MISSION TRIP: DAY 3
Day 3 of our mission trip was filled with fun, hard work, reverence, bonding, card games, and plenty of emotional moments. Today provided ample opportunities to grow in our faith, the students and adults alike.
We started off bright and early with a good breakfast and drove off to find Christ the King church. As we sat in the pews patiently waiting for mass to start, an announcement was made that the priest was called away for an emergency and there would be a communion service instead of mass. This was a disappointment, but as in all things, the Lord gives us opportunities when things do not go according to plan. More about that later.
It was hot today and to the dismay of many children and leaders, Mrs. Scaccio was chasing down anyone she thought did not have enough sunscreen on. What a blessing it was to continue to work for such a deserving family! We cut up more trees, transported that wood to burn piles, picked up more debris, organized a shed, and painted some bed frames. There is still so much work to do! It has been a month since the tornadoes went through and it is hard to believe what bad shape things are still in. The spirit of the family we are helping is inspirational to all.
Quote from the field: "I think God allows things like this to happen to remind us that things are just things. It helps us remember what is important."
"It is weird to think you can have fun doing something that is not fun."
After getting cleaned up and making the long trek back to where were are staying, the kids were tired but in great spirits. The groups of kids we brought are merging together and instead of groups from different schools, we just have our group. Many kids tasted jambalaya for the first time at dinner tonight.
A group of kids went to the convent next door for a tour with the Franciscan sisters. What a simple and inspiring life of service they lead. They have a food and clothing pantry in the basement that is open to all. They also prepare meals a couple nights a week to take out to the homeless. The kids were most excited to meet their puppy Joy, an 8 month old Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix.
The evening program was something nobody here will ever forget. Because we experienced a lack of priest situation early in the day, our favorite future priest gave a talk on his vocation story. What a gift for us to listen to! After he was done, one of the sisters from next door told us her story that started all the way over in Paraguay. An unfortunate situation early in the morning lead to such a fruitful experience for the kids and adult leaders. After that, everyone was given the opportunity to pray for each other. It was so moving and powerful to see these awesome young people helping lift each other up. Many tears were shed and hugs were rampant.
Quotes from the night:
"I felt such a burden lifted from my shoulders after they prayed over me."
"It was like my heart was an egg that was cracked open."
"When I opened my eyes, I saw the image of Jesus with arms open up on the screen. People were praying that I let him into my heart, and there he was."
"In all my years, this was the most powerful thing I have ever experienced."
"How amazing for these kids to have such a powerful prayer experience so young. You can say prayer is powerful until you are blue in the face, but until they experience it, it does not mean much."
Written by Melissa Scaccio (Adult Leader, St. Francis of Assisi)
We started off bright and early with a good breakfast and drove off to find Christ the King church. As we sat in the pews patiently waiting for mass to start, an announcement was made that the priest was called away for an emergency and there would be a communion service instead of mass. This was a disappointment, but as in all things, the Lord gives us opportunities when things do not go according to plan. More about that later.
It was hot today and to the dismay of many children and leaders, Mrs. Scaccio was chasing down anyone she thought did not have enough sunscreen on. What a blessing it was to continue to work for such a deserving family! We cut up more trees, transported that wood to burn piles, picked up more debris, organized a shed, and painted some bed frames. There is still so much work to do! It has been a month since the tornadoes went through and it is hard to believe what bad shape things are still in. The spirit of the family we are helping is inspirational to all.
Quote from the field: "I think God allows things like this to happen to remind us that things are just things. It helps us remember what is important."
"It is weird to think you can have fun doing something that is not fun."
After getting cleaned up and making the long trek back to where were are staying, the kids were tired but in great spirits. The groups of kids we brought are merging together and instead of groups from different schools, we just have our group. Many kids tasted jambalaya for the first time at dinner tonight.
A group of kids went to the convent next door for a tour with the Franciscan sisters. What a simple and inspiring life of service they lead. They have a food and clothing pantry in the basement that is open to all. They also prepare meals a couple nights a week to take out to the homeless. The kids were most excited to meet their puppy Joy, an 8 month old Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix.
The evening program was something nobody here will ever forget. Because we experienced a lack of priest situation early in the day, our favorite future priest gave a talk on his vocation story. What a gift for us to listen to! After he was done, one of the sisters from next door told us her story that started all the way over in Paraguay. An unfortunate situation early in the morning lead to such a fruitful experience for the kids and adult leaders. After that, everyone was given the opportunity to pray for each other. It was so moving and powerful to see these awesome young people helping lift each other up. Many tears were shed and hugs were rampant.
Quotes from the night:
"I felt such a burden lifted from my shoulders after they prayed over me."
"It was like my heart was an egg that was cracked open."
"When I opened my eyes, I saw the image of Jesus with arms open up on the screen. People were praying that I let him into my heart, and there he was."
"In all my years, this was the most powerful thing I have ever experienced."
"How amazing for these kids to have such a powerful prayer experience so young. You can say prayer is powerful until you are blue in the face, but until they experience it, it does not mean much."
Written by Melissa Scaccio (Adult Leader, St. Francis of Assisi)
Beautiful. You all continue to be in my prayer! So amazing to hear how powerful this experience has been so far!
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