delicious lunch! :) It took a few days for my nerves to calm and "settle in." I don't know why I don't trust God from the first. I always waste time worrying before I turn everything over to Him. I waste so much time and energy. He is faithful and never leaves us alone. He reassured me of that so much this summer.

Changes

We are still adjusting to changes in our family this fall. Taylor moved out of the house and started school at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. She absolutely loves it there and is doing very well. We are still amazed at how God provided for her to be able to go. Asbury gave Taylor a very generous financial aid award that we are so grateful for. She told us all last year that Asbury is where God wanted her to be and God proved that to be true.

While our oldest started college, our youngest started preschool. Zoe is enjoying going to school every day like a big girl and really likes her teacher, Miss Bridget.

Canaan started college classes this year. He likes to tease Taylor that he started college before she did. He is enjoying his psychology class most of all.

Madison is now in the third grade. I can remember like it was yesterday when Taylor and Canaan were in the third grade. That seems to be the landmark year in our family. That was the year that Taylor went to school (at Highland County Christian School) after homeschooling her for kindergarten, first and second. Third grade was Canaan's first year at Paint Valley after going to Highland County Christian School.
I wonder what this year will hold for Madison??

I hope to start some posts about our summer soon. I am still reflecting and gathering my thoughts about the summer, but it will come soon..I promise.

Changes...they are bittersweet.