Dear friends -
Did you know that armadillos can jump 3-4 feet in the air? Or that Gila monster only runs about 1 mile an hour? Did you know that it's almost impossible to carry a tennis ball with two ends of a pool noodle? These are all lessons I learned while teaching VBS in Sisseton last week.
It's been three years since we've been on a mission trip, so it was a special delight to send out packing lists, prepare daily devotions, and then share in adventures - even driving 10 hours each way with a curious passenger about when we would be there was its own joy. A few participants of the 24 of us that went from four different churches in the Presbytery of Chicago shared in worship last Sunday - you can see it here, and includes an excellent top 10 list of why to go.
The most meaningful part of a mission trip to me is that it's an entire week we spend focusing on where we see God. Of course, I love the community, the laughs, the sharing, the ministry, the work, the service - but having all of our time focused on God's presence and sharing God's presence means we're open to love in an entirely different and almost always especially meaningful way. I hope you'll consider going on next year's trip. There's something for everyone - construction, VBS, kitchen crew - singles, couples, families, all ages. As soon as we know the date, we'll keep you posted and keep extending the invitation.
Grace and peace,
Jess