Not having children myself I am not sure what it is like to have children but this week I believe I got a glimpse of what it feels like.  It is great to exerience things in life but it is much sweeter seeing them through your children’s eyes.  These jh kids are not mine but God has made them a part of my life and for that I  am eternally greatful. I originally had no plan on being a part of this trip but due to some events I felt God calling me to this trip so I answered.  I must say this experience has been no different than anything I experienced in africa-just as crazy and just as life changing.  As we drove into one of the worst parts of philly our first day the kids started realizing we’re not in sweet safe fairfax anymore.  We got to the aim center and to be honest I have had better accomodations in africa-but the kids never complained.  We settled in met the incredible staff here who spend their lives doing missions year round and finally got some sleep.  We woke up the next morning to find the boys van broken into.  How could this happen we were parked right in front of the church.  Well this neighborhood is infested we drug addicts and prostitutes.  I had stupidly and in a tired state left mike’s camcorder and fady’s dads gps and dvd player in the van.  However they only took the camcorder and nothing else.  Didn’t make sense the gps was just as expensive.  But even in this God was protecting and working.  You see mike was of course more concerned about our safety and did not think about the camcorder for one second but if fady’s dads stuff had been stolen his week would have been completely ruined but for God protected because that stuff was right with the camcorder but untouched-even the police were shocked.  Well from past mission trips we all have learned when something bad happens its going to be a good trip.  Sure enough it was an amazing trip.  This week good boys and girls were transformed into godly young men and women.  From freely talking about their faith with hiv positive drug addicts to prostitutes to drunks to homeless to children at the vbs they organized.  These young men and women poured out the love of Christ on everyone they met without hesitation.  They heard God’s voice speaking to each of them in prayer. They fasted even though it was not easy and there was not always fasting food. They got up at six a.m. Each morning to pray before everyone got up to prepare for the day.  They pushed themselves in ways none of us could believe is possible.  They really shared their faith everywhere even singing on the subway.  I don’t want to get into any stories, parents I will let each child share that with you when they come home as you will hear it from their hearts.  Oh yeah they won’t admit it when they see you but they missed each of you more than you can imagine.  From every single one of them I heard I love my mom and dad I miss them.  When you see them they will act as if they didn’t but don’t believe it for one second they can’t wait to see you.  Now on our last night here a little boys dream came true.  Fady met Kobe Bryant-yup Kobe Bryant.  I know what your thinking who cares but Fady lost his mind.  We had finished dinner at the olive garden and sure enough 10 minutes later Kobe drives by-who would recognize him more than fady-fady knows kobe better than kobe’s mom. He crazily along with mina and david ran up to the car to shake his hand.  Then ran around the street for a half hour pointing at the hand that shook kobe and screaming kobe’s name.  Yup dreams do come true.  Please pray for all the incredible work that aim and mission life center are doing in the name of Jesus Christ.  Lives are changed and they are being faithful to the command to preach our Lord and Savior to all nations.

Filed under: Philadelphia JH 2006