Join us in Abaco for the latest First Reformed Church (Sully) IMPACT team update: The mission is in full swing! Read Katelyn Nikkel’s reflection on their intense first day of travel and outreach, and then dive into Asher and Kraig’s account of day two, featuring an unexpected shark sighting, sharing hope with local families while distributing food, and enjoying fresh coconuts at Crossing Rocks. Get the full scoop on the team’s powerful start to their amazing week ahead!
My day started early, waking up at 2:00 AM to get ready. Once dressed, I packed the last of my things—like my pillow and makeup—and then headed out. It was pitch black outside; it looked like midnight, not morning. Before leaving, Jager led us in a quick prayer. As we said our goodbyes and drove off, everything felt incredibly surreal. It felt like a dream because I was a 15-year-old girl leaving the country without her parents! The ride was filled with laughing and talking with others in the group.
Navigating the airport without my parents was stressful. Having the group helped, but it wasn’t the same as having my parents there to just tell me what to do. Eventually, we made it onto the plane and sat there for what felt like hours. I thought my head was going to burst from the pain. When we finally landed, we were in what was probably the biggest airport I’ve ever seen. Off the plane, I felt a million times better, but I was starving. Two others and I decided to go get some food, but jokes on us—the restaurant we chose was on the opposite side of the airport! By the time we finally got our food and came back, it felt like a full day had passed, even though it was only 11:00 AM.
After sitting in the airport for a couple of hours, we finally boarded the last plane and headed off to Abaco. The trip was super short—not even an hour—so I was very thankful. Going to a new country was different because we had to get our passports checked and do a lot more things than we would in the States.
Once through customs, we boarded buses and headed straight to Camp Abaco. We picked out our bunks, unpacked, and then went to the small beach right next to the camp. The water was freezing but crystal clear, shallow, and so pretty—I loved it! We stayed in the water until we were shivering. I headed back, changed, and went to watch some people in my group try to cast nets to fish. They failed horribly, but it was fun to watch them try!
Next, we got a tour from one of the people who work here, and then I ate what was probably the best rice in my life—it was perfect. We then went to the chapel to write/work on our impact books and reflect on the day.
Heading back to get ready for bed, I got to think back and reflect on the beginning of the day. Two guys in our group challenged us to go and talk to people about why we were coming down here and to talk about Jesus. Looking back, it was super cool to see people in my group, and me too, talk to complete strangers about God and how we are serving Him. After a quick devotion and prayer, that’s how my day ended.
Day 2: Sharks to Sea Shells
Today we woke up and went to the rock pier where we saw a shark that was about 3-4 feet long! Then we headed to breakfast and had egg bake. After that, we rode the rickety road to church. There, we talked out of the book of Jeremiah.
For lunch, we went to a fine restaurant and tried conch and fish. Once we were full, we hopped in the van for an hour-long ride to distribute food. When we distributed the food, we heard stories from families about their walk with Christ, and then we prayed for them.
After we gave out all our food, we went to beautiful Crossing Rocks to look at the shells and the water. Our guide saw us breaking open some rotten coconuts, so he asked if we wanted to go get some real fresh coconuts. We went to his dad’s house where he picked them off the tree and chopped them up for us. We tried the coconut water and the meat!
After that, we headed back to camp to relax, have a meal, and reflect on our day.
— Asher and Kraig
