The last day in Abaco for the Third Family Group was full of different activities and service opportunities. Summer Brand shares her perspective of the day.
A Spring Break spent serving on a mission trip is not how most college students would choose to spend their time, but for me, there was a call to go to Abaco that I could not get out of my head. I went into this week with zero expectations about what I wanted to find here or accomplish while serving as God’s hands and feet, and I think that was the best choice I could have made. There have been highs and lows in our group and in our shared and individual experiences, but I strongly believe that all 20 of us were called to be on this trip together for a reason and for a bigger purpose.
Every morning here I have walked the beach in front of Camp Abaco and admired the sunrise display God continues to put on. I was never once disappointed in what I saw when I rolled out of bed to have some time to myself before the busyness of the day began. This morning was no different. The sunrise was beautiful and prepared me for the big day ahead.
Our large group, as we have done most of the days here, split up into two groups. One group went to the Saunder’s house, which Many Hands is helping rebuild. The group was able to make great progress on this house over the last few days as well as hear stories from the family that will be living there again soon.
Zach De Vries, Larry Saunders, and Tim De Nooy on site of the Saunder’s house
My group went a different direction this morning and was in charge of the beautification of the ditch area of one of the main roads in Abaco and the space in front of the Murphy Town Community Center. It is unbelievable to me how much trash accumulates in these areas and just about everywhere else on the island. I wake up and see God’s beauty every morning, but then I turn around and see human disregard and man-made destruction all around me. While that is discouraging to witness, it also helped me to be reminded of why the people of Abaco need to be saved by Jesus just as much as we do, and why Many Hands has chosen this special community for us to serve in.
Since it was Thursday today that meant that it was the day of the local Farmer’s Market. Because we had some flexible time in our schedule, my group stopped at the location where this was taking place before returning to camp for lunch. The Market consisted of locals selling baked goods, fresh vegetables, and other small treats. For most of these people, the Thursday Farmer’s Market is where they make their living. This was a direct way where I felt our group was able to make an impact on other people’s lives.
Part of the group at the Farmer’s Market
Our last activity of the day was the third and final day of the youth volleyball camp we have been hosting. The difference between tonight and Monday and Tuesday night is that the camp was held for boys. This was a little different for me. I absolutely loved the two evenings of girls camps we had hosted and I was nervous I wouldn’t feel the same way after the boys camp. But it turns out I had nothing to worry about.
The boys ranged from 7th grade to 12th grade and they had a blast, as well as all of us who helped coach. They were so willing to learn and so excited to play. My years of playing volleyball and my years of coaching volleyball served me well as I was able to connect with these young boys and teach them knowledge about the game that they were practically begging for. This experience was a different way of serving God than what we had done in the morning, but I loved it all the same if not more! I connected with many of the boys and felt very comfortable and fulfilled by the time our hour and a half was over. Like we did with the girls’ camp, we ended the day with devotionals in small groups. This time gave me another 10 minutes to build relationships with boys I hadn’t yet gotten a chance to talk to individually, and it gave me a chance to understand where many of them were at in their faith journey. While I love teaching the game of volleyball and helping kids grow in their volleyball skills and knowledge, my favorite aspect of each day of camp has been the devotionals we finish the day with.
Boys Volleyball Camp
Because this was our last night, everybody in our group shared their IMPACT stories. I love hearing about how everybody I am on this trip with was impacted over the past 5 days and I also love how everybody’s stories are different. I had lots of cool, sad, hard, and fun experiences this week, and so did the other 19 people with me, so I am very thankful I was able to sit, listen, and process what moments truly and deeply impacted other people the most.
This week has seriously flown by and as much as I miss the comforts of home and family back in Iowa I’m not sure that I am ready to leave yet. The beauty of Abaco and the beauty of its people is astounding. I still cannot fully process all that I have seen in Abaco, but I can say, without a doubt that God is working here. He is working in the lives of the Bahamians, in the lives of the Haitians, and in the lives of everyone who comes here with open eyes to see Him, open ears to hear Him, and open hearts to receive Him. God is surely moving here and there’s still a lot of work left to be done for these people who are crying out to Him. He is a good, good Father, which I have witnessed over and over again throughout my week here.
