Brooklyn 2008- Thursday

It was always a dream of mine as a high schooler to write one of the coveted blogs on a mission trip. And to be honest, it was so I could look cool and have a list of shout outs at the end of the update. I had it all planned. In Mexico, I thought I could start with “hola” or in Jamaica I could start with a witty “hey mon.” Unfortunately, I never got the chance as a student to impart my wisdom on the World Wide Web. Well, readers, my time has come. It might have taken me 7 years as a student and 4 years as a leader to earn the privilege, but it is glorious.
Wednesday was a fun-filled day for all. Students woke up expected to head straight to their work sites. However, we surprised them by heading into Manhattan for the morning. Upon arrival, we took a round trip ride on the Staten Island Ferry to enjoy a unique view of the Statue of Liberty and the vast New York skyline. On the ride, we were entertained with the mind blowing beat box skills of Mike Alvarado, which were quickly joined by rapping ferry riders. How fun! We then took a trip to Ground Zero. Everyone here has a story to tell about where they were, who they knew, and the impact it has had on their life to this day. Seeing the huge pit where the towers used to stand brought me to tears. All I could think to do was pray. For the victim’s families, for the people of New York, but mainly that someway, somehow, the God can be glorified and lifted high in the midst of war and hatred. After returning to Brooklyn, we split up and either ministered to children at a local park or at the Cadet Program hosted by the local church. Seeing three year olds stand at attention and salute the flag is quite the sight to be seen!

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” 1 Timothy 4:12

To say that big things are happening in Brooklyn is an understatement. The Lord is moving in new and exciting ways everyday both in the lives of our students and members of the Brooklyn community. The Lord calls us to take up our cross and follow him, which is exactly what these students are doing. I feel like a proud mother of fifty. Their willingness to constantly say “yes” to the Lord at such a young age is such an inspiration to me. These high school sophomores are praying with strangers, asking adults three times their age challenging questions about life and faith, and giving their left over food to the homeless. While their peers are at home soaking up the rays this summer, they are literally begging to go to the local park and play with young, inner city children. I am in awe. Watch out, Raleigh. Big things are going to happen because of these students. Prepare to be amazed.

In Him (Finally, I always knew I would end it this way!),

Lauree