Worries? Why? ...

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dress like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6: 25-34

Game Changer

Wow. What a life changing experience. God has done AMAZING things for and with me. I don't even know where to start, so I suppose I will just go through my week chronologically.

I have never been an outspoken Christian, and even at times not been a very good one. Having traveled around the country to Charlotte and Orlando the past few years, I have drifted away from regular church attendance, family and often times the foundation of happiness in a persons life. I know both of those things are for me. But God was not first in my life, simply.

While attending therapy downtown at Mary Free Bed Hospital for the concussion I suffered in Cadillac this summer, I had discussion with Janna my PT about missions. This sparked my attention as I have my entire life wanted to go on a missions trip. I immediately went home and searched for 'missions trip' on Google, finding multiple places that offered trips of all sorts. One that caught my eye was called 'World Race', a trip that visits 11 countries in 11 months, through the Adventures organization. I became extremely intrigued by World Race and it consumed my every thought for weeks. I prayed about it, asking for direction from The Lord.

Hurricane Sandy moved into the U.S., plowing through New York and New Jersey, with horrible devastation. One day I was on Facebook and saw that World Race posted about their sister program 'Adventures in Missions' program sending relief to the disaster area to provide relief. I have never felt a stronger force behind something, as I did to look into this see what it was all about. I again prayed for answers and my initial thoughts were confirmed, and thus was one of the first to sign up for the trip.

I have done missionary work in the West Michigan area in the past, through Kentwood Community Church, but nothing of this magnitude. I had complete confidence of comfort from God about this trip, when I had all these things to be nervous and anxious over: Traveling alone with an injury. Leaving from Detroit at 3am. Flying to a city I had never been in. Meeting 14 people I had never even seen before, or knew anything about. Sleeping in a tiny room with 9 men, and sharing a bathroom with 14 total people. Praying publicly. Spending a week in a disaster ridden area, working with complete strangers. Leaving everything I have ever known behind, for complete uncertainty. But I felt God, and I was comfortable.

I slept at my brother Derek and his wife Jessica's house in Northville on Saturday night, and woke at 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning to depart from DTW at 5:30 to LaGaurdia Airport. I landed at 7:20 and waited for about 7 hours before the rest of my fellow missionaries arrived via the air. I met 4 of my soon to be lifelong friends in the B terminal (Cindy, Kelsey, Chris and Todd). I also met our cook for the week, Shelee, who drove us to our apartment for the week.

Sensory overload for me, meeting these new people, riding through New York traffic, jammed into a tiny car sitting basically on top of someone else I didn't know, going to my new home for a week in a rough part of town.

We arrived, at our Topping Avenue apartment in the Bronx. The owner, Grandma May was sitting on the stoop awaiting us. She welcome us with open arms, as I carried my backpack and suitcase up the three flights of stairs. I picked the bunk furthest from the door, thinking a little more privacy and darker in the room. There were a few people gathered who had driven in from different places in the country. We all somewhat settled in with small talk, and I relaxed on my springy bed after what had already been a 15 hour day.

Our room had 8 beds in it and slept 8 grown men, about 10x12ft in total size which made it pretty cozy. At this point I was pretty nervous about this, since I did not know any of these other guys and had to sleep within feet of all of them. The other room had the women, and we all shared a small bathroom. All 14 of us.

A few final people arrived into the evening and we went downstairs to eat in our host's living area on the second floor. This was the first time when most everyone was together and it was a partially quiet dinner, with CIndy leading us in direction and prayer. We ate chicken, potatoes and other sides from Shelee. Delicious! 

One of the countless moments I will remember from my trip was when I first met Jonah. We were both in the kitchen getting a drink and he said to me how glad he was that I was a tall guy, as we were both 6'5'' tall and he didn't want to be the only one. This started my closest friendship and helped provide some comfort and laughs as well through the week.

We both went outside along with some others and gathered on and around the stoop where we talked and got to know each other better. I remember hearing gun shots and the constant flow of people on the streets, seeing the massive rats scurrying everywhere and cats running down the road. I called my mom to check in with her after an emotional first day. We were told at dinner not to be outside alone, and to be careful at all times due to the gang neighborhood in the Bronx that we were staying at. I always felt comfort from God though, and that carried me through the week in safety from Him.

