Sunday marked the first official day of our family mission trip.  We’d been traveling since the previous afternoon.  Unexpected winter weather (thank you Iowa) left us tired but even more excited to arrive on the beautiful Bahamian Island of Abaco.

Abaco is only a short 30-minute flight from Miami.  The excitement began to build the moment we saw the island and only grew when we were able to identify the Marsh Harbour airport.  Shortly, that excitement turned to something else.  As we approached the airport, we began to notice the trees. No leaves. No branches. Rows and rows of empty brown sticks. Then the buildings – half erect, half in plies. The destruction from Hurricane Dorian was palatable. All set against the beautiful backdrop of blue skies and the sea breeze we’ve come to associate with an island in the Bahamas. 

   

We deplaned right onto the runway (a new experience for some members of our family), quickly made our way through customs, then headed to Camp Abaco. 

The camp itself is beautiful.  Located just footsteps from the beach it has historically been used as a youth camp – a place of refuge and worship.  Had it not been for the busy day we had ahead, we may have easily gotten lost in exploring the beauty of God’s natural creation.  

But the day would be busy.  We would eat a quick lunch, get settled, then deliver food and health supplies to ten families in the community. Many Hands had worked with local congregations to identify families that would benefit from the deliveries.  Throughout the afternoon we delivered food and health kits to these families.  We split into two groups, each group taking 5 families.

The act of delivering the food ourselves was something new and very impactful to our family.  Being invited into someone’s home and meeting members of the family was deeply personal and we were honored for the opportunity to pray alongside these families.  Listening to their testimony and bearing witness to their love of Christ despite what they had just endured, was something we will never forget.  

The rest of the evening went quickly.  We were able to see more of the island, explore the camp, and closed the day with a family reflection.  To say it was a memorable day, would be an understatement.  Having the opportunity to serve alongside our family was a blessing. We look forward to the opportunities God will provide throughout the rest of the trip.