We traveled to the radio station for one last full day of work. The team went right at it and were able to finish a lot of the projects that they were assigned and we spent a good part of the morning wrapping up all the projects and getting to a good stopping point on some of the others. We took some final pictures and headed back to the house for lunch. This afternoon, we gave the team some time to relax and start packing their things to head out tomorrow. After a wonderful dinner of Chicken Alfredo (yes we feed our team members well), we headed out to Fryes Beach (one of the more beautiful beaches on the island) to watch the sunset and sit around a bonfire. We had a time of singing and testimonies and we praise the Lord that all the missionaries were able to be there tonight. It was neat to see most of the team members testify of what they had learned on the trip and the things God had done through their time on this beautiful island. The stars were absolutely beautiful and truly the heavens were "declaring God's glory" as we sang His praise.
Let me give you a quick rundown of our itinerary tomorrow. We would appreciate your prayers as we pack up and fly out tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. We should arrive in Miami around 6:00 p.m. and then are set to fly to Atlanta around 10:00 p.m. Once landing in Atlanta around midnight, we will be driving back to Greenville and should arrive around 3:00 a.m. I assume once we are back "state-side" that each team member will get in contact with their family and friends.
It is hard to think that tomorrow we will be flying out. Kathryn and I have so enjoyed leading this team and our team really has become like a family over these past few weeks (the team members have even resorted to calling us "Mom" and "Dad"). I know they haven't had the opportunity to read this blog and I know they probably will be catching up when they get home. As we close this trip I wanted to thank each one of our team members personally for what they contributed to the team. We love each of you very much and we're excited to see what God will continue to do through your lives as you serve Him.
Abby: Thank you for your sweet spirit and for being Julia's "big sister." You always knew just when to come and offer to take care of Julia and we so appreciate your heart for her and the kids you worked with on the trip. Your humor certainly kept the group lively and your compassion for all those people around you truly emulated Christ's love. BTW, sorry we buried you in the sand =)
Lana: As the "outsider" of this team, Kathryn and I were concerned with how you would fit in. I was so proud of the way you jumped right into ministry down here even though you didn't have any prior experience in working in a Communication field. From learning Adobe, to playing with the kids during VBS, we appreciated the way you contributed to the team in doing whatever was asked of you.
Kaitlyn: UNRUH!!!! As mentioned with Abby, thank you for your contribution in helping with Julia. I know at times you were her slobber and chew toy and we appreciate you allowing her to "snuggle" you even when you were already dressed for the day and prepared. Thank you for your willingness to be involved in so many facets of our team. From working in the ditches with the boys, to chopping down sugar cane like a crazy woman, we just so appreciate your work on the team. You took the "game time" of VBS and really made it your own and the kids loved it. We know it was a tough job to do and we couldn't be more proud of the way you lead games.
Andrea: My fellow-coffee enthusiast, thank you most of all for the work you did on the puppet show. Your creativity was so amazing in creating characters and developing stories that we could relay to the students in whatever capacity we presented. Even though we had to educate you on who Bob Marley was, we loved having you on the team. Your sweet spirit was very evident in the way you interacted with each of the team members. You have a natural likability, and that allows you to be so effective in whatever ministry you decide. It was truly a joy to have you on the team!
Katie Mac: First of all, we love you and we continue to pray for you everyday. I know these last two weeks were very hard on you especially being so far away from your family and friends. Kathryn and I were amazed at the way you faced these trials and still put 100% into whatever we asked you to do. You showed up, put a smile on your face even though inside we knew you were hurting deeply. Thank you for your spunk and wit on the team and for being there to help in whatever we were doing. You truly epitomized God's grace these past two weeks.
Sarah: As our European corespondent, I wanted to thank you for being the one who was the most willing to do what the rest of us were hesitant to: working with the 5 and under children. You embraced that role in VBS and you really showed God's love to those kids each time you taught them. We loved being able to see your interaction with the team members and the kids, and I think you definitely receive the award for getting the best tan of all of us on the trip.
Joshua: First of all, let me apologize for conistently introducing you as "Josh" even when you asked me to call you Joshua. =) You really were a bright spot on the team man. You worked so hard alongside Nathan and I know he appreciated your diligence to help with a variety of projects he wanted to get done. Even though you were tired and sore from working, you still put 100% into helping out in VBS and being involved in the lives of these kids. From singing, to playing soccer in the street, you always worked hard and never complained. Thank you for being a part of the team this year!
Victoria: Chicky Vicky, or Vicky Chicky whichever. Thank you for being on the team this year! Especially in the music, we knew the audience would always receive a blessing when you sang. You really cared for a lot of the team members on this trip, and we appreciate you being the "listening ear" for so many girls in your dorm. It truly was a blessing having you on the team, and your contribution was clearly seen every time we went out.
Lee: You did good. That is all. I am just kidding. To my fellow guitar master: Even though we didn't play any specials together (because the world wasn't ready for it), I wanted to thank you for the leadership you showed on the team. You worked tirelessly in whatever Nathan asked you to do and everything you did was done well. It was so neat to see God using your specific talents in so many ways throughout this trip, and we so appreciate your "LOOOOOOVE (say it with your accent)" for God and His people. Even when you were tired, you went out everyday and played soccer with those teens in the street and in speaking their "language" of football, you were able to impact them in a way that no other team member was able to. Thank you for being on the team!
Angel: As one of our resident photographers, we wanted to thank you for always having your camera. Now our trip will be able to live on for years and years in the great pictures you took. You also were tremendous in helping with the music and helping in VBS. Thank you for being part of the team, and for bringing such a wonderful addition to our ministry at the radio station and in VBS.
Emily Lew (Helpful Puppy): As our only veteran team member, we were thrilled to have you on the team again. We wanted to say thank you for the leadership you showed on this team. We often leaned on you to help be the encouragement and leader for the girls and you were always a great example of service for our team. From washing dishes, to playing with Julia, to helping out immensely with puppet shows and scripts (by the way your Helpful Puppy voice is amazing!!). We look forward to seeing God continue to work in your life and we're happy to have you around for the next few years! We love you Lew Lew!
Emilee Nelson: My fellow "mile high-city" sister: Thank you so much for all the little things. Despite being so tired, you always made sure the kitchen was spic and span in making sure every dish was spotless. God also richly blessed us in sending us such a wonderful pianist to our team. Your service in the churches and in VBS was tremendous, and your ability to play whatever song in the world on the piano was such an asset to our team. You really were such a blessing to us Emilee in everything you did. You really put others needs in front of your own every single day and it was evident every day you ministered. We look forward to seeing God work through you in the coming years.
Kyle: You just were everything on this trip man. You jumped at whatever opportunity arose and showed great leadership throughout the trip. From working in the ditches, to serving in the chapels and at the deaf school, your desire to show Christ was very evident to us the whole trip. Even when kids at VBS tested your patience, you always responded in a very Christ-like way. Thank you for your ministry both to us as a team and to those people you came into contact with! I know you were a blessing to the missionaries we worked with, and to those kids you loved in serving them so faithfully.
We love each of you dearly and we thank God for the wonderful privilege of leading this team. To God be all the glory great things He has done!
For God's Glory,
Jonny Gamet
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