Since I got up at around 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning, I was pretty worn out for the day. We were instructed to be inside and quiet time no later than 10p.m. every day, which was just fine with me at that point. We all settled in to our bunks and tried to fall asleep. I remember hearing gunshots, car horns, people talking and yelling and other Bronx bustle while laying in my bunk. Soon though, all this would be washed away by what would seem to be a bear, hibernating inside of our bedroom. Good 'ole pastor Chris from Alabama we learned was one of those, double ear-plug, fall asleep first, pillow over your head fellow sleepers. So... that first night I think I slept maybe 3 hours. We love you Chris. :)

Got up Monday morning sometime around 7:00 a.m. to begin the first day of adventure in New York! Todd had prepared breakfast for our group, as he would do every day through the week. Pancakes, french toast, bagels, cereal, fruit, muffins, etc. I packed my brown bag sack lunch for the day, and got dressed. Showering, although at home is sometimes a multiple time a day activity, just wasn't going to happen. 14 people (5 women) and 1 bathroom = no luck for me. :)

We were off! Kehl (resident of the apartment) led us to the subway and over to the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, which is the nations largest armory. We were signed in and given name tags for security purposes. The armory was being guarded by the U.S. National Guard and had troops throughout the building. Inside this massive dome were supplies that had to go out to some of the areas in need along the coast. We helped to unload trucks and trailers full of supplies from both church's throughout the area (NY, PA) as well as folks in off the streets donating what they could. What a blessing! 

The Kingsbridge Armory, also known as the Eighth Regiment Armory, is located on West Kingsbridge Road in the New York City borough of The Bronx.

Jonah and I were asked to get together 50 cases of water. Having never done a task like this, we each began to stack the water one on top of the next. As we finished, it stood almost as tall as us, about 6 feet up, and it was pretty unsteady. Sliding the hand truck underneath the pallet, we began to try and move it towards the truck it was going to. After about 3 inches, all 50 cases of water began to topple all over the ground. With a laugh, we picked them up and realized that we had made a mistake. Chris taught us how to properly stack the water, and after that we proceeded to stack, wrap and prepare about 800 cases of water. By the end of the day, Jonah (water captain) and I were pretty darn good at it, not to mention all the others that assisted throughout the day. I wonder where God will have me doing a similar task in the future with the skill I learned that day?

Our team worked on various areas side by side with many of the local volunteers that also came to provide support. Water, food, baby food, diapers, clothing for all ages, home goods and cleaning supplies, brooms, flashlights, etc etc. This was a physically challenging but extremely rewarding day. Nearing the end of it, Justin and I began talking with one of the regular staff members who worked with the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Gus.


Gus asked Justin and I what we did on a normal basis and I informed him of some of my skills including graphic design and social media. He immediately became excited and praised God for placing me here to help them. He took me into their office and I began to work on their Facebook, Twitter and website to enhance their visual imaging, content display and outreach capability. In a short time, I worked with several office members who were overwhelmed and grateful for my knowledge and help. This was pretty neat because I was able to provide them with a service that they had needed for weeks prior, and will help to outreach and provide to the other areas to continue to get relief to those in need. God blessed me with those skills and put me in front of Gus to have that conversation and my knowledge to quickly assist them to help others. Awesome.

We wrapped up and wandered back to our apartment home in the Bronx. I was pretty sore that day but felt moved and comfort from The Lord in what we provided to others. Again we ate dinner and had our first debrief session, which was pretty cool. It was the first time I had been a part of something like that, and I loved to hear the various stories and perspectives from our team. I expressed my interest and desire to go to some of the more devastated areas, and many on our team agreed. Everyone, every day took something different away and just helped expand my view further and further. Some of us went out to the stoop for awhile for some fellowship. Jonah and I had a really cool conversation and opened up to each other a bit. Things that I didn't think I would ever say, just flowed out and I think he was the same.

I called my mom, and then went up to bed. This time I took some sleep aid, and pushed my earplug in extra tight, falling asleep before Chris. I was lights out all night, which was much needed.

