Mission Trips

This past week both boys went on a mission trip with Faithbridge Church. This is Camden's third year and Casen's first year to go on a mission. The way the church does the mission with the youth is they are able to start the summer before their 6th grade year. The first two years, they do a mission locally in Houston and then the summer before 8th grade they go to Galveston to serve there. The next year they head to Lubbock and then after that they may go somewhere in the United States or even outside the country. 

On Sunday afternoon we dropped Camden off at church to head to Galveston for a week with 10 other 8th graders as well as 3 leaders. He and his buddies, Cole and Trennan, were the only three boys in the group of 11. 

After we prayed over them and their journey, they were on their way.

We finally received proof of life on Thursday, when they posted some pictures on Instagram.

Camden and his group stayed at Seaside Church in Galveston during the week. They were split into 3 groups and each day the group you were assigned to had different chores - from cooking to cleaning. Each morning, if it was his groups turn to cook, he would wake up at 5:15 to be ready to help cook at 5:30. On days his group was not scheduled to cook, he would wake up at 6:30, get ready, eat breakfast and then they would do their morning devotional about the book of James. After that they would head to their mission site. Most mornings and all day Thursday they worked with Galveston Urban Ministries (GUM) mowing grass, picking up trash, leveling a shed and other various things. They also ran a Vacation Bible School for kids in an apartment complex. Once they returned to back to Seaside church after their day, they would do 'Team Time' which consisted of them reviewing their daily devotional, worship and encouragement. He really enjoyed the week and is already looking forward to going on a mission next year. 

Camden and Prateek (one of hs leaders)

Someone finally learned how to mow

Working to level a shed

Playing with the kids in an apartment complex

VBS

Learning how to do the worm - LOL

Group pic after arriving home

Upon picking him up, Camden reported that he lost a tooth while on his mission. Apparently the tooth fairy down in Galveston is not as generous, as he only received a nickel. LOL!!!

Glad to have my boy home!

Casen started his mission on Monday morning. Since I was off, I was able to drop him off that morning  at 8:00am and then the rest of the week Shane dropped him off at the church each morning and picked him up at 5:00pm.

His week consisted of working at multiple places around the Houston area. The first day they went to the Dollar Tree and purchased items to make bags to hand out to the homeless. 

On Tuesday, they visited the Houston Food Bank where they organized food and drinks. Wednesday, they worked at Kids Meals where they decorated bags and then packed them with food for kids. 

Filling bags at Kids Meals

Decorating bags

Lunchtime

On Thursday they served with Meals on Wheels where they delivered meals around the area. On Friday, they went to Bread of Life where they organized soap for several hours with no air conditioning. 

Ice cream treat after working in the hot building.

Casen enjoyed the week serving and is looking forward to next year.

Thank you to everyone who prayed and supported both boys this past week. They definitely felt the love and appreciate you!!!