The Best "Vacation" Ever

I know that this site is supposed to be about the senior high trip, but since I'm still here and write the blog, I figure it's okay. Last Saturday when the Mannarino's and Outcalt's left, we really didn't know what to expect for our last week. We had told people it would be a vacation week. Karen and Raoul were adamant we take time for family. But knowing that there was work to be done, lounging on the beach all day wasn't in our plans. Don't get me wrong, the beach and pool are great ideas. But not all day everyday. And originally there wasn't supposed to be a group here, but we found out earlier in the summer about an all-adult group from LA that was flying in late Saturday night, so some of the plans we had were going to have to change since they would be busy working all week. So before the group arrived, we were able to treat Raoul and Karen to a nice dinner. It was great to sit and relax with no time constraints. For the first time all summer, we were able to have a complete conversation! Since there was time to work, Kami and I decided to finish up with the prayer garden project. Each day, while we were clearing ground and spreading stone, our little missionaries drove around with Raoul getting spoiled rotten! They would come back each day before lunch with Gatorade, snacks, and ice cream from Franks. And Raoul would just laugh and smile! The group from LA was going to be split during the week. The ladies had three days of recovery services and crafts with some women from the village, while the men continued work in Mr. Leo's house. Kami and Megan had the opportunity to listen to some testimonies from a woman from LA and the village. A few of the mothers had breakthrough moments that will hopefully transform their lives. After the recovery services, the group would work on creating crafts and jewelry together. There were a few days when we drove into the village to play with some of the kids we were with during Week 2 and the Family trip. Yashua, Delton, Empress, and the rest of the kids were so happy to see us, but they kept asking for the girls that spun them in circles! One day we brought two girls (ages 10 & 13) that we met at the resort to the village with us. They had been asking what we did every morning and eventually invited themselves along. It was definitely an eye-opener for them since they had only seen the tourist parts of the island. Since there was no more work for us this morning, we drove out to Mr. Leo's one last time to see the transformation. It was unbelievable. Agnes and Leo's room was totally remodeled. A new floor, new walls, a paint job, carpet, and a new bed were put in. Anna also got a new bed. But the biggest transformation was in THEM. The smiles were permanent. They were so proud of their new home. Leo was giddy with excitement. And Anna was so grateful. She had told us earlier in the week how hard it was to give everything up to care for her sick mother. She said she knew that God would bless her for what she was doing when her siblings dropped the ball. And when the group gave her the bed, she wept and said that was His blessing. A bed. Makes you think a little about what we consider blessings. So at the end of these four weeks for me, and two for my family, I have to say how awesome this experience was for us. Kami and I were worried about how it would all turn out - two senior high trips, first family trip, and a week by ourselves. It was greater than we could have possibly imagined. God has been so wonderful to us this month in countless ways. Next time you see one of us, don't hesitate to ask us how it was. It was the best "vacation" we ever took.