OCC Missions Trip 2012

This was my fourth year going on the missions trip to the Operation Christmas Child Processing Center in North Carolina. The magnitude of the operation is amazing. So many volunteers, so many shoeboxes, so many gospel opportunities.  Every year (and every missions trip) I learn something new. This year? I was reminded about working for the Lord with a cheerful spirit wherever you are. It's easy to be happy and chipper while you're working with a fantastic team in a place filled with believers. Other places? It gets a little tougher. Regardless, that's something I can be constantly striving towards.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for me." Colossians 3:23

First Snow

Typically I'm pretty excited about our first snow. BUT not today.

Why? Because I'm sitting in the Philly airport. My flight was delayed 2+ hours so I'll miss my connection to Charlotte. SO I'll be staying the night in Atlanta. Alone. Eek.
I was worried this was going to happen. I joked to my Dad earlier that staying the night in an airport was on my bucket list. Hardy har. Be careful what you wish for.
SO I'm not running on my nice neat little plan anymore. But I'm still running on God's bigger and better plan. Who knows what this adventure will bring! I'll be okay. We've got alternative plans in place already. Tomorrow at approximately 10am I'll make it to Charlotte to join the rest of the team at the Operation Christmas Child warehouse. I can't wait.
Boarding time. 

We Add, God Multiplies

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry my family has been involved with for many years now. In fact, in less than two weeks my sister and I will head down with a team to the Processing Center in North Carolina (we're pretty stoked). This year, we collected clearance items and such all year round and planned on packing 75 shoeboxes..we packed 89! It was awesome! We were pulling the stuff out of the attic and other places we stored it and it just kept coming. Apparently we collected a lot more than we realized, haha. If you've never heard of Operation Christmas Child, check it out! It's a fantastic ministry that we absolutely love. They aren't kidding when they say it's more of a gift to give than to receive. 

 Just one of the tables filled with items for shoeboxes..

 We put a stuffed animal in every box!

 Working on About Me sheets.

 A shoebox and I!

 Carolyn & I packed Vibram boxes. Seemed pretty fitting. :)

 We crammed those boxes pretty full. :)

89 shoe boxes loaded up in the car.

89 gifts for children somewhere in the world.
89 chances for the Gospel to be spread.

God is so good. :)