Mission Trippin' Baton Rouge

What has been evolving over the last few years, finally came to culmination this past week: Naomi and Danielle embarked on a week-long church mission trip on their own! After doing an at-home mission week, a mission trip with family and a weekend away on their own, they were finally ready to go it alone! Well, it was 19 eager teens, plus 6 brave adults who headed to Baton Rouge, Louisianna to do some construction and clean-up.

 

The caravan of 2 passenger vans, plus another car with a trailer safely made their way to Louisiana, with plenty of stops along the way -- Buccee's bathroom break and lunch at Cane's -- a youth (and Naomi!) favorite.

Several friends from school, who also attend Crossfire youth, were part of the adventure! Things are always better with friends.

We are incredibly grateful to the adults who volunteered their time for this worthy effort! We got trip details and scoop from Naomi and Danielle, but I'm sure the adults have even more from a different perspective...not sure we'll ever hear all the stories!

The group was hosted by First United Method Church of Baton Rouge. Apparently, it was a super nice facility (Fancy! according to Danielle). It had a large youth wing with tons of amenities. Also, apparently, the kids were warned that occasionally homeless people break in (the church is in the middle of downtown), but if that were to happen, the kids were supposed to yell and run the other direction and find an adult.

Each day had a dress-up theme...tye dye was the best-looking! The fabulous shirts were graciously provided by someone, but that someone did not pre-wash them, so all the kids turned a green-ish color as they sweat their way through the day!

Patriotic Day

Super heroes!

And now for the good stuff...put these kids to work!

There were two independent work sites: installing a sewage pipeline and cleaning/repairing a warehouse.

Moving earth

More earth-moving

Installing soffit

Trimming branches

Umm...capturing the moment someone experiences the awkwardness of pushing a wheelbarrow full of trash and hitting a bump...

It was not all hard work -- there was plenty of fun mixed in -- including a trip over to New Orleans for a visit to the World War II museum and Hard Rock Cafe.

Swamp tour!

Nobody went hungry on the trip!

Not even our picky eater, Naomi.

The kids stayed busy pretty much all day, every day, and only texted us once each night. However, we did receive a "This is so sad!" text from Naomi one evening during the crawfish boil...

The mission trip did include Jesus-time every morning and evening!

On the last evening, awards were doled out to everyone for their unique contributions. Naomi came home with the "Best Diaper Chunk'er" award and Danielle received "Mighty Morphin Power-Drill" award!

The final reports are in: Naomi and Danielle had a fabulous experience and are already looking forward to next year! Many thanks to all those who supported them financially and with prayers!