Making New FRIENDS...

 

Bus Ride to VBS on the White Mountain Reservation

Work Day 1

We had a good day of work. 

We finished dry wall, installed a 

window, and worked on installing 

a bathroom in a dormitory.   

White River

Pictures of the ruins...

Enjoying our day off before the work begins...

Our team had the pleasure of doing some sight seeing at the Kinishba Ruins today, which were built between 1250 and 1350 A.D. We also enjoyed worship on the reservation at the White Mountain Apache Christian Church. 

Team arrived in Show Low!

After 12 hours of travel, the AZ mission team arrived safely at the American Indian Christian Mission in Show Low! Please pray for rest tonight, as they prepare for a full week ahead! 

AZ Mission Team on the Road!

Aaaand they're off! Our 23 team members met at 5:30am this morning to pack up the caravan of cars, and were sent off by friends and family! They will be on the road for the next 11 hours or so, with a few planned stops. Please be praying for safe travels, team health, fun car conversations, and team unity! We are so proud of our group!! 

 

Prayer for the team this morning! 

 

Arizona Missions Trip June 25th to July 1st

Saturday, June 25 at 6:00AM

We have a team of 24 leaving to serve at the American Indian Christian Mission.

Coby Borkin, Josh Borkin, Theresa Burnett, Robert Childs, Kara Cordle, 

Tracie Cordle, Richard Cuellar, Madi Gilmore, Caleb Hoback, John Hogue, 

Taryn Hogue, Kyle Kincaid, Lorrie McDougald, Nathan McDougald, 

Aiden McDougald, Karin Owens, Troy Owens, Bill Reagan, Dawn Slowi, 

Jason Strauss, Jocelyn Strauss, Emily Wagner, Ken Weston, Meggan Whitis

Please pray for us as we leave.

The team would like to thank all who donate to their trip!

God is Good...

Bus ride to ferry as they start their trip home.

The Samoa team is home. We are all so very grateful for safe travel and to have our loved ones back in our presence again. They have many stories to tell of all God did in their lives, the lives of the Samoan people and how that has shaped their futures. Take time to listen and ask questions. Who knows maybe their experience will  inspire you to take a risk and do something new for our Lord.

Welcome home friends and family!

So Very Tired...

First request...clean sheets.

Back on US soil!!

We've landed in Hawaii!!! We have an 8 hour layover then home kind to LA!!

Ferry Check...Boarding Flight in Apia Check...

I heard from Katie a few minutes ago and the team is now boarding the plane in Apia, Samoa. The flight from Apia, Samoa to Honolulu, HI is about 5 & a half hours. Then they will have approximately a 7 & a half hour layover in Hawaii. Their flight from Hawaii is scheduled to take off at 8:55am, Hawaiian time. Prayers for safe travel, health and sleep.  

A Message from Rob & Katie

We're sitting on a bus, packed like sardines after meeting in the fale at 2:30am to head to the ferry. We had an amazing night last night. The team was treated with a fiafia (party). We experienced a lot of cultural firsts last night -- we were presented the highest form of respect with a special ceremony which included the high chief speaking, the presentation of special gifts, and the highest honor of gifting our team half a cow.  And yes, they brought the cow in! ;) 

The rest of the evening was filled with traditional food and entertainment.  Everyone brought out their best! The festivities were concluded with a lot of tears, pictures and glow sticks. The team went

​ to​

 the fale to distribute the gifts. We gave some last encouraging words to the team. And the majority went into the freshwater pools for a refreshing last bath in a beautiful setting! 

Earlier in the day, we finished strong at the medical clinic, seeing over 60 patients in just 3 hours!! We were treated to canoe rides out to the ocean after line, and concluded sports and kids camp with a giant field day and the biggest water balloon fight in the history of Matavai!! (Including the pastor's wife breaking a giant balloon over Rob's head!!) 

The team will take an hour ferry ride back to the main island of Upolu, where we'll take an hour ride to the capital of Apia for some shopping and souvenirs before heading to the airport this evening! Thank you for your continued prayers! This has been such a blessed trip! 

-Rob and Katie

YEAH PICTURES!!!

Village

Sunday Whites

Everything Skit Sunday Night Church

Medical Clinic

Med Clinic Intake with Lexi

Bible Camp

Bible Camp

Sports Camp

Bingo Wednesday Night

Tuesday Sunrise

A Message from Emily...

Talofa!

We are half way done with the week and it has been a full and tiring week. In the kids camp, all of the kids love the upbeat songs that we sing and all the stickers. Earlier in the week we were served the best ice cream ever after lunch, I wish we were able to have that every day. The weather has been crazy, it will perfectly fine in one minute but then be pouring down rain 5 minutes later. One girl from a neighboring village heard that we were here and told us that she wanted to be baptized. So later that day Rob was able to baptize her in one of the fresh water springs. After the girl said that in doing that it took away her pride. I think that is amazing and a very special thing to have happen. I feel so blessed to be able to witness that and I can't wait to see how God uses her do to amazing things in this village. 

All of the people here have been so kind to us, and seeing the kids smile helps me push through being tired and continue. Thank you for all the prayers and please keep them coming. 

-Emily

Day 1 of Medical Clinic & Kids Camp & Sports Camp

Talofa! (Hello in Samoan) 

Today, we opened the medical clinic, which included the optometry and passing out glasses, which I was assigned to. It was such a joy to be able to help people find glasses that they needed, many of whom have not been able to read clearly for a very long time.  Many of the locals who came and got glasses were so surprised that they were free and were so overwhelmed. And in turn, it made us feel so happy to be a part of that experience. 

The weather today was just amazing-- beautiful clouds and some unexpected light showers right after kids camp finished! Being a part of the kids camp was such a joy. We finished up at the clinic early so our whole team got to join in. 

The meals here are amazing, and there's no where else in the world you would find anything like this. One of my favorites has been the "oka," which is raw tuna in coconut milk with diced cucumbers. Twice, we have had cold coconuts with a straw-- pure, fresh coconut water! 

The people here have been so amazing to us, and I've been so blessed to be in God's service here. Thank you for your continued prayers! 

-Chuck

A Message from Katie...

In Savai'i!! We had a beautiful welcome from our friends in Matavai, including a traditional kava ceremony! We are so thankful for their loving hospitality. Our team wore our whites and formal lava lavas to church this morning, and we are in charge of the evening service tonight! Thank you for the prayers! The medical clinic, sports camp, and kids Bible camp starts tomorrow!

​ ​

Can't send pics right now-- hoping to get better service later to send some pics!

On to Savaii

Ferry Dock

Savaii Beach

A Message from Kim & Meggan

Talofa,  

It's a bird, it's a plane...no, it's just tired and hungry Americans!!! We LANDED safely and were greeted by beautiful Samoan music at the airport. If has been smooth travels all the way so far! We are currently eating breakfast, enjoying the most amazing view, and resting after only a couple hours of sleep before we board the ferry to Savai'i (and then take a bus to our village Matavai!). We are all excited to be here, and we are looking forward to what God has in store! Thank you for your prayers! We feel them!   

Fa'a Samoa!  
Kim & Meggan

God's Beauty

Katie took this beautiful picture in Apia, Samoa as they
head to the ferry that will take them to Savaii.