Being a Neighbor - Sara

 So here we are on GSLC’s 11th mission trip.  Our leaders and students sign up for this trip not fully knowing what we’re going to face together as a group- there’s break ins, and brake downs, sickness, and hospital trips, there’s confessions. and tears. There’s really no way to know what might crop up and require us as a group to each set aside our own personal agenda to rally together and take care of one another. And if I’m honest sometimes we rise to the occasion and other times we have fallen short. 

Our Savannah trip has been no different. Last night while wrapping up our site seeing day before we head to Savannah on Sunday, we got the phone call  that our siblings who are on the trip lost their grandpa unexpectedly. Talk about going from a high high to a low low. Suddenly the joking and laughing was done, and instead there’s grief and tears. Our plan for the evening was out the window, and we had to throw a new one into place. Not one of the students complained, or had an attitude. They just came together to do what needed to be done. 

When you sign up to be in relationship with others and to be a “neighbor” to them, you have no idea what kind of support or situation you might walk with them through. You also have no idea what kind of support you might need from them. God places each of us in each others lives, hoping we’ll take care of one another and be there for each other.  

Serving others isn’t an event, or a project we sign up for. It’s life. Every little mundane moment is a chance to serve, and every big life changing event is a chance to serve. God knows each of our days and the events ahead. Some of these days will be incredible and filled with joy. He’s given us each other to celebrate with one another. Let’s face it what fun is a party alone? Some of these days will be hard, and feel like a sucker punch to the gut. He’s given us each other to comfort one another, and pray for each other. 

The point is though He’s given us each other. So show up for the people around you, lean on those God has placed in your life when you need to, and praise him immensely that we don’t have to try to face this crazy, hard, beautiful life alone.

I ask for your prayers for Madi and Gavin, as they try to process the loss of their grandpa and grieve his passing. Prayers for the rest of their family- Casey, Drew and Payton for comfort, and to feel God’s loving presence. And I ask for prayers for the rest of our group that we are able to fully show up to love and support these students during this hard time.