Mission Trip 2010

We chose the site of Missouri for our Mission Trip this year; at Emmaus Homes, a community for mental and developmental handicaps. The gentlemen that showed us around talked about the company and how they pride themselves in doing great work and the part that hit me was when he said they expect it. Meaning just because people are different from you doesn't mean they are exempt from doing great work (we are all human). Why would or should we think they can't do a great job no matter what their physical limitations are?

I watched those clients work at Temco and I am telling you I don't think I could sit and do those jobs for six to eight hours a day. While we stood there, one worker found a flaw in a piece and proudly showed us, which is part of his job, looking for imperfections. Here a person whom may seem imperfect by others is looking for imperfections in objects as part of his job.

   In our week we weeded,  mulched, planted flowers, power washed and water sealed a deck, made a gravel walk way, and built a fire pit. Of all these jobs, the one that was most meaningful to me was that fire pit. We put logs down, then plastic/fabric, then stones or gravel. I tried to picture us all around the campfire singing as I was working, pushing myself beyond my limits, knowing that at week's end our efforts would be enjoyed. I didn't realize how that fire circle would impact my life in such a meaningful and spiritual way. 

   We sat across from two ladies, who loved to sing and they just belted out the words to those songs, with such joy. They were singing and laughing. I'm watching these ladies have a great time. Isn't that what life is all about? The making lemons into lemonade thing sort of rings a bell here. We have hardships in life, but it's how you react to them that can make all the difference in the world. 

   Then as we got up to go back to our homes, a client asked to speak with the Pastor. She went over to him and he asked if she could pray for his friend and caregiver. He was worried about her. Barb heard him ask the Pastor to pray and it touched her deeply, and I looked at her as I was crying and saw her and we both had a moment where the spirit had touched our hearts. Here I thought I was going to Emmaus Homes to touch their hearts and the total opposite came true.

    That fire ring was nothing when we started, and we created a social place for gathering. I never thought that this week would lead to life lessons like this. God takes us from nothing and creates each one of us, different in our own unique ways. The residents of Emmaus Homes are cared for with such grace and love and it shows in how they care for each other. 

   We plan to return there next year.  I will write from time to time as thoughts and experiences come to mind.