Chowin’ and Chillin’ in Jeffersonville

Your fearless mission trippers have arrived at the halfway point of our journey to Hazard. Our trip down to Jeffersonville was a smooth one. We made one stop in Lafayette for restroom breaks and puffed Cheetos (Emily and Sarah hogged them all), frozen Cokes and energy drinks (several of the boys). We arrived in Jeffersonville around 7 p.m. local time (that’s 6 p.m. to you Chicago people). I drove the big van with eight youth in it. All I can say is: Thank the good Lord for iPods and headphones! It was the quietest youth van ride I’ve ever experienced.

When we rolled into town, the kitchen crew at First Christian Church in Jeff was waiting for us. Dinner included chicken and rice casserole, corn pudding, a salad bar, green beans, and a special Caramel Apple Salad (my personal favorite, made by my grandma). I actually beat up two youth members who tried to eat some of it. I won’t tell you which two.

Several of the youth group members from FCC came and hung out with us, as did several of my family members (my mom, dad, grandma, aunt, three half-siblings, and numerous cousins). It was great for me to have my two families together in one place. We figured that this was the first time I’ve had a picture with both my mom and dad since my wedding!

After dinner Tim lead the two groups in some ”get to know you” games, and we played basketball and cards as a way to wind down. We’re currently setting up our beds and getting ready to settle in for the evening. Wakeup is at 7 a.m. Chicago time, with breakfast at 8 a.m. We’ll hit the road after breakfast, and hopefully arrive in Hazard around noon. I hope to check in not long after that, but a lot of that will depend upon Internet access. So if you don’t hear from us right away, don’t worry! I’ll check in as soon as I can.

This is such a fantastic group of people, and I’m so excited to see how God uses us this week. I’m also excited to see the friendships that develop as we spend this time together. You create a special kind of bond with someone when they drip paint on your shoes or when you accidentally wear someone else’s underwear (ask Tim and Chris about that one).

Goodnight everyone. We miss you already!

Click here to see some photos from today…

Departure Day!

It’s Sunday, June 15th, and currently a bunch of red-shirted people with suitcases are standing around a couple rented vans. It must be Mission Trip Sunday! We’re loading up our luggage, tools, and supplies for our trip to Hazard, Ky. The weather is currently rainy but is supposed to clear off later, which should make for some nice traveling weather. Everyone seems excited about the trip and ready to go. With two rented vans, a cargo van, and a pickup truck, it’s amazing how much more room we have this year than in previous years. The drivers may actually be able to see out the back windows this time!

We’ll be stopping tonight in Jeffersonville, IN, (about a six-hour trip) for dinner and sleep.  It’s nice not to have to rush off to catch a plane this year. We can take our time loading up and saying goodbye. Please keep is in your prayers!

We’re getting ready!

Hi everyone! On June 15th, we leave Lincolnshire for our mission trip to Hazard, Ky. Check this space to hear about our trip and see pictures. We appreciate all your support and prayers!

New Orleans 20007