We woke up Tuesday and I found the bathroom open, as if a miracle from God haha! I showered and again prepared for the day. We were off to Brooklyn via the subway, where we were meeting up with some people that we had met at the armory on Monday that Cindy coordinated with. This was a rough morning for me, dealing with some home issues including my workers comp insurance, and left me red faced and tears flowing. Immediately I had Patti and Cindy praying for my comfort and strength for the day. I do not remember the young woman who said it from the church, but it stuck with me. "If I take care of others business, God will take care of my business." She said this in part because her home was one of the many that were destroyed by the storm, and was also immediately volunteering to help others before her own self.

We went upstairs into the sanctuary which had experienced a fire and had been condemned for public use, but was being used as a gathering place for supplies of all sorts to go out to the disaster areas. Our group quickly helped to sort and make order of everything that was there. (Clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, food, personal care and hygiene products, flashlights, etc.). We then began to load food into church pastors and staff member vehicles. Bags had been put together containing meat sticks and easy make mixes, crackers and cookies and other assorted items. Putting our chain line into affect, our 14 person group quickly moved items from A to B daily throughout the trip. 

Everyone jumped into vehicles, and Jonah and I got into the main pastors mini van and headed to Far Rockaway. With traffic and the normally long drive, we had time to have some pretty awesome conversation. Marriage being one of them, and the perspective God tells us to have as we choose our lifelong partner and the commitment it requires. When we got closer, for the first time, we began to see some of the devastation that the storm had caused. Boats in trees and the middle of the busy street, cars mangled, water and mud everywhere, homes destroyed.

We arrived at our meeting place and everyone began to setup the tables and our tent. It was raining, windy and pretty cold, so that added to the challenging sights that we were taking in and to the people who had been displaced. We handed out our bags of food and blankets, and helped with the other group that was assembled and giving out hot chocolate and other warmth related products. Greg, Justin and I went for a walk to see some of the destruction around the block, and were blown away. We talked with a home owner, who took us in and showed us just how much he had lost. Through it all, he maintained an incredible positive outlook. God is in control, he said. So true.

When we got back, our group was serving hot chili and soup, along with New York's best cornbread. The looks on the residents faces both happy and sad was a lot to take in. People just taking anything they could. There was no power, no water and thus every store was closed down, over two weeks after first loss. People had lost their jobs, their homes and their hope. I believe that through our prayers and outreach to the Far Rockaway community, we helped to show The Lords light to this incredibly difficult situation. 

I asked Jonah if he wanted to take a walk around to see some more of the destruction that took place. I had seen that there were a few folks moving some things out of their basements, and to the curb to be thrown away. We began to walk and survey the damage. The beach's boardwalk had been washed away to nothing, the beach's sand all over the town. Their were no roads, but just paths along the ocean front. We came across a man who was placing items on the curb, and offered our assistance. This man was helping his elder neighbors remove the damaged items from their home. We went in and talked with the owner, and helped discard their longtime prized possessions. He joked with Jonah and I about playing basketball, since we were both so tall. Neither of us had, nor are either of us any good, as it turns out haha. But we helped this couple who had lost so much, and that was a blessing to us.

Far Rockaway Beach, completely washed away and destroyed

After rounding our way around the block and having more awesome conversation, we returned to our group and then departed back to Brooklyn. We helped the church prepare for their worship service that night, which included a video of us doing some work with them to show their congregation. We then left and walked down to Angelica's Pizza and Restaurant for a slice of pizza. I got the chicken pizza and a Root Beer, which was pretty darn good after a long emotional and physical roller coaster of a day. We then walked to The Brooklyn Tabernacle, where they were having their weekly Tuesday night Prayer service. 

The Brooklyn Tabernacle is a non-denominational
church in Downtown Brooklyn, serving the
cross-cultural melting pot of New York City.

We walked around and admired this beautiful building and prepared for service. We took up nearly an entire row, of the approximately 2,300 seats they had. The service was the best I had ever attended. Probably for a variety of reasons. I had never felt closer to God and my walk with Him. I had been stretched out of my comfort zone more than I ever had before. I was with people that I was rapidly growing to be my family and closest worldly friends. The gospel and contemporary style of songs. The time of prayer with a neighbor for someone else in need. The 'missions' message that was being presented on that night. And everything else in-between. I had never felt so alive and happy in my life. I long for this to be my new normal. I believe everyone felt the same way in our group.

