“Today at site 3 our team split into two groups. Juliette and I sanded the roof, then James jumped in and we painted all of the walls.

Sam, Isabel, Jean, and Sebastian laid the new floors.

The other crew staying with us at the church helped us paint the ceilings, which saved a ton of time. We grabbed lunch and drinks at Speedway, came back, and kept working. Juliette found a stray cat in the backyard that got everyone’s attention for a minute

we wrapped up most of the flooring, packed the trailer, and headed out. It was a solid day’s work👍.”

- Ian Larson

“Today was one of my favorite days of work.

I was put with a lot of peers I wasn’t too familiar with, which was the perfect opportunity to meeting new people and opening up.

I feel like I was able to build a connection within the group really fast through communication and teamwork, learning a lot about Amelia, Corrine, and Nick.

Aside from building community, my team and I put in really hard work today- from lifting heavy furniture and even fridges and cooking stoves with Chris, to learning and perfecting clean cuts with the saw through trial and error.

I was even able to build a strong connection with the family inhabiting the house, from exchanging life lessons to even shark fishing stories. Overall, this was an amazing way to end the trip, and by doing this blog it made me reflect more on the real meaning of community and God.

- Dominic Tamami

“So, I suppose it’s my time for the blog! Yippee!

Today was overall just splendid, with some lovely food cooked by the Protein Bros, an honest days work, and the best Dairy Queen I have had in my life- considering it was my first Dairy Queen 👍

Though, all of that can’t really amount to the connections I’ve made on this trip, and how close I now feel to my community and my faith. This truly has been an amazing experience and I definitely will be doing this again.”

Written by Amelia Grace ✨

“This year’s Mission Trip was the first trip for me where we went to the same place two years in a row: New Bern, NC. Also it was the first trip where I was on the same site for the whole week, working towards a singular room that started off moldy, with broken beams, and a barren ceiling. In the beginning of the week I didn’t know what we would be doing or where the end result of the work would be.

I was also fortunate enough to be with many new faces, a lot of whom probably shared the same anxieties I did when I was participating in my first mission trip. A lot of the new faces and youth continued to inspire me with their various personalities, beliefs, and affirmations. From the start there was an intention set at the church as far as what you would look forward to, and many of the answers surprised me. It continues to reaffirm my belief in living a Christ-like life when I’m sharing in teamwork with those that are much younger and much wiser in their walks of faith & life.

The theme of the week was “Teamwork” and I can say that everyone played a hand in making this a very enjoyable and memorable trip. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, hammering nails, or getting mud in your eyes; or told that you shouldn’t touch receipts/making sure to hit your protein goals, everyone has a personality and character trait that contributes to the persona that we collectively share. It was evident in the last activity we shared where everyone got an award for a specific body part i.e. the shoulder award for bearing the most weight, or the eyes award for making people be seen. All together we form a singular body, akin to 1 Corinthians 12:27 , "Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it."

Allegedly, the Amish can build an entire back porch using hammers and nails. But we have the Bobby Srour. Add to that list - Sam Gray, Mashal, Chris, Isabel, and all the veterans who have been on so many trips they can lead a site. We had the luxury of having amazing tools, construction leaders, and incredible support from CCDRA (the organization hosting us and leading relief efforts here in New Bern). As our veterans grow old (cough cough Nick Mason) and our new faces learn more about walking side by side in faith + action, I look forward to many more mission trips and many more friendships.”

- James Chhetree

Round 6: Match the Quote to the Mission Trip Participant

(Nick, Nick, Nick, Nick)

“Ok Chap”

“Whatever you say, Canada”

“You ruined my oreos, Guy!”

“Next year just might be my 11th”

Also, these photos were taken:

Closing thought: That’s it for the Mission Trip! We head back to Potomac tomorrow morning and have had an amazing week. Thank you for following along and supporting us! See you in church on Sunday to share more about our work :)

Answers:

“Ok Chap” - Nick

“Whatever you say, Canada” - Nick

“You ruined my oreos, Guy!” - Nick

“Next year just might be my 11th” - Nick

Back at site 2, the crew of Chris, Marshall, Ian, Corinne, Amelia-Grace and Isabel rallied together to finish what was needed done at the site.

“As always, there were some obstacles, including a dulling blade and the scalding heat, yet we prevailed

All is said and done, this team worked as a whole to square it away for the next steps.

Also- HUGE shoutout to Marshall and Ian for finishing what they started on Tuesday!”

