Mission Trip

Gracie was away all last week with her youth group on a mission trip to Kansas City. It was quite an abrupt change for us all to go directly from spending every moment together on our family vacation to her leaving us for the week the next day. She was unsure of what exactly to expect, but was excited.

It was nice to hear from her off and on throughout the week. She didn't have much access to her phone, but there were certain times each night that she could send me a couple of pictures and a short text to let me know she was alive and well. I heard from her just enough to feel okay with her being gone. She would tell me about hard days of service, but would also excitedly tell me about fun evening plans with the group.

It was a big week for her and one that I am glad she was able to participate in. Luke already tells me that he can't wait until next year when he is old enough to go too.

Gracie and her small group leader, Jessie Lynn. This picture made me feel good about her week.
(She also texted me one night to let me know that she had hives all over her body because they were all rolling down the hill, but that Jessie Lynn gave her some Benadryl and they were starting to go down.  Thankful for Jessie Lynn.)

cooling off after a hard, hot day

Although there were many students going that I did not know (our church has different sites, so not all of the kids are kids that we attend church with), I was comforted that Gracie had these two girls at her side for the week.