Become VAPOR

We're Ready to Go!!!!

Go with the flow. Become vapor.

The dripping of raindrops on the sanctuary roof are a lullaby as the thunder rolls and the lightning dances across the skies of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma tonight. The ground is saturated, but so is this holy place. We have danced, we have shouted, we have praised, and we have worshiped the Lord God, Almighty. Praise be to God.

The youth group from FUMC Joshua is safe and sound at Asbury UMC. It has rained most of the day but we have had power all day and have served the church in a very profound way: by cleaning the facilities from top to bottom and everywhere in between. Our youth group has been divided among eight work teams and each team was assigned a different area. While some scrubbed toilets, others polished the pews. While others scrubbed kitchen appliances, other team members washed and waxed floors. It was an amazing sight to behold. An act of service, no matter the location, is a blessing.

I have to admit this to you: I was not the happy-go-lucky person I should have been this morning when they announced work teams would stay at the Living Center and clean. This is not what I expected a mission trip to be. I wanted to swing a hammer or use a saw (well, not really, but...) and build something for someone else. When God says to become vapor and "go with the flow," He means that His will is the master plan and we are an instrument to His work.

After dinner and games, Genesis Youth Group met in the center of the gym floor and shared stories and laughter about God's grace; and, we reminded each other that God uses us in His way according to His plan. This youth group is part of something amazing this week. We each are a part of a team that will rebuild porches, replace doors and household fixtures, install new flooring, and repair broken fences. This service is very important not only to the clients that live in these homes, but they are important to us as well. We have met our clients, they have names and faces full of delight that is so genuine it warms our hearts just talking about it.

Please continue to pray for us and our mission teams. The weather is not cooperating but we have our trust and faith in the one who created this world. We are all here for a reason and we are serving God's kingdom by serving and loving His children in Oklahoma City.

Blessings,
Nicole

P.S. Our kitchen crew is absolutely amazing....I am so incredibly blessed to have friends in HIGH places that will take really good care of me, and all 80 other mission workers this week. A big shout out to all of them: Jennifer, Laurie and Bob are rockin' the stoves and keeping us fed.

We're (almost) packed and ready to go

Genesis Youth Group: GIDDY UP!

The cargo trailer, so graciously loaned from P.D., is packed with construction equipment and tool kits for our mission trip to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Personal luggage and bedding will be added before we depart on our service adventure. (P.S. the youth director is still doing laundry and has not begun the tideous task of packing her bag.)

We leave tomorrow afternoon after church and it will take us about four hours to reach our destination. Our home-away-from-home for the week will be the "Living Center" at Asbury United Methodist Church. We will take showers on-campus of Oklahoma City University.

According to the worksite coordinators, they anticipate most of our work to be tornado/storm clean-up and minor construction projects, such as: building wheelchair ramps, installing new doors and windows, replacing toilets, and interior/exterior painting.

Internet access will be limited, but we will try to keep everyone updated as much as possible. Genesis Youth Group asks for your thoughts and prayers during this mission trip, and also ask that you pray for the families we will be assisting. May the peace and grace of God be with all of you.

Blessings,
The Youth Director