Final Reflections -- Part Three

It is really hard to bring such a good experience to an end, but I fear that we may be coming to that point. The waves that we set off during those eleven days in June and early July continue to ripple, both here in Texas and up in Iowa.

Here are five more "final" reflections for you all:

ERIC ...

"Iowa Mission Trip… I don’t know what to say, it was an unexpected trip. Not unexpected as in no one was expecting to go, but unexpecting as in the events that took place during the trip. This Mission trip was a trip nothing like any other that I’ve/ we’ve ever had. We did simple things such as house chores, making gardens, playing with children, and sometimes even busy work, instead of doing the tasks that we are use to facing on a mission trip; building houses, roof work, demolition/construction. All the tasks may have seemed insufficient but in the end its what God asked us to do and it was done hopefully up to his standards. We need to remember that every task we complete is important in its own way."

LEANNA...

"As a graduated senior, this trip to Iowa was my third and last high school Youth In Mission trip. Senior year was winding down and as summer approached I prepared myself emotionally and spiritually to go on this trip and recuperate for college. I figured this trip would really set me on the right path as I headed to A&M. As it turns out, this trip did so much more for me than I expected. Not only did we help people, but during all of the work I learned how to look at what we accomplished, no matter how big or small, and realize it was all for God. The best part of the realization was that I knew God appreciated any and every step we took along this trip, even though at times it felt like no one else did. I came back with stronger relationships with my already best friends, and created relationships with many others as well! This is not to say that my last trip was perfect, but I can't see it going any other way. The most important friendships, memories, and favorite God moments are all thanks to Rick Carus and these Youth in Mission trips. Thanks & Gig 'Em :) "

KAMERON...

"These mission trips always make me happy after a year of going to school and dealing with crazy people, but this particular trip was even more special than all the others: it changed my life. I was so excited when I found out that we were going to help out people less fortunate than us because that is what I try to be about. Not only did this trip help me decide what I wanted to do with my life but it also helped me to truly feel the presence of God. I have always gone through the motions of being a Christian but only after this trip have I felt the presence of a true friend that will always be there and listen to what I have to say. God along with other amazing people that I became close to will always be in my life and since after my senior year things will start to change…knowing them comforts me."

JASON ...

"This mission trip was just what I needed before heading off to college. My life has been chaotic towards the end of the year with AP tests, graduation, getting ready for college, and the list goes on and on. This trip got me to focus again on what I really love to do which is serving God and helping others less fortunate than I am. I feel refreshed and better off because of this trip. I have looked forward to mission trips every summer for quite some time now and even though this trip had its bumpy moments, I still loved it. I enjoy sleeping in my own bed rather than an air mattress, but I still miss Iowa and everything about it. I got to strengthen relationships with old friends as well as make new ones, but at the same time I strengthened my relationship with God. Grace mission trips have changed my life, given me so many great memories, and made me appreciate how blessed I am. I hope to do more
mission work in the future."

JIM ...
"I add my vote to the many voices saying the Youth in Mission trip was fantastic.
It was mission trips like this that led me into ministry and it was good to get connected back with my roots. It was a joy to live and work with and get to know all the young people and the leaders of the trip. I am so proud of the young people, their hard work, compassion, intelligence, thoughtfulness and talent, especially my “family,” Chantal, Kellie, Lee and Alec. Another bright point for me was meeting all the folks from Ankeny Presbyterian Church, Mary and Doug, Alice and Dottie and the other inspiring people with we met along the way with the stories of how God has touched their lives, Noel from Sudan, Larry from Hope Iowa, and of course Teenah and David. Pay attention Grace Presbytery. As I have learned in my own family, mission is often the only thing that holds our kids connected to the church and it can change their lives. Don’t lose this."
Jim Reinarz
First Presbyterian Church
Grand Prairie, TX

The group is gathering with other Mission Trip alumni and friends for a Reunion and Celebration this coming Sunday. We will see if that gathering produces any Final "Final Thoughts". If not, this may be the final installment. Only God knows for sure.

Grace and Peace!