If you have read my bio, you have read that I participate in mission trips from time to time.  Well this Friday, the 22 of June I will be leaving for Alaska.  The group of teens and adults from Kennesaw First Baptist Church will be heading to Nikiski, Alaska to help in various building projects, and show God's love to the people of the area.  They are participating in the World Changers organization which is a part of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.  World Changers sets up these types of mission events all over the U.S.  At some locations there may be 150 people, and others there will be 1,000.  A fee has to be paid by the teens to participate, plus all the expenses of getting there, and while at the event.  Then when they are there, they work all day on the designated work project.  The projects can vary from painting, roofing, building handicap ramps, drywall, window installation, and so  on.  These projects are done for low income, or elderly people in the area.  Teams from World Changers are sent out ahead of time to talk to the people in the area, get applications, and approve according to guidelines set up.  In some areas, the local government welcomes the help, and is very cooperative.  Also, many churches in the area help out, and some businesses donate supplies.  Our local group of 45 will be joining the total of about 400 people for the week to work on the projects.  Our group corporately raised about $50,000 to be able to go on the trip.  We worked on this for a year.  The projects consisted of things like landscaping projects, construction (or tearing down), pancake breakfasts, spaghetti lunch, golf tournament, yard sale, dessert and a show, concession stand for community event, service projects, and more.  We are grateful for the donations to us from the community, and the members of Kennesaw First Baptist.  They have always allowed us to participate in this with very little from our personal funds. I have been doing a blog for the Alaska Mission trip as a further means to communicate to the group.  Other years the group has gone to Alabama, Florida, and Virginia.

     The teens and adults use skills they already have, and learn more.  From my experience in past years our teens lead in work ethic, responsibility, and behavior.  The homeowner is very appreciative, and it sometimes, like in the case of a handicap ramp allows one or both of the owners to have more mobility to be able to move around outside their home.  The group does all of this, and without pay, and having to pay to do it.  Of course the blessings you receive when someone expresses their joy over the work done is one of those priceless moments.

  On this blog, I plan to share some pictures of the group, work, and scenery with my readers.  Also, in a post this week, I will share the demographics pertaining to real estate in the area.  I will have posts everyday while I am gone, not all of them about Alaska, so be sure to keep reading.  In fact, so you don't miss any posts from Real Estate Investor Girl, why don't you subscribe either by email, or RSS.  Please leave a comment.  I will answer all of them when I return.