PDA Mission Trip #32 (New Bern, NC) – Day 1

Written by: Laura Wilson

Sunday was calmly quiet from start to day’s end. The cloudy skies and gentle rain created a peaceful backdrop to the day. The drive from GPC to the church in New Bern went smoothly for most, and Mary Beth was already there, ready to greet everyone as they arrived. She and Yvonne arrived a day early, so they could have meals planned and groceries purchased before our arrival.  

By late afternoon, most all had arrived and by 6:00 a steaming, savory chicken was being set out for eleven eager members of the work team. Once Mary Beth said grace, everyone seemed fully focused on the delicious meal with minimal conversation until only bones and crumbs remained on plates. A bit of banter followed about previous trips (lessons learned, like the “3X a charm counters”), inside jokes in engineering jargon, a car with squirrel damage (did you know some cars have soy-based wire covers that squirrels love to eat??) Come on a mission trip and you learn all sorts of things! There were also a few quick flashes of the Commanders’ score! A win – really! – as everyone pitched in on the dinner clean-up before heading for a night’s rest.

Although both the men’s and women’s bunk rooms have been full on previous trips, this year only a couple of the men’s rooms are full and there aren’t enough women to fill one room. So yes, as mentioned, it is quiet. There is time to read, reflect, go to bed early, and be ready for whatever actions and adventures the week brings. The rain is tonight’s refrain, but the sun is expected to shine tomorrow!

So much to be grateful for!!