Home again

We woke up early, and was REALLY early for some students who had stayed up talking and enjoying new friendships made with other students and staffers from across the country. We did our assigned chores, cleaning up our church home for the week. The staff joined us in prayer, and we loaded up and headed out, after a brief Route 66 stop on our way out of Jopkin.

  The ride was overall very quiet, as the students slept most of the way home. We met up with Barb and Josh Buttlar in Rolla for lunch, then returned to the church office by 4:30. 

  CUserve 2016 was a really good mission trip, all students were moved deeply by experiences throughout the week and breaking outside of their box. I celebrate that all the returning students said they wanted to go again next year, if schedules allowed. Praise God!

Friday - Day 6, fun day

Kelley left early with Ben and Melissa who had things to return for over the weekend. We got to sleep in until 8, and were treated to chocolate chip pancakes and sausage. Our group packed lunches and after morning devotions, headed south to go tubing. Ask a student about their favorite part involving a big rock. Showers felt especially good, but despite several coats of sunscreen, most kids got at least a patch of skin sunburnt. Aloe was greatly appreciated.

The community cookout was the final dinner as a group. Hotdogs and burgers then a large worship service were enjoyed by many in the neighborhood. 

We ended our time as a church at the Joplin tornado memorial at dusk.

Thursday - Last work day

Crews departed for their sites and worked hard to complete their tasks. Judi's team finished painting a large room then either went on to the third site or cleaned up the space. Kelley and  Dan's team finished their work on the roof, and Scotts team cranked out a ton of work including the insulation to go with the drywall they installed during the week. Worship proved to be a powerful experience for everyone. And Judi learned some dance moves and retired her mom-work jeans with gusto. Of course, we were so busy or photos were not appropriate so enjoy today's photos from other times during the day.

Wednesday - work day 3

Today was an all around good day. Deep conversations, Walmart runs, meaningful work, dance parties while painting, lots of ice cream, and some tears shed during a powerful worship made today especially great. 

Tuesday - work day 2

We did the same routine as Monday, breakfast, personal devotions, loading up vans, then workday until 3:30. 

The three work crews by vehicles, before departing to the worksites. Work included painting, building recycling bins, gardening, and more. Good attitudes, no injuries, sounds like a good day! We took our church time offsite to grab a second dinner.

Monday -first day of work

Day 1 began with breakfast, packing lunches and morning devotionals. We did some stretching before loading up vans to head to our worksites. However, one student's day began with trip to convenient care where a double ear infection was the diagnosis. Good meds provided enough relief that he rejoined his work team in time for lunch. Our kids and leaders were divided between three teams and sites. Hard work and bonding was the order of the day. 

Day 1 - Sunday

Gathered at 6, wished our dads happy Father's Day, prayed, then departed shortly after 6:30. Stopped for lunch at Rolla around 11:30. Serendipitous meeting of Scott en route (he literally merged into the middle of our caravan from his weekend out west) and we all arrived safe and sound about 3:30. Tons of girls from other churches are here this week, and luckily we arrived early enough for the girls to be all together in the large room. The guys have their own space. Dinner was at 6, then moved to worship at 7. At evening worship which includes our large meeting time, we found out our work teams and the work we would be doing for the next week. We gathered as a church, then had free time until lights out at 11.

Arrived in Joplin

We arrived safely at Next Step in Joplin about 3:30pm

Gearing up for departure

This year's Copper Creek high school mission trip is heading to Joplin, MO to work with NextStep ministries. Our third year working with NextStep and our third location.

As we prepare to depart on Sunday 6/19, we ask you to hold the entire team in prayer. Or pick one person and hold them close all week in your thoughts and prayers. In the comments, let us know how you are praying for us.

Bennett
Nate
Andrew
Olivia
Beth
Judi
Carter
Peyton
Anna
Ben
Kelley
Dan
Scott
Caitlin
Melissa
Randall
Rachel

Commissioning

Sunday, June 12 the CU serve team was commissioned during worship. The congregation supported the team with a laying on of hands.