Scott Beck: I gained a new appreciation for all that God has blessed me with. I've also grown into a better understanding of the fact that God works in mysterious ways.
Rachael Bailey: I've seen God work in wonderful ways. First, we went from working with Shanee when she didn't really seem to want us there to becoming good friends with her. And the second time we were at her house, she was telling us how she needed a car, and then Robyn called and said there was a car for her! And even though I was tired and sick feeling all week, I never got tired of going to help, which is a big deal for me. I normally only want to help when it was convenient for me, but I haven't felt like that this week.
Drake Jones: I found a new beginning in Seattle. I made new friends and got closer to some old ones, but the best part about this week is that we all learned more about ourselves - like that God has picked me up and carried me most of my life, and no matter where I go or what I do He loves me and is there with me, and because of Him I can climb any mountain in my way.
Andrew McGinnis: God showed me that I don't have to be something special or different to help people - that I'm me, and that's what I plan on staying. He showed me that I CAN overcome the troubles of the world.
Sarah Jecker: While we were in Seattle, God showed me that it doesn't matter how different people are or where they come from, they just need love and Jesus. I realized this while I was helping Shaney and when we were at the homeless shelter. In the end, it comes down to the fact that Jesus created us all to worship Him. It doesn't matter what your background is. :)
Anonymous: While on this trip, I realized that there really are hundreds of people living on the streets. It was so sad to see all the homeless people sitting on the sidewalks asking for food or money or even both. When we went to the homeless shelter and sang for everyone, I got very teary-eyed. It was so heart-breaking to see all of those people watching us and waiting to eat a meal. I thought it was moving when one of the homeless people would close their eyes and pray.
God also showed me on this trip that missionary work is serving God and others no matter how small the task is. At times on the trip, I would feel like the work I was doing wasn't enough to make a difference since it wasn't the same work we did in Baltimore. But after talking to a leader and doing my devotions, I realized that everything I did made a difference whether it was big or small.
Ryan Collins: God has shown me that no matter where I am or where I go, I can make a difference. I have also seen that no matter how big or small a project may be, it also makes a difference in peoples' lives. An example of this was while I watched Brittney's kids (Dominic, Micah, and Jaden) outside, I glanced inside and saw her sleeping. I then wondered how long it had been since she was able to sleep and not have to be awakened by the kids or have to worry about them getting in trouble while she slept. I saw this as a cool thing because I allowed her to sleep in peace while I was watching her kids.
Tyler Collins: On this trip, God has taught me that I need to be more helpful to people that are in need no matter what they need because I am a Christian and I am called to do so.
Anonymous: On this trip, God has taught me that I need to go outside my comfort zone and help people a lot more, even if it's just a random stranger, and evangelize more. I also learned that I have a lot more talent than I think I do.
Trey Condra: On this trip, God taught me to be grateful for what I have. These people have stuff, but not much. Also, I need to go outside my comfort zone and not only just to be a helping hand, but to socialize more.
Rachel Boesing: While in Seattle, I learned thankfulness. True thankfulness. I got to serve and hang out with a family with 4 kids, ages 3 weeks to 8 years old. I heard the 8-year-old say that his dad was in jail. This is their daily life, while I am pigging out at home with ice cream and facebooking, they are currently fatherless! I have learned that the need is close. Very close. And real.
Violet Herrmann: While in Seattle, one of the main things I learned is that we are very blessed. God has blessed us with so much that we don't even realize. I also realized that because we are so blessed, we can go half-way across the country to help other people and show them the true love they can have, Christ's love. Although this was my first mission trip, God has really opened my heart and mind to how much you can change someone's life just by helping them with little things. God has really put a passion in my heart for helping people. It's been an amazing experience.
Andrew Johannes: On this trip, I gained a lot of perspective about how much I really have. Seeing single moms with four kids and homeless people with nothing at all has really opened my eyes. I was also challenged to make a difference as we return home to Indiana.
Jessie Wise: While in Seattle, I was spiritually exhausted because I felt that no one would appreciate the work that we did on Tami's house. But I prayed about it, and God showed me that although someone may not show their gratitude, we were planting a seed in Tami's life. This trip helped me to be less selfish and to be thankful for what I have. At the homeless shelter, it really touched my heart that people who have little or no possessions can still be grateful to God for what they do have.
