Well . . .
In honor of the “centennial” of WC we were talking today about how cool it would be if we had 100 people come to JDV . . . and so this afternoon in the “down time” we took a few minutes to list all the people who have been here w/ WC teams over the past four years . . this starts our fifth! We have 86 different people that have joined together in building relationships and community with the folks here in the village. And the dates are set for 2013. July 6 – 13th.
So what happens with that after four years? And why keep going?
Vision happens. Relationships happen. And things that create life-changing experiences for people – both the people on the ground where we travel AND the people who do the travelling . . . those things happen.
The building we’ve been working on for the past four years is almost complete. We counted today and discovered 86 DIFFERENT people from the Williamson’s Chapel community/friends of WC have traveled to the Deaf Village in Mandeville, Jamaica to create these experiences that change not only the people here, but change us as well.
From my perspective, it’s really cool to watch how we as a community of faith have grown and changed. This started as an adventure out of the country – the first ever for WCUMC . . . and since then we have now grown roots not only in Mandeville but also in Nebbi, Uganda.
The people that surround me on this trip also demonstrate great leadership and so much of this didn’t happen just “overnight!” And I also believe that it is life experiences such as this that molds and shapes us into being the followers of Christ that we are.
People ask . . “Who can go on an international mission trip?” The answer? Anyone that has completed 7th grade and up….
I want to share with you some examples of what trips like this do in people . . . and why we believe this is one of the ways we live out being the Kingdom of God.
Mary Tabor Gray has been here every year that I have PLUS one and has grown into a phenomenal leader. She does whatever is needed & whenever it is needed . . .and the relationships that she has formed here with the deaf residents are the foundation for the rest of the team. She has a true servant’s heart and serves from her soul – not looking for any affirmation of “atta boy.”
Elaina Young leads with a quietness and grace that is contagious for everyone around. At the orphanage today where all 26 children had special needs, Elaina immediately moved to wherever the greatest need was in order to show love to those children. She held them, loved them, picked them up and then put them down . . the little girl who couldn’t walk . . . Elaina made sure she got where she needed to go. I don’t think in the 3 hours we were there she ever was “without a child” but at the same time she was also “never without a smile!”
Madi Ronnow is a “first timer” and today so selflessly gave of her time to sit in the room all alone while a sleeping Jamaican child was in her arms. Her leadership skills were demonstrated in her willingness to do not “what she wanted” but what was best for others. Thus, she didn’t put self first . . . something I think mission trips, whether in Mooresville, Wilmington NC, Mississippi, Uganda, or Jamaica teach us all. That’s why they are so important . . . everyone should be a part of a mission somewhere . . .sometime …
Hannah Gatlin shows a maturity that us as adults covet to have working alongside us. She is probably one of the most flexible people on the trip! I’ve got to say – – – there are times on trips like this that the task at hand is less than desirable. Sometime sitting in the ant hills with small people holding on to you . . . well, there are some other things that are more appealing .. . but Hannah does whatever, whenever without any complaints!
Layne Smith . . . . someone wrote “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Now that could go one of two ways but I think that was meant to be a compliment.  Layne used to be the child that lurked behind my legs anytime we were at church . . . or attached to Scott. She was not outgoing . . . never wanted to be “in the limelight” as the preacher’s kid . . . and frankly, church just wasn’t “her thing.” Three years ago was her first mission trip here .. . . she stayed as far away from Scott and myself as she possibly could and the Jones family and Alex Bakeeff took her under their wing and loved her as if she were their own. By the end of the week she was the most obnoxious person on the trip (see what their influence will do to someone!!!???!!! HA! JK!) At the closing communion service Layne said, “This trip has changed my life.” And she wasn’t kidding . . . .it had . . .she began her journey into becoming a leader. Now she no longer lurks behind me (unless it is to do something harmful TO me) and when confronted with situations that are uncomfortable at best, she jumps in and never looks back. (forgive me for the lengthy paragraph about my own kid . . . but I’ve got a little “mom guilt” going on b/c I didn’t solicit letters from home for her “affirmation bag” . . . I was too busy doing preacher stuff and this, at least, can be a “public apology.”)
The adults, Michael York, Harry and Nancy Gekas, LuAnne Gatlin, Tim and Sandra West – they ALL have been amazing and even though the trip number is smaller this year . . . the results coming from our time and interaction here . . . . they are “God moments” all the way around!

Coming tomorrow:
Vision for the village and how it will benefit not only the community of the deaf but also the people in the neighboring city of Mandeville.
Pics on Facebook of the Kids at the Orphanage and our VBS time at the village

Follow