My First Mission Trip

Hey everyone!

So I'm back from my mission trip to Lyford, Texas and boy is my heart humbled. In one week I've laughed, cried, experienced life change, and eaten way too much Whataburger. 

This was my first mission trip. I missioned with my boyfriends church to Lyford where we held a VBS for the children there. We canvassed the communities the first 2 days and then held the VBS for the last 3 days. As I walked through the neighborhoods handing out fliers, the phrase "someone will always have it better" was resonating in my mind. It was hard to see the conditions these families lived in. Compared to us here in Houston, their living conditions seemed almost impossible for us to deal with. Where I'm from(South Africa), however, families live in shed sized cubes made from metal sheets, cardboard, wood, anything they can find. For us, we feel pretty blessed to live in safe homes and have all our materialistic items but the families of Lyford are blessed compared to the living conditions I've seen elsewhere. 

I felt pretty defeated the first day of canvassing. It was like I could see the battle Satan was trying to create for our mission. So many fliers were hanging from gates and doors because residents didn't want to hear what we had to say. The next day I prayed that I would get to see at least one child. Just one so that I could feel like I was successful. Within the few hours we canvassed I got to talk to 4 kids and give one a high five for the fake plastic snake left on the front porch that scared the crap out of me. We also got to canvass out in the country where houses seemed half a mile apart. The second day of canvassing was definitely better for me.

Something I learned this week was the power of prayer. God is so good. Whatever I prayed for, it was received. It's such a beautiful gift that we can talk to Him.

I came on this mission trip with doubt and worries. I was scared that God wouldn't use me. That He would use everyone else and forget that I was there to serve too. I was also scared that my boyfriends church wouldn't like me. That they would see me as "that girl dating the worship leader". I prayed so much about that. Once again, God answered. I made awesome friends and strengthened the friendships I had.

My role in the VBS was a large group leader. That meant that I made sure all the small group leaders were doing everything correctly. At first I thought that was the silliest job ever. What was I going to do? I was wrong. They actually did need me. And I got to interact with the children. I even got to lead 6 children to Christ. I prayed with them and I prayed over them. These are 4 of the girls who were saved.

I have to take a second to brag on my boyfriend. He is the worship leader at his church and recently he was employed as a staff member. I thought I'd never get to see him on the mission trip. I even joked that I'd maybe get to wave at him on stage. Every day I fell in love with Jacob over and over again. Every day I prayed in thankfulness for Jacob. I got to witness him lead a youth group in amazing worship every night. And he looked pretty hot walking around overseeing an entire VBS. He always had breakfast with me and made sure I didn't feel left out.

I'm so thankful God sent me to Lyford. My life was changed in a week. My faith is so strong in The Lord. I can't wait to mission again next year.

Claire