Tyler Lacure: I was humbled by God this week. For a few days, I was a little upset because I didn't feel like my work mattered. I was working behind-the-scenes, and (being an attention-seeker) I did not like this. I felt like my work was less important because I wasn't getting noticed. During download time, God broke me down, and showed me how selfish and arrogant I was being. I learned that all serving is important, and that God has a perfect purpose for putting us where He does.
Tee Kinchius: While talking with two homeless men, I observed a homeless woman being given a "new" pair of shoes. She tried them on, but they were too small. She continued to lace them and, after seeing the shoes she took off, I understood why. While I moaned and groaned about my feet hurting all week, she chose the pain of shoes too small for her over having holes in her soles. God continues to show me how selfish and spoiled I am. While hanging with and helping someone fun is all well and good, it is not the reason we came. We came to help those in need. As the guy from the Spanish mission pointed out, those in need are everywhere... even in our own group.
Kathleen Himmelheber: Throughout this trip, I have learned to appreciate what I have. I have learned patience. There are so many occurrences on this trip that really touched me on a spiritual level. The homeless shelter was a huge eye-opener for me. I now have a better understanding and greater compassion and desire to help these people. I can't wait to see what I can do with all that I have learned.
Hannah Waters: I have been taught many things on this trip; the main thing, however, is humbleness. This trip has humbled me to realize that I am no better than a simple homeless person. I've just got things way easier than they do. Seeing the dirty house that my group cleaned and going to see homeless people made me realize that I have so much that I normally take for granted. I have come to a full understanding of the term "out of your comfort zone." I am so thankful, though, because what I did this week was eye-opening and challenging and I know it has strengthened my relationship with God. What I'm bringing back with me is that I will never look at a person and think of myself as higher than them. I'm going to start doing things I'm uncomfortable with and talking to people I wouldn't normally associate with.
T.J. Miguel: I really enjoyed this trip. I love serving God and people, and I really felt I did both this week. Thanks for giving me plenty of work, Jameson!
Lucas Mays: This mission trip has been as rewarding as I expected. Tensions were high at times - like for me at the yard sale, I got mad due to peoples' bad attitudes and some people not working. I also enjoyed serving those whose houses we were at. The work we did may have been difficult, tedious, and boring, but it was all worth it when we saw the looks of gratitude. I enjoyed so much being able to be a light to others and show Jesus through our actions. I can't wait until next year when we do it again.
John Williams: This trip is something that I needed. God has called me into some form of ministry and what that is, I'm still not totally sure. I had the opportunity to take on and accomplish many responsibilities and see ways that God is working in students' lives. I have realized that God has given me a heart to love those who are hurting and those who are lost. I have also realized how dang sinful I am. I am truly selfish, impatient, and well... depraved. I thank God and our Lord Jesus Christ for His forgiveness. Thank you, Jameson, for this amazing experience!
Autumn Sellers: During the yard sale, I got to experience the appreciation from parents and children for all that we had done. Something that has been shown to me repeatedly is the greatness of our Lord God. He created this whole world with His hands and even the most complex creatures were composed with a purpose. I definitely learned that even though I have not found my purpose, I definitely have one. I need to find it, and I hope I can find it with the Graceland students! I love y'all!
Ally Lacure: God showed me that we need to love others before we can help them. If we love them, they are halfway to recovery.
Ben Rogers: God has shown me exactly how meaningful the most thankless job can be to some.
Katie Glover: I've learned that there are a lot of people worse off than me, and I should be grateful for what I have.
Jeremy Sumners (Coach): For several months leading up to the Seattle trip, my personal time with Christ has been dry. As I laid down on the floor to sleep one night and prepared to complain about the situation, God brought to mind the countless homeless people that I had encountered driving around Seattle for four straight days. God convicted me of the fact that I had been very self-centered while on the trip and, really, in the months prior as well. God is sovereign over and bigger than any situation any of us will ever encounter. He taught me once again that I have to live in obedience to His sovereignty.
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