Last night over 40 people gathered (Top Left) to pray and send Team 1 Orphanage and Camp and Team 2 Camp to East Asia. It was comforting and rewarding for those going and those sending to be a part of a story bigger then each of us. As Team 1 flies tomorrow morning, our prayers cover them for the journey and the peoples and the country they will serve for the next 10 days.

What is it like to embark on a short term mission trip? Here is what our youngest team member Mitchell Ryan's answer. (Top Right - Mitchell getting packed and Bottom Right -Team 2 Camp)

"Baseball is finally done and now I am getting to think more about our trip. Baseball has been so much fun but I am kind of glad that it is over. It has been REALLY hot and we have been playing a lot of games in these tournaments.

As I think about this trip, I am not certain at all what to expect. I am kind of nervous and very excited. I have not been this far from home in my whole life. I have seen pictures and movies, so I know that it is going to be very different than the U.S.

It will be exciting to meet kids from another part of the world. It is going to be really strange that we will not speak the same language. I know that God will help us and guide us, but still it's going to be weird.

I love all sports and I hope that some of the kids there will too. I play baseball and basketball the most. Those are American sports but people play those all over the world now. I also like to play soccer, ping pong, football, kickball - really anything. I like being a part of a team, encouraging my teammates, and playing my best for my team.

Since my dad told me about this trip, I have been praying that God takes care of us as we travel and when we get there. Everything is totally new for me, so I will be relying heavily on God, my dad, and the rest of the team to lead me through this. I want to help the team as much as they help me, so I am praying that God helps me find my place on the team.

8 more days! I cannot wait!"
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