We walked back to the subway, rode home and had a quiet late night, arriving at about 9:45. Jonah and I almost got locked in the basement of a local market, after trying to help some local folks close their gate for the day. God protected us and we made it, but that was a quick scare. Bed time!

Over 2 weeks after the storm, in the middle of the road

On Wednesday, we again went to Far Rockaway by car. We arrived at the Full Gospel Tabernacle and helped them remove carpet that had been damaged in the flood. We ate lunch and helped some people move a van that was flooded and stuck on a sidewalk, back to the street for removal. Our group then separated. Most walked to a home around the corner to help them remove insulation that was soaked with "doo-doo water" (thanks Jon). Greg, Tom, Jonah and myself got in Greg's car and drove about 20 minutes further west down the peninsula to another location. 

On Tuesday, Tom had met and talked with a man and his wife who had been displaced by the storm and were looking for any help they could to get back up and going. After a short time of talking, coffee and subs, we went back and began tearing apart the walls and insulation which had been flooded. This was amazing to me, since the water must of been at least 12 feet deep, since we were working on the second floor and taking apart walls that were damaged several feet up.

Jonah M on the saw-zaw

Jonah owned the saw-zaw, while Tom, Greg and I removed the sheetrock drywall as we could. This was a long difficult process, having older heavier sheetrock to take down, as well as in their closets and corners. We finished the room we were given, before it was time to head back to the Bronx for the evening. Our new Irish homeowner friends were extremely thankful for the work we had done, and prayed together before leaving. This was a neat moment in this day and showed God's love on all of us and the hurricane victims. I was again moved by Him.

We left for the Bronx as I was given navigation duties for the ride back with my iPhone 5. Traffic was miserable as we had experience previously, but had worsened during rush hour. We stopped to use a bathroom and began the trek back, which ended up taking more than 2.5 hours. We had dinner, did our nightly debrief and "stooped it up" once again. 

Thursday, our final day got started out right with some delicious french toast courtesy of Chef Todd. Our group was going in multiple directions this day. Most of the group was headed to the Kingsbridge Armory once again, to help with the anticipated multiple truckloads that were incoming. Five of us had been drawn by God to head out to Breezy Point. We all piled in to Jon's little blue Dodge Neon, with the muffler ready to fall off on any of the craters that we would hit along the way. Again there was no way not to get close to those around you, sitting essentially on top of Justin to my left and Erin to my right. We sang and had great conversations along the way. Todd drove us with Jon riding shotgun, probably both hands covering his eyes most the way.

Thursday was by far the most emotionally challenging day for me and I know some of the others as well. This was an absolute war zone. ARMY and National Guard trucks, hummers and troops all around. Damage was devastating and the people were taking all they could. We helped setup a National Guard tent when we first arrived. Otherwise we had no other plans or agenda for the first time all week. Our goal was to just help those who needed it. And boy did we. So much devastation, and only 10 hands among us.

We walked off the main road and just observed the damage. Our group came across a man who was pumping water out of his basement, and he still had nearly a foot left after pumping for more than a week. He pointed us towards where more damage had been done in the fire and flooding. I had no idea what was coming next. 

The most emotionally challenged I have ever been. We walked down a slim pathway, talking amongst ourselves and taking in the day. All of a sudden, we saw the ocean in front of us. And all of a sudden, I realized that there were supposed to be more than 100 homes still in front of me, blocking the view.

We all fell silent.

All I saw were foundations to these homes, many of which had been there for over 100 years. Homes that saw multiple generations come and go, worth more than $300,000+ each. We walked slowly in silence along the path, looking in shock at the destruction. It was the quietest it had been since I woke up in Michigan, Sunday morning, five days prior.

In all of the homes that had burnt to rubble, there were only two people at the time, anywhere amongst them. We approached them to talk, hear their story and offer love and prayer. At first they were resistant, insisting that they didn't think anything was left. We continued to offer and they soon agreed, explaining that they had hoped to find a family safe that contained precious documents. We immediately said yes and dove in. Anthony joked with us, suggesting we take off our shoes and boots before entering, and later saying to his wife Rosemary to grab the vacuum. 

