The first day in Abaco was full of hard work and community building for the Kamerman-IMPACT team! Read about some initial impressions from Andrea Smith, a first-time impacter!!
As first-time Impact trip attendees, Brian and I were not sure what would await us at Camp Abaco. What’s fantastic about this group, led by Jess and Tyler Kamerman (both Abaco-experienced), is that everyone on the team comes from a different town, different home church, and different experience. Other than our pre-trip orientation meetings (three of which were via Zoom rather than in-person because of the travel distance), no one couple really knew the others. Some in the group have been on previous Impact trips to Abaco, others have been with Many Hands to Haiti. And a few are newbies like we are. But that’s what makes this team special. From the tentative introductory handshakes at the Des Moines Airport at 3:30 AM, to a full day today of jokes, laughter, sharing stories and shared experiences, we are all so comfortable with each other. I love learning about how the couples met, what each person does when they’re back home, and about their personal faith journeys. It’s amazing that despite our differences, we are very much alike in all the ways that matter.
Our first full day in-country was a busy one. After a great breakfast, devotions and prayers to start our day, we saw a bit of this amazing island from the bouncy seats in the Many Hands transport van. It’s truly beautiful, and despite the humidity, the breeze helps keep it bearable. To be able to serve the Lord and help others in such a glorious setting is a privilege. The day was packed with hands-on work–organizing and arranging thousands of items that were donated to help support our mission. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to see first-hand the generosity of our nonprofit partners and all the goods and supplies they sent to the island. These donations will absolutely make a difference in enabling us to help others.
I am also really curious what tomorrow will bring. And thankfully I have not been the one to have to worry about our daily itinerary or whether or not all the details have been planned out. On this trip, I am experiencing everything for the first time and truly soaking it all in. That said, no matter what’s on the agenda for tomorrow, I trust that God will continue to bring us closer to each other and more in touch with being present in the moment. I also believe that this group has come here, at this exact time, to further his Kingdom. I can’t wait for tomorrow!
—Andrea
