semi early this morning, 20 ppl showed up to the church to get on our bus and start THE trip. we had been waiting on for months, between applications, and hopes of getting the acception, we had pretty much gone insane with anticipation.
The morning started with us all piling on the bus, and listening to JD give us announcements. little did we know that our first big suprise was on the way. JD went through the normal routine, and then said "who misses matt newlin?" he was answered by the entire buses hands shooting into the air. so we get on the subject, and JD says " maybe if i squeeze my eyes real tight and wish will be here". at that moment the suit cases in the back of the bus started to move and fall from where we had stacked them, and Matt Newlins head bursts from the middle of the pile to a chorus of cheers. from that point forward the bus ride was a breeze, we listened to a ton of music, including Michael Jackson, the Postal Service, Iron and Wine, and countless others. we had a devotional on the bus that mrs. suzann smith prepared, it talked about how in the book of joshua the children of isreal constructed a monmument from twelve stones so that people would know what god had done there. We were given the challenge to collect stones, and so that we would remember what god had done on this trip. Around 630 we arrived in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, to say the least these people were amazing, we walked in to smiling faces and a hot home cooked meal of chicken alfredo, cheesy bread sticks, salad and an ice cream casserole. it was described by Kelechi Rmeonye as " yum-o". tonight we are staying in their church, and we have full access to their youth wing, not to mention the showers, basketball gym, and washing machines. God has truly blessed our group with this church.
Tomorrow we head to Perryville Arkansas, to participate in the Heifer project, which JD, true to his word wont tell us about. we all have high hopes for this trip, and so far they have been fulfilled. keep us in your prayers, and expect big things in the upcoming blogs.
thank you
tripp durden on the behalf of the TransAmerica Crew
The morning started with us all piling on the bus, and listening to JD give us announcements. little did we know that our first big suprise was on the way. JD went through the normal routine, and then said "who misses matt newlin?" he was answered by the entire buses hands shooting into the air. so we get on the subject, and JD says " maybe if i squeeze my eyes real tight and wish will be here". at that moment the suit cases in the back of the bus started to move and fall from where we had stacked them, and Matt Newlins head bursts from the middle of the pile to a chorus of cheers. from that point forward the bus ride was a breeze, we listened to a ton of music, including Michael Jackson, the Postal Service, Iron and Wine, and countless others. we had a devotional on the bus that mrs. suzann smith prepared, it talked about how in the book of joshua the children of isreal constructed a monmument from twelve stones so that people would know what god had done there. We were given the challenge to collect stones, and so that we would remember what god had done on this trip. Around 630 we arrived in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, to say the least these people were amazing, we walked in to smiling faces and a hot home cooked meal of chicken alfredo, cheesy bread sticks, salad and an ice cream casserole. it was described by Kelechi Rmeonye as " yum-o". tonight we are staying in their church, and we have full access to their youth wing, not to mention the showers, basketball gym, and washing machines. God has truly blessed our group with this church.
Tomorrow we head to Perryville Arkansas, to participate in the Heifer project, which JD, true to his word wont tell us about. we all have high hopes for this trip, and so far they have been fulfilled. keep us in your prayers, and expect big things in the upcoming blogs.
thank you
tripp durden on the behalf of the TransAmerica Crew
Hey, everybody! I hope that you are having an incredible trip so far! I know that you are each going to grow so much from this experience and you are always going to remember the time your crazy youth minister sat you all down and said, "hey, wouldn't it be cool if I put you all on a bus for 2 weeks and drove you across the country and didn't tell you where you were going?" I can't believe the trust that each of you (and especially your parents) have shown in us by participating in such an adventure but I am soooooo glad that you did. You will each be blessed in so many ways for it! Love you all and have fun but remember that this is also about service and appreciation!
ReplyDeleteHey guys,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you had a great experience in my hometown of Little Rock...I hope your experience at Heifer International today will be life changing. I love each of you dearly!
Mrs. Libby
Hey guys! Glad to know you are having fun and that you made it safely. We are so lucky to have such an awesome youth leader(and supportive wife) Can't wait to hear more! Luv you all!
ReplyDeleteFreda Walker
Hey guys! I know that this is going to be an experience of a lifetime. I can't wait to hear all the details and the things God is showing you through this amazing trip. Take care of each other and BHYM to all you meet. I love you all! And...I miss you guys too!
ReplyDeleteThis trip sounds like a wonderful learning opportunity. I will pray for your spiritual growth and safety while traveling. I want to see your rock collection!
ReplyDeleteAAAAAhhh man, I am super jealous of all you guys. Everyone should have an amazing time and let God speak to them individually on this trip. I'm sure he has a special message and something significant to get out of this trip for everyone. Keep updating the blog and don't have too much fun!
ReplyDelete-CB
Hey Guys,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear of the great things that God is already doing on your trip! This will be a life-changing experience. Thank you for being such wonderful examples of christian love and adventure! I look forward to hearing more as the days go by. Be safe. Have fun. Expeience all He has to offer....
-pratt
Hello everyone!
ReplyDeleteThis trip sounds great! Take advantage of all you see and experience. At times, be still and listen for God. Know that he is with you. Stay safe. Love you all! Sharon
hey!! i am so glad all of you are on this trip. hunter i hope you had an amazing 18th birthday! MATT NEWLIN!!! i am so happy you got to go! what a great suprise to the group. i can't wait to hear the stories when you all get home. don't forget the difference you are making in the lives of others.
ReplyDeletetripp, thank you for the post. it was a great start to the blog. keep them coming!
love you all!
rachel
Hi everyone! Sounds as though your trip is off to a great start. What a wonderful opportunity to see our country. Hunter you will always remember spending your 18th birthday on The Heifer Ranch! Have fun and remember to be a leader for Him. Love, Rex and Vanessa
ReplyDelete