The couple was unsure of the whereabouts of the safe, except that it was somewhere in the basement. I climbed down into the lower part of the debris and we began to move burnt rubble aside. 

Nothing was distinguishable. Nothing. 

The only things left were metal, and even they were warped to unrecognizable objects. After about 5 minutes of searching around, I got on my knees and started looking elsewhere. To my left, I noticed that there was a cross, lying amongst the rubble. I picked up this cross... Wooden, yet not burned at all. I immediately saw behind it the item that was being searched for. The safe. What a miracle of God. Giving me direction when we were lost, protecting this family heirloom and guiding us to it. Amazing.

I handed Jon the wooden cross, and dove down picking up the heavy safe, which was slippery and wet on the ground floor. The key, yet still in the lock. I grasped the safe and lifted it from the debris, much to the happiness of our new friends Anthony and Rosemary. I passed the safe to Justin and he handed it to Anthony. The AP Photo shows the story, as it was captured and captioned.

Rosemary McDermott and her husband Anthony Minor react as they open a safe containing a family genealogy they were able to salvage from the basement of her mother's home in the Breezy Point section of the Queens borough of New York, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. A fire destroyed more than 100 homes in the oceanfront community during Superstorm Sandy. On the left are Todd Griffin and Kevin Striegle, volunteers with Adventures in Missions, who helped find the safe beneath the rubble.  (Mark Lennihan / AP)

We prayed with Rosemary and Anthony and as we left, Anthony shouted "you have no idea how much this means to us." Pretty powerful. 

We walked down toward the beach since it was right there, and realized that Jon had never been on the beach, nor seen an ocean before. This was pretty cool to see such jubilation and pure excitement from him. We played on the beach a little including a quick friendly game of soccer. I discovered a red flag on the ground, which had notified swimmers of the dangerous swimming conditions. Man do I wish I would have kept it. We took some photos and strolled back toward the homes. As we were walking on the beachfront, the President Barack Obama and his three Air Force One helicopters flew overhead. He had come to the area to survey the damage and destruction once again. 

We sat on a bench and ate our lunch, still digesting what we had just witnessed with Rosemary, Anthony and The Lord's work. We then walked back through and saw more destruction, including cars that had been torched by the flames. Simply amazing power. 

We got back to the main road and went to the Habitat for Humanity and offered our services to them. They quickly gathered us supplies and our information and then we were off. They took us a few blocks down to help with a homeowner who needed help removing the insulation from the crawl space under his home. This was a pretty challenging job and with the wind and cold ocean air, along with the dirt and emotional ups and downs, it was a hard afternoon. 

For more than four hours, I was soaked with sewage water from the insulation. My gloves, jacket, jeans and face were covered in mud and sewage and sea water. Laying in a confined space of about 1.5 feet with nowhere to turn, straining and stretching. I had water running onto my face and into my mouth. Yet at that moment and throughout the job, I was 100% driven and never had any doubts or questions as to why or what I was doing it for. God provided the ultimate in comfort and strength like I could have never before dreamed.

We were able to finish the job to in its entirety, leaving the homeowner overwhelmingly grateful and thankful for us and our service. We prayed with him and said our farewell, and exchanged information, much like we had done with everyone we worked with all week. We then went back to our start point and  shortly after departed for the long car ride home, which again was more than 2 hours with traffic. We sang to all sorts of random songs, laughed and loved.

We got back and ate dinner with most of the group which had already returned from the armory. They were busy all day with multiple 18 wheelers and people from the street donating what they could. They provided an amazing service to so many people around New York.

A couple of our missionaries were still out on the road in Coney Island dropping off goods. Some of us had discussed the desire to go down to lower Manhattan to check out Times Square and the surrounding area. We decided that the only time to go was right then, so we quickly got dressed and took off for the subway. About a 45 minute ride under the ground got us to our destination. I was again feeling really dizzy from the subway ride and full day of work that we had done. I pushed through, not wanting it to keep me from seeing the amazing sights of NYC. We made it to Times Square and everyone was having a great time, and it was cool to have been there. As we left to go back, my dizziness was overwhelming, but my buddy Jonah was right there to help me through. Eventually, I could barely walk and so Jonah and then Jon and Todd joined me and helped guide me back toward the subway, under each arm. We eventually made it back, but not without several good laughs, and having more police officers stare at me than ever before. It was pretty awesome... not gonna lie. :)

