Mission Trips

Me teaching Bible School in Ukraine- The guy next to me is the interrupter.

Mexico Mission Trip-

Our Church- Boston Avenue Methodist- Tulsa

Kelly's Korner is hosting a mission trip site... where have you been. Thought I might join in.

trip 1- hubs came home from work one day and ask if I would like to go to Mexico for our 25th anniv... if you know him, he never never plans a trip... well yes, I said lets go... where are we going... I'm thinkin romantic, resort... nope mission trip with the youth dept to build casitas in Mexico... WHAT did you say... yep we went on our 25th, 26th, and 28 anniversary.

We built 12x12 cinder block casitas and had Bible School. The best part was watching how it transformed these city kids from a huge church in Tulsa- Boston Avenue Methodist Church. We had a great time, ministered to many people, played with kids and learned to eat things that were not so friendly. The kids re-enacted our wedding all three time... complete with a gown and veil made from toilet paper and duct tape. So funny.

We also went to Montana to the Black Feet Reservation for 1 week to work on the Methodist Church and work on the reservation. Lots of poor people in the USA. These poor people don't have a chance. They have 1 grocery store that gets food 1 time per week and clothes that are cast off from other people. There is no way to earn money, as they are 30 minutes from the nearest town and no gas station on the reservation. Lots of alcohol and drugs. The kids had never seen a 'Twinkies'. WE had 3 teachers on the trip, and no of us could handle the large group of kids. They didn't understand the meaning of group time...etc. but we modified and went with the program anyway. Great time once we learned their customs and ways of doing things. I would love to go back and see how things are.

Next trip to Ukraine- Holy Moly... we dug the foundation for a new Methodist Church ans did a Bible School. Amazing people... still dealing with the effects of Communism. We were there almost 2 weeks and had a great time. except for the fact that I acquired a parasite and was admitted to the hospital for a few day after we got back. Yukky, but I lost 15 lbs really fast! That was an awesome trip. The Church is now finished and the group is going back in May. If I had an extra $3000. I would love to go back. wah, wah!

I have learned so much from mission trips. People all over the world are so giving and want to share everything they have with you. They cook for you and prepare a feast with their last dime of food. We ate most of everything and prayed we would tolerate the food. most of us did! They taught me that things are not necessary... love in a home is much better than a spotless home with all the best gadgets and gidgets... We are all blessed to live in America and need to be more tolerant of other customs and try to learn 'our way' is not always the best way for everything. we cannot change them, but can learn them and strive to teach them that blessing do come from God and with God all thing are possible.

"Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can

To all the people you can

As long as ever you can!"

John Wesley

Tootle loo