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We cannot believe the trip is almost concluded! We have been BUSY these last few days thus the lack of blog posts. We have great things to report!!
Wednesday night we had two sophomore boys join us for ultimate frisbee- JJ and Travis. Annaliese and Sklyar showed up again and brought two of their friends. Even Annaliese's one year old brother CJ and mom Tessie showed up to play on the playground. I stayed back with Tessy and CJ while the rest of the kids played ultimate frisbee. My time with Tessy was amazing as she shared the brokenness and pain of her life story. I was able to share the hope and love I have found in Jesus and I invited her to church on Sunday. We both had a few tears in our eyes as we talked about things. Magen and Mike shared their life stories to those playing frisbee with us. Later, Travis and JJ came over to the church with their other friend John, a senior. We all played cards before the boys' moms called for them to come home. A wonderful night!
Thursday was a nap day as we were experiencing fatigue. Gino, Jessica, Alex, and Britannia had Sunday worship practice with Suzanne and Dale, the church's worship leaders. We took it easy after many days of playing, working, and serving. On our way to Payson, we stopped at Camp Verde Creek to swim. I jumped off a rope swing, unsuccessful the first time. I have scrapes and bruises to prove it from the rocks. We all jumped off a big rock and a wonderful lady named Staci took pictures of it. I wish we would have brought our camera cord to show all of you pictures while we are on the trip. Look for those on Facebook! In the evening, we were in Payson with a skate park ministry that a couple from the church are involved in. The youth group from Anthem, AZ came with us and spent the night with us. Their youth pastor Michelle brought them to check out Youthmark and she is pretty stoked about it.
Friday morning, we and the Anthem group drove to Fossil Creek. Before spending some time swimming, AJ (Anthem group) led our group in a few worship songs. A few guys who were swimming asked about AJ's guitar and I told them we were singing some worship songs. One of them asked if we were Christians and after saying yes, they joined us for worship. One of their leaders, who plays guitar, said he was moved by the Holy Spirit and inspired by AJ's playing. AJ was born without part of his forearm but plays guitar. After Michelle prayed for us, we spent a few hours making relationships with the Anthem group and the new friends we met at Fossil Creek. In the afternoon, we helped Marla and Ken again before canvassing the community. After dinner, we headed to the playfield to meet JJ and John. They brought two other friends, Tanner and Lane. Ultimate frisbee ensued again and Magen talked with four kids on the bleachers, Barbie, Cooper, Duke, and Harley. And yes, those were their real names! Gino willingly volunteered to tell his life story and did a great job. Once we got back to the church, our kids taught the boys how to play Uno. There was much laughter and relationship building. After they left, we had a great time of prayer as a team. You could definitely see God moving in the hearts of all the students.
Saturday was debriefing at the Grand Canyon. It was absolutely spectacular. Our time together as a team looking back over the trip will be something I remember for a long time. Please be praying for Alex and Britannia and their family as they have experienced a very tragic loss in the family. Watching the kids minister to Britannia and Alex was truly beautiful. We had a great sit down dinner at a Mexican restaurant before our long ride back home.
Sunday we slept in a bit before attending Bible study and the worship service. All of our team participated in it somehow. Robyn, Gino, Magen, and Tawnie were greeters. Britannia played a solo on the flute during the offering and sang alongside Gino, Alex, and Jessica. They did a fantastic job leading worship with Dale and Suzanne. Mike and I said a few prayers and read Scripture. Genevieve did a responsive reading and helped Robyn, Tawnie, and Magen with the offering. We taught the congregation to say, "Thanks be to God." after the Scripture reader says, "This is the Word of the Lord." So cool to be a part of it! John and Simone joined us for lunch. We prayed for them and I loved hearing the prayers from our kids. Some of us spent the afternoon with JJ and some of us went swimming. Now we are about to head over to the park for fireworks in Payson.
See everyone tomorrow! We love you all. Continue to pray for our growth and adjustment as we merge into life back home.
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