Hope Heals Team (Nauvoo, AL) - July 11-16, 2021
Our team will travel to Hope Heals Camp in Nauvoo, Alabama. Hope Heals Camp is designed to minister to individuals and families that are affected by disabilities. Our students will spend a week at camp, serving in a number of different capacities. Some students will be ‘compassionate companions’ to children attending camp, and some will be ‘runners’, helping wherever help is needed.
DAY 1 (JUNE 11, 2021)
We’ve arrived! After a few turbulent flights and a rainy drive, we arrived safely at Hope Heals Camp yesterday afternoon. Looking forward to the week ahead!
NOTE: If the pictures below are now showing up, please try using your mobile device.
Day 2 (June 12, 2021)
After our turbulent but successful flight, we arrived in Birmingham, Alabama, and drove to Hope Heals Camp in torrential rains! We enjoyed dinner, and received our roles at camp. Some of us will be compassionate companions to kids and individuals at camp, while others will be working on the activities and logistics crew. The next day, we prepared to welcome the campers to Hope Heals. When they arrived, we met the families, enjoyed dinner with them, and played games with our new friends. From the experiences we've had so far, we can tell this is going to be a life-changing trip!
- Hope Heals Communications Team
Day 3 (June 13, 2021)
Today was our first full day of hanging out with the campers at Hope Heals Camp! We did many fun activities with them, (even in the rain). All our team members were inspired and impacted throughout the day by watching the campers connect with God and build relationships with others. The highlight of everyone's day was the talent show, where we were moved by the confident worship of God and the excellent display of the camper's talents. Many of them had disabilities, and we were able to celebrate their dancing, singing, and poetry. This truly was a glimpse of heaven.
-Hope Heals Communications Team
(P.S, please continue to pray that our team will have servants' hearts and perseverance in the tough moments.)
Day 4 (July 14, 2021)
Yet another fun day with our campers at Hope Heals! A few of our students definitely stepped out of their comfort zones to get more involved with the campers, while others took on leadership roles with courage and compassion. It's been amazing to see the team blossom in their faith and confidence. We've all grown closer to God and each other, and are excited for our final full day tomorrow. Please continue praying for our team as we demonstrate the love of Christ through our service.
- Hope Heals Communications Team
(P.S, if you'd like to see more photos of our trip so far, follow the Hope Heals Instagram accounts @hopeheals and @hopeheals.camp)
Day 5 & 6 (July 15-16, 2021)
Yesterday, we wrapped up our last full day of Hope Heals Camp. We hung out with the campers and enjoyed a special banquet at dinner that represented the feast we'll all enjoy one day in heaven. We then followed it up with an epic dance party (everyone was sweaty, but we had fun!) During our team time that night, we reflected on the week and discussed how much our whole team has grown. This morning, we said a bittersweet goodbye to our campers, and left with the hope that we could see them next year. We cleaned up the camp for next week's session, then headed to the airport for our flight. Now we're all waiting on our plane! It's been an amazing week for every one of us, and we're so thankful that we were able to go. Stay tuned for more detailed updates!
-Hope Heals Communications Team
Please pray:
- For safe travels, we will be flying out early on Sunday, July 11 and returning on Friday, July 16.
- For covid logistics, pray that nobody tests positive for Covid.
- For energy and perseverance to serve sacrificially next week.
- For wisdom and discernment as we work with the community of people with disabilities that many of us are not familiar with.
- May the hope that we have in Christ give those that we are serving joy and comfort.