We got back on the subway and before I knew it, we were back in the Bronx and were holding our last group debrief of the week. It was highly emotional for me, sharing the story of finding the wooden cross in the debris and our group finding the safe for Rosemary and Anthony. Everyone shared how the week had changed them. I told them how each and every one of them were incredible, how they had helped to get me closer to The Lord and grow my faith, and that is was the best week of my life TIMES 10. I also shared how my friendship with Jonah had changed me, and how much us opening up to one another and becoming closer meant the world to me. These people were amazing. Not one single complaint, from 14 people, in six days of living together, working our butts off. Love them.

My brother Jonah and I in Times Square having a blast

I didn't want to leave. I was so emotional and I felt that everyone else was the same too. We did paired prayers, with things that Jon had collected earlier in the day. Jonah and I prayed together and then Cindy prayed with our entire group to close out. It was a pretty special week, to say the absolute least. We all sat up later than normal, talking, laughing and continuing to grow closer, adding Facebook friends and exchanging phone numbers. 

We woke up Friday and had breakfast and hung around with each other. We all packed and cleaned up, and people began to depart back to their homes. I was still emotional, even though I tried to hide it. This was my family. Closer than any than I have known for years. One by one, my fellow missionaries left, eventually leaving just me, alone at the apartment. I showered and packed my bag. Although I had several hours to waste, I couldn't bare being alone in this place which was filled with so many awesome memories.

I quickly left, saying goodbye to Grandma May who had so lovingly embraced us all week. The firefighters on the corner came over to offer assistance, not normally seeing a skinny caucasian boy on the street corner. I began to walk the street, trying to find my way to the airport. The firemen suggested I be very careful and to watch my back. I had all my possessions with me as I wandered down the streets, looking for a cab, any cab to jump in. I walked aimlessly down the street, still very emotional, past shops and alleys full of people just staring at me. Tear filled eyes. Not because of fear, but because of my now lonely state.

I was not scared. I KNEW, that God was watching over and protecting me, and that if anything were to happen, that it was in His will. I have never felt such comfort, in such a regularly dangerous setting. This continued as I climbed the flights of stares to the subway, deciding to simply head toward Manhattan. Again the only caucasian person in sight, I rode the subway in peace. I jumped off when I heard 'Transfer available to LaGaurdia Airport'. I saw a cab in the distance and hurried to him, climbing in and off.

After finding my car keys with my underwear askew across the airport terminal, I sat and had something to eat, still with tears. This was with me all the way back home, until I was about halfway back on my drive from Detroit to Byron Center. I suddenly went from sad, to overwhelmingly joyful, positive and on fire from the experiences and people I had been with for the past 6 days. This has carried with me for several days, and I hope to continue it long into the future. For my lifetime.

Before this trip, I had believed that things in fact did "happen for a reason". Not necessarily though did I think that God placed every obstacle or pathway in front of us to either help or halt or progress and the things that happen every day. The more time that passed during the trip and now to this moment, the more I believe that to be true. I have experienced some unbelievable happenings already, of all sorts. There have been a few things that I again would have never dreamt possible or even considered in the realm of possibility, made true from God. Simply amazing and mind blowing to me. I LOVE IT.

God did some amazing things with our group and me, and I feel incredibly blessed to have been given the ability to serve others, and be Christ's hands and feet. From here I am not exactly sure what is next, but I am confident that it is somewhere within missions and serving the Lord and others in need, whether it be through the World Race, or further disaster relief.

God is amazing, and boy do I feel Him more than ever. :)

God Bless and Love,
-Kevin

Missionary Family: Cindy, Patti, Jessica, Kelsey, Erin, Jonah, Chris, Justin, Jon, Greg, Tom, Todd, Wesley

From: Michigan, Baltimore MD, St. Louis MO, Rome NY, Alabama, Tennessee, Canada, Pennsylvania, Ohio



Sunday, November 11 - Friday, November 16

(title explanation)

My boots, were purchased new for this trip. Steel toe boots that I thought I wouldn't put to use, came back scuffed and gouged, dirty and full of amazing blessings...