“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” -- 1 Timothy 4:12.
As most people know, I’m the one who probably writes too much. Oh well. I wrote about the first few days, & will now finish my story. On Wednesday I worked with New Life Furniture, &it really changed the way I see things. The second home we went to; I met a six year old girl, & four year old twins. They showed me where the living room would be, the dining room, etc. She was so excited about how big the furniture is. When asked when she moved into the house she had said Sunday. She & her siblings gave me a hug as we were leaving. She told me it was the best day of her life. Talking to my intern Tyler as we’re walking to the car, he had asked me if I had seen the bedrooms, I hadn’t. There were no beds in there. Those kids were living in a house, an empty house, for four days. We then did a city search, & had a blast in the car (even though the air conditioning wasn’t working). Thursday, we went to the “Potty Ministry.” I met a man, who was preaching to me, Tyler, & Paul. What he said made sense, I’m not sure if he was homeless. But he stopped by, and was walking to Kentucky I believe (I may be getting stories mixed up). But he was talking about how you have to get onto that person’s level. You have to be with them & work up with them instead of looking down upon them. I met a lot of people. I then went to State Avenue where I “worked” with Sarah. & by work, I mean we ended up in a room with a fan, closed the door, sat & talked. Although some work did manage to get done. We then went to Worship. That was the one I remember most.
Thursday night is when my reflection began, & brought tears to my eyes. My family is the most important thing to me. When my mom decided for it to be a family mission trip, my dad & brother weren’t the most excited people. But let me tell you, if you saw their faces, you wouldn’t have known that. Hearing my brother talk about who his city lights, inspirations, were, brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of him & my father. I had many city lights on that trip. My brother & dad’s transformations really touched me & showed me God’s love. I had seen so much that week, that the tears just flowed. But it was a good cry, tears of joy. I met so many people, heard so many stories, & I cannot be more thankful for the experience, and my life. When asked how one guy was, he said, “I’m alive.” That is a blessing itself.
We pulled into the driveway Friday night. I got out of the car, hugged my dog, walked inside & hugged my cat. Felt a wave of cool air from the air conditioning; saw the TV & xbox downstairs, walked upstairs, saw the flat screen TV & my kitchen. Went to the bathroom, walked into my room, saw my computer, the nicely painted walls, band posters, a bed, a desk. All I can think is that I am one of the luckiest girls in the world. I have a house, food, a loving family, and a wonderful church family, everything that I could need I have.
I met so many people, & have had my heart touched in so many ways. I am so honored that I can do God’s work, & follow his calling to help others & make a difference. I have learned about unlimited love & compassion. That no matter what God will love me & others. Many of the interns have truly inspired me. One intern, Reggie, worked with my parents. He made an impact on my parents, & for that I am forever grateful. He can give you bible verses and recite them, & has the best faith I have ever seen. I hope someday that I can be just like him. My intern Tyler was an inspiration as well. Although a crazy 19 year old, he knew what compassion, love & understanding means. He could talk to anyone & if you hadn’t known, you would think that he has known them his whole life. I hope to be as kind & open hearted as he is one day as well.
This mission trip has really reminded me what matters most, and opened my eyes. For I am awake now: to the problems of cities, to poverty, to hurt, to the knowledge that a small (or large group) of committed people can make a difference, to the simplicity of a smile, and to God's never ending love & compassion. The question is: are you?
Much love & God bless,
-Anna
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