Alabama Mission Trip Day 1: Reflections from Students

When we heard about the trip to Alabama to clean up the areas that were affected by the tornadoes we didn’t know what to expect. After visiting the site Thursday night, it finally sunk in how bad the damage really was and it wasn’t just a story on the news, it was real. After spending the day working at the site, we have mixed feelings. We are heartbroken for the victims and their tremendous losses, but on the other hand we are grateful that god has given us the opportunity to help change lives. While changing the lives of the people affected, we have grown as individuals. One of the experiences that we will both remember, is talking to one of the homeowners that lost their home. Her and her daughter came back to the site and we all surrounded ourselves around her wondering how she was holding up during these horrible times. Praying with her and getting to hear her laugh and good spirit through it all, makes us understand the saying of “Grace Wins.” This trip will always be in our hearts. <3

Lisa Cordova, 18 yrs old
Pickerington High School Central
Amanda Jones, 18 yrs old
Ohio State University

So Alabama is suppose to be this beautiful and amazing state , I can say most of it is, but then you see Lockhart, a town that was so overly struck by this terrible tornado. It’s shocking to see how much damage can possibly be done to one small town, you see images on the news about this, but when you see it in person it truly hits your heart and makes you realize what is really important in life. But that’s where we can in and made a difference, all 80 of us came in, joined hands, followed God’s path and changed not only our lives but the other victims’ lives. For me, I can say I found God in all of us. I found out who I was really suppose to be and that God is here, and my only Savior. It made me realize that I am perfect how I am, and as long as I have God in my life I will always be safe. Now I can only hope and pray that the rest of trip goes well. This trip has forever changed me and my life. I will never forget it <3

Miranda Pennington, 15 yrs old
Reynoldsburg High School

Today was one of the most meaningful days of my life! When we go down to Lockhart and see how friendly and generous the people are… my heart just goes out to them. Seeing how they’re coping with this disaster is beyond any words I could use to describe it. Everyone is friends and friends are family. I can’t even begin to explain how much we are changing people’s lives. We have done so much in just ONE day. I’m so proud. God is GOOD, all the TIME! (:

Lauren Guthrie, 13 yrs old
Ridgeview Junior High

Today, probably was the most meaningful of my life. When we went to Lockhart yesterday, it was touching but actually experiencing it was completely different. I had a lot of fun. When I saw all the people all the people actually still living at there houses, it was almost life changing. I Am Proud To Be Here.

Skyler Myers, 14 yrs old
Reynoldsburg High School

Today, was one of the most touching days of my whole life. When we went to Lockhart yesterday, I was speechless, lost for words. Today was a whole different story, it was mind blowing how people can still be so happy when everything is gone. This is crazy.

Alexandria Littler, 14 yrs old
Pickerington High School