Day by Day - Final Thoughts

Thank you to the MIE 2015 team for the continuation of their story in Jamaica. Read the May 11 blog to start at the beginning.

Wednesday, April 8

Wednesday, we left Jamaica.  While we were sad to be leaving this country our hearts had come to love in such a short time, we left knowing that we had faithfully spread the love of Jesus and that the relationships we formed will last for a lifetime.  It was a long flight day, but God was certainly with us in every little detail.  We arrived back on campus at 2:30 AM on Thursday, exhausted but beyond thankful for God’s faithfulness. 

 

From our journals: 

It was very tough leaving the kids that we taught VBS to.  This missions trip has brought me closer to God and also my Shepherds College family.  A story I want to take home about today is that my Jamaican experience was very exciting and fun.  I like swimming in the pool at downtime.  Also, I liked the work projects that we worked on in Jamaica.  Buckets for Jesus, buckets for the Lord.  Yeah yeah!  Also I liked the devotions that we did at night time.  ~Wade

Some of the ways this trip impacted my life… I connected and made friendships with older kids as well as younger.  I was amazed at how I handled situations outside my comfort zone.  The team was hand-picked by God.  I met new brothers and sisters in Christ.  Sharing in the work the Terroades do for the body of Christ was a priceless experience.  I’m willing to wait and rely on God for all my wants and needs.  I’m excited to do more work for Christ.  Next year there will be another opportunity to serve God on another missions trip. ~Jonathan

One thing I learned about myself today was that I love God more than ever.  Today, God taught me to be happy and pray for the kids.  Some ways this trip impacted my life is that I got to tell the children about God and I got to know them more.  They just love seeing us and being around us. 

The best memory from today was riding with Raymond (our driver).  Today, God taught me to be patient.  Some ways this trip impacted my life… it taught me not to be materialistic and trust in God.  It also taught me that I love to teach kids about Jesus.  ~Andrew 

Some ways this trip impacted my life is all the kiddos, especially Jade and KaShawn.  Jade showed me that being quiet isn’t a bad thing and loving everyone even people I didn’t like.  KaShawn showed me that someone might just need someone to talk to or play with.  The Terroade's showed me to give everything to Christ and love him with everything I have and to praise Him in all situations.  ~ Nikki 

I felt sad going back and happy to see familiar faces.  This changed my faith on how to have a stronger faith towards God.  Today, God provided for me by taking care of our flights and our plans.  One way that I have been changed after experiencing this missions trip is by having far more faith and patience with God through his wonders, I can rely my true self to him.  Some ways this trip impacted my life… faith. Patience.  Love.  Kindness.  And most of all… A deeper love for God!  ~Micah 

One thing I learned about myself today was I am a different person from my experience in Jamaica.  Today God taught me I can teach the gospel without being afraid.  A story I want to take home about today is I am a servant for the Lord.  If he calls anyone to do his work in a different country, let him lead you.  Some ways this trip impacted my life… I have a better understanding of God.  ~Olya 

One way that I have been changed after experiencing this missions trip is by how much need there is in the world.  We should help and put away our own needs and help others in need.  The best memory from today was being with the group, the best group ever.  Today God taught me how to love more, better, and godly.  I know God better.    A story I want to take home about today is how awesome my group is.  We had so much fun together.  We all including staff are so close.  We have connected and been together for eight days which is so amazing.  ~Willetta 

Some of the sweet times as a team included coffee and tea time on the Terroade’s porch overlooking water/top of hill after lunch,  students leading devotions in the morning, team devos at night, nightly revamping of crafts, dance parties in Miss Pollard and Mrs. Cyr’s room, singing all the time, praise songs at our hotel with the open door and Caribbean right near us, sharing with the Terroades what we learned from them Sunday night, hearing the Terroade’s testimony,  swimming in the Caribbean together, carved butterfly gift from the Terroades in our favorite color, Aunt Eileen’s appreciation as we left VBS supplies… and many more. 

Final debrief thoughts: 

1.  How did you grow most from this trip?  

I need God’s word more in my life.  Reading God’s Word will help me throughout the day.  I need Jesus time and doing devos helped me put it into practice again. ~Willetta 

I told God I was willing to do anything.  He put challenges into the trip to make me think of other positive ways to accomplish his greater good.  ­~Jonathan

Just seeing how you don’t need to have everything in the world to be happy.  ~Crystal 

 God taught me how to rely on him far more.  My faith grew and I love to see how he can give me more wisdom and knowledge.  I did gain knowledge towards how much he loves me and the kids.  My growth was learning and seeing the love through the kids’ love.  ~Micah  

I grew closer to God.  ~Nikki 

The way I interacted with the kids. ~Andrew 

I think how I grew from this trip is trust in God in every situation that life brings you. ~Olya  

2.  As a result of the trip, what are some thing you can apply to your life back home? 

I can write down what I read in my Bible study.  I am happy to say that I have been doing that.  I have been  spending more time with God praying, reading and listening to devotional music.  It has helped my day and when I don’t do it I have not so good days so I know God wants a relationship with me and I with him. ~Willetta

The Terroades were servant leaders.  They showed me how to do it through their testimony.  My focus isn’t on myself but rather how I can serve God better.  ~Jonathan 

  

I would keep on reading the Bible and keep telling the word of Jesus Christ.  ~Crystal  

I need to have a better spirit – to be kind, a better leader.  To show my true value to God.  To always rely on God, trust him and have stronger faith.  I can apply my heart towards doing better to the students, teachers, and to always gain wisdom.  ~Micah

I want to witness to my sister.  It is going to be hard because I don’t know how to.  ~Nikki 

To trust in God in every situation. ~Andrew

I now know that a missions trip isn’t just to pass time in your life.   A missions trip is to serve others who don’t have as much as you do.  Let God tug on your heart to go someplace that you are afraid to go, let him use you as a tool for his purpose and kingdom.  ~Olya

Pray more and also spend more one on one time with God by reading God’s word, spending less time watching TV and more time in God’s Word.  ~Wade

3.  Is there anything else you’d like us to include in the blog? 

 

I am so happy I had this Jamaica experience with Shepherds.  It has changed my life.  ~Willetta 

God is good all the time and all the time, God is good.  ~Jonathan  

I really enjoyed going to Jamaica.  ~Crystal  

I’m glad I went.  Thanks so much for letting me go.  ~Micah

All the kids were fun to work with.  ~Nikki 

I grew a lot spiritually. ~Andrew

God can use you no matter how old you are!  ~Olya 

That I had a blast in Jamaica and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my spring break anywhere else besides Jamaica with my shepherds college family.  I feel even closer to my Shepherds college family now more than ever.  ~Wade 

We are beyond thankful for God’s abundant faithfulness and kindness to us.  He showed up in ways more awesome than we could ever have asked or imagined.  We (the team leaders) are so proud of our students – of their selflessness, hard work, diligence, flexibility, servant’s attitudes, compassion, and love. 

Thank you to all who prayed, supported, donated, and cheered us on!  Our lives have been impacted and changed by this trip.  Thank you, God, for allowing us to experience a small part of your world and the body of Christ.  

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