Well it's hard to believe that in 24 hours we'll be loading up the van to head to the airport to fly home. Since this will be our last blog update (mostly because of the unreliable internet connection), I wanted to take this time to update you on our flight information about tomorrow.
Right now, we are scheduled to leave Antigua at 12:10 p.m. on flight US Airways 978 to JFK airport in New York City. We should arrive at about 5 p.m. EST. We'll have about an hour and a half to get through customs and get to our other gate. We'll then fly out of JFK at 6:30 on US Airways flight 425 which will take us to Charlotte, NC. We should arrive at about 8:30 and then will be met by our BJU transport to take us back to Greenville. I would imagine with getting all of our baggage and everything after landing, that we will probably be back in Greenville by about 10:30 or 11 p.m. For those that are flying back home out of Charlotte, we will be giving them their itinerary today and flight information today and they should be able to update you once we land stateside in New York.
Yesterday was a wonderful day of ministry for our team. In the morning, we worshiped with the believers at Maranatha Baptist Church here in Antigua. The team split up and lead several different Sunday schools. I was able to preach in the men's Sunday school class and my wife Kathryn taught in the women's Sunday school class.
In the worship service, our team ministered through a number of songs and special music. Bethany Davis provided the piano playing for the service which was much-appreciated by the congregation. I continue to be amazed at the passion our team shows each time they perform. You can truly see the Lord working through them and you can see the love and passion they have for Him through the way they sing. I was brought to tears several times as our team performed because I am just so proud of each of them and their willingness to be used of God. I continue to pray that God would use our time here for His glory.
We enjoyed a "left-over" lunch buffet at the team mission house to clean out some of the remaining food we had in the fridge. Most of the team members took a nap during the afternoon and we had a quiet evening of fellowship and just enjoying being together. One team member remarked that they didn't want the trip to end. It is funny to say, but we really have become a family on this trip! I know so many of you have been praying for us and I can tell you that we truly feel the prayers of God's people on this trip. So many times we were tired and worn out and yet God gave us an extra measure of strength and grace to be able to accomplish the work he had for us.
Today is a "wrap-up" day for us. I brought a small group with me to the radio station today (hence the more reliable internet ha ha) and we are working on finishing up a lot of the production projects that we have been working on for the past weeks. The rest of the team is beginning to clean up our mission houses and packing up all of our stuff. You can imagine the dirt and sand we accumulate over the course of two weeks, and we do our best to leave the houses cleaner than when we arrived. Tonight we plan to have a bonfire out on the beach. This is always a wonderful time of reflection and praise as we sing and share testimonies about our experiences here.
As we close this trip I want to say "thank you." For the team members that read this, you have been an absolute joy to Kathryn and I over this trip. I applaud you for your perseverance and your humble spirit. Not once did we hear of any complaining or hesitation. You all jumped in full force to do whatever needed to be done! This side of eternity, I don't think we'll ever fully realize the work we did for the Lord here and it's lasting impact.
To family and friends, thank you for your prayers and support of the team. I know it was hard to have no communication from your loved one for two weeks. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to lead them on this trip and to allow God to use their talents for His glory! God has taught us so much throughout the course of these two weeks and we pray that in everything He was most glorified and honored!
We would appreciate your prayers tomorrow! It is going to be a long day of flying and traveling. A selfish prayer request if I may, but please pray for Julia and Olivia to be able to handle the long day tomorrow. Those who have traveled with young children know the toll it can take on them and on those around them.
We're almost home! Have a wonderful rest of the day and Lord willing we'll see you all tomorrow! We'll try to update along the way if we run into any delays or complications.
To God be the Glory!
Jonny Gamet
No comments:
Post a Comment