The first-ever Senior Go! mission trip has come to an end. After arriving at the LC campus last night around 1:00 a.m., we saw every senior head home safely with family. We, ourselves, were able to finally reunite with Ray and sleep in our own beds.
It was a wonderful week with this class. I am so thankful for the chaperones. They were a perfect fit for this team! The Lord knew we needed Diane along with all of the bug bites and “baracuda” teeth in the sole of our feet! Thank you Sandy, for your spiritual wisdom and planning expertise. It was a privilege serving next to you. To Megan and Dave, thank you for your devotional series and your time investment with these seniors. I know that many were impacted by your love for God and for others this week. To Jen, my amazing and beautiful wife. So, now we know that we can serve alongside each other, not just here but in more challenging conditions elsewhere. I had so much fun serving with you and want to do this again!
I also want to thank the Camp Bahamas staff and director, Richard Albury. They truly “walk the walk”. Their love for us and the Bahamian people is my new standard for love within Christianity (apart from Christ, of course). I have yet to meet a group of believers who were this sincere in their faith.
I am also so very proud of this team. The seniors handled change very well and treated each other with a high level of respect and love. It wasn’t perfect, but no trip ever is. They worked hard with every task given them and were flexible when the weather conditions made it impossible to do anything productive. It was such a privilege to work with this team and to see these seniors grow and be challenged. I know that the lessons learned on this trip will remain with them for a long time.
Thanks, again, to each of you for your prayers and support. This trip would not have been possible without each of you! Also, a big thanks to Cindy Layton and Rick Bernhardt who did so much behind the scenes in the shaping and detailing of this trip. And to the many parents who organized transportation, fundraisers, sent out support letters and prayed a TON for this week – Thank you!!!
A special thanks to Jen Felty, who was co-advisor of this class during their time in high school. Even though she was not able to travel with us, we know that her prayers and love were with us. She has poured so much of herself into this class and the fruit of that labor was very evident in the attitudes of the seniors during this week. Thanks Mrs. Felty! This trip would have been lacking without your input, commitment and love for this team.
Finally, to the Class of 2012 – may you recognize that you have been so richly blessed with the love and support of so many and by the opportunity to do something as special as this past week. Never stop thanking God for what He has done. I pray that these lessons last a lifetime and forever change your perspective on God, ministry and the world outside our borders. I love you all.
No longer in paradise. Home. – Eric
LC Senior Go! 