In the NewsDallas Morning News, "Neighbors" Richardson - 08/26/06 South of the Border
TIERRA NUEVA, Mexico | Teens from Lake Highlands United Methodist Church and their chaperones took a summer mission trip to Juarez eager to make a difference in other’s lives through Proyecto Abrigo, or Project Shelter. Their suitcases filled with tools and work gloves, the group of 33 teens and nine adults crossed the border with one goal — to leave their mark on Juarez before returning home. “My goal for the trip was to encourage a heart for missions in the teens,” said one chaperone. “I want them to see how their hard work changes lives.” Throughout the week in June, the group started their days at 6 a.m., working until sunset, to build houses for families currently living in cardboard boxes. The group dug trenches, laid foundations, set brick, built walls and roofs and laid concrete for floors. The group even raised enough money to provide doors and windows, a luxury in Juarez. Still, the week wasn’t all about manual labor. The teen’s labor of love also included a vacation Bible school they led each day at a local church. Some 20 children attended on the first day, but more than 200 children filled the room by the last day. “Building the house all day was hard work,” said teen Annemarie Campbell. “But, after picking up a baby in my arms and seeing her smile, it was definitely worth it.” At the end of the week, three new homes stood on ground that once consisted of dirt and gravel. The Lake Highlands group held a dedication, presenting the families with their homes, an emotional moment for everyone involved. The teens not only made their mark on Juarez, but left with a new perspective on life. Besides Campbell, Lake Highlands UMC teens who participated in the mission trip were Kevin and Stephanie Bubel, James and John Burks, Jennifer Cason, Christina Cartier, Rachel Courtney, Austin Forney, Ross Green, Jordan Hamilton, Caroline and Meredith Harrison, Kathryn Holmes, Ally Karnes, Ryan Komisarz, Ashley Moisan, Jessie Moncrief, Sara Moore, Stanton Morrow, Jenna Popp, Caitlyn and Emma Rogers, Elizabeth Sears, Brett and Ryan Sheffield, Beth Solomon, Sarah Thompson, Lindsay and Besides Bubel, adult participants were Jim Baird, Debbie Davis, Tammy Knapp, Joan Hamilton, Chris Kelly, Barrett Clark, Marsha Holmes and Andy Pell. Laurie Bubel of Lake Highlands United Methodist Church served as a trip chaperone. To view this article in its original form visit the Dallas Morning News "Neighbors" Richardson Edition online, page 31. |
