I kind of got one last weekend, by going and working the Journey with my dad for dad's weekend. And let me tell you, that's exactly what I needed. Getting away from school, the campus and the people here was something that I needed more than anything. Even though you usually work your butts off on the Journeys, it was so relaxing compared to school. I loved getting to see everyone that I have missed so dearly over the past months and just being able to serve others was such a blessing in it's own. By far the best dad's weekend. :)
While these weekend come about, you begin and continue to create memories that never really leave you. I've created so many memories on these weekend, making new friends every time and getting the chance to catch up with old friends as well. Between the laughter, tears and heart-to-hearts shared with one another, by the end of the weekend, I never want to leave. I feel like throughout your whole life, you receive numerous opportunities like these weekend to create such memories and friendships. They stick in your heart forever.
About 2 weeks ago now, I had my first tripper meeting for my mission trip to Guatemala over spring break this next year. I'm super excited to go do this but at the same time I'm a little nervous, because I'm the only newbie going on this trip. The pastor of the church that we help at and the lady who runs the whole organization was able to come up and meet us, hang out with us and talk to us about the trip. They are probably some of the nicest people I have met in my life. After we were given the run down of what we would be doing on the trip, the people who had gone before were given the chance to talk about the trip and what they thought about it. As they all went around the circle, the things that they were saying were just about word for word what our youth groups tells our church about our mission trips to Lodge Grass. They talked about how the kids love on them, always giving you hugs and kisses and asking for piggy back rides. They talked about how you go there to love on the kids, yet they love on you more then you ever expected. I had to hold back the tears as my mind went though a million flash backs from Lodge Grass.
All the memories I created over the years in Lodge Grass are just like the memories I create on the Journeys. They are meant to stick with your forever and I believe that they always will.
