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(Pic will be updated soon!)

Jeans by Joe's Jeans, sandals by Cole Haan, 

{In the words of DJ, here is his take on one of our days on the mission trip}

One of the most refreshing elements of going on a mission trip is the disconnectedness from our daily lives. It's so easy to get so enthralled with the day to day happenings and worries of home life. Being away helps us retreat, refocus and get back in touch with what is important. 

Most of us didn't know exactly what to expect with this being our first real workday. Once we arrived at the church many of us cleaned, organized and helped perform maintenance. The real fun started when it came time to set up for the food distribution. It was hot in the courtyard of the church and we packed up hundreds of apples and plums in bags for people to claim just hours later. Others of us set up tables and organized food. 

Once the distribution started the time went by quickly. We saw people that ranged from teenagers to the elderly. Some people appeared to look clean while others looked as if they hadn't showered in weeks. It was a humbling experience to say the least. It goes to show that you NEVER KNOW what people are going through. Just because they look OK doesn't mean that they are.


The second touch of reality for the day came once we went to the Salvation Army for the dinner distribution. Half of us were helping in the dining hall serving meals while the other half of us grabbed pre-made sandwiches and water bottles to give to the homeless on the streets. While we were out we met many different types of people. Some people took the sandwiches without making eye contact and others struck up conversations with our group. There were many people who had an incredible amount of faith and joy. 

There was one woman in particular that was so excited to talk about Jesus and the work that the Holy Spirit was doing. It was an odd situation though because to most people she had "nothing". She was homeless and I am sure had all sorts of reasons to be bitter at life but instead she felt incredibly joyful and blessed. It really makes my worries and doubts seem so minuet.


In summary, it feels good to have a fresh perspective on life and faith by getting in touch with the people who Jesus had a big heart for. I am looking forward to the rest of our time on the trip.

-DJ (The Focuser)