- Isabel Srour

From Hurricane to Hope: A Bedroom Reborn

Looking at these photos side by side still amazes me. Just three days ago, this bedroom was a storm-battered mess. The hurricane had torn the roof wide open, water poured in, and the ceiling eventually gave way. The first photo shows the reality we walked into: stripped-down beams, soaked insulation, and piles of debris we had to clean. It felt like stepping into the aftermath of a nightmare.

On Monday, the work began with demolition and hanging new drywall. By Tuesday, a new ceiling was installed. And today, my team - Parker, James, Julia, and I - took on the next stage of the transformation. We taped, mudded, and painted, slowly turning this space from a construction site into something that feels like a home again.

The second photo shows the result of that effort: a room that is clean, dry, and full of possibility. Seeing that blank slate, knowing what it looked like just days ago, is a feeling that is hard to describe.

We spent the day laughing, getting messy, and sharing tips on everything from smoothing out seams to keeping a steady paint line. But beyond the physical work, what struck me most was the sense of beloved community. It is the kind of community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about: people coming together, showing up for each other, turning compassion into action. None of us owned this house, yet every one of us felt the weight of its story and the joy of helping restore it.

As I walked out this afternoon, sore and covered in paint, I couldn’t help but smile. Three days ago, this room was a hurricane-soaked shell. Today, it’s a symbol of resilience, hope, and what happens when people come together to care for one another. My arms may ache, but my heart is full.

-Sam G.

“After a long day of work, we showered, power napped, and reconvened back at the cars to start our expedition.

We drove to downtown New Bern for our first stop at the Pepsi Museum.

This was an emotional experience for me, as I am a Dr. Pepper connoisseur.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed a bag of fresh popcorn and mediocre cup up pepsi soda.

We also stopped at the Cow Cafe and treated ourselves to a pre dinner icecream.

(except for Ian and Dominic who only eat protein and dry scoops).

Please also note below the photos Eden and I took along the way in town. We ❤️ bears.

Xoxo, Juliette”

“They let me choose the activity for the day.

Big mistake.

I decided on a mandatory talent show, I assembled a team of judges (me, James, Sam, jeanne) our first contestant was Marshall who shocked everyone by performing an algebra rap.

Next was Dominic and Ian who performed a football routine, closely followed by nick and his violin, the rest of the contestants followed with talents varying from magic to dance, the judges were very harsh and voting was heavily debated but after hours of performances and multiple rounds...

Marshall came out on top. His reward? A hand me down gift that someone had received the day prior.

Good times”

- Sebastian McFeaters

Round 5: Match the quote to the Mission Trip Judge

(James, Sebastian, Sam, Jeanne)

“There’s a clear star of the show... it’s Eden”

“The other judges are mean”

“All I know is I didn’t know what was happening, and then that happened, and I’m here now”

“It can only be up from here, let’s hope”

Also, these photos were taken:

Closing Thought:

The true talent show was the friends we made along the way.

Answers:

“There’s a clear star of the show... it’s Eden” - James

“The other judges are mean” - Jeanne

“All I know is I didn’t know what was happening, and then that happened, and I’m here now” - Sam

“It can only be up from here, let’s hope” - Sebastian

“Today the crew went to the beach for a day off in the sun.

Hosted by Jan, Stewart, and Leslie who graciously set up lawn chairs and tents by the time we arrived.

After some time in the clear blue water, the team sat out on the beach taking occasional dips while enjoying some country music provided by Juliette.

Around noon we travelled to the pool club house and ate an amazing lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers cooked by our hosts.

Following lunch the team was surprised with a randomized gift raffle put together by again our amazing hosts!

After the team made our way back to the beach enjoying similar activities to the morning.

After one last group dip. We headed back to the beach house and had customizable sundaes which was the perfect end to a great beach day!”

- Julia Markovic

Round 4: Match the quote to the Mission Trip Participant

(Ian, Nick, Parker, Sebastian)

“I don’t believe in Santa, I’ll ask the toothfairy instead”

“I send instagram reels to the Pope”

“Let’s play Granny”

“Oh I’d love to do a podcast with him”

Also, these photos were taken:

Closing thought:

Having this guy run after you in the dark is a scary thing indeed

Answers:

“I don’t believe in Santa, I’ll ask the toothfairy instead” - Sebastian

“I send instagram reels to the Pope” - Parker

“Let’s play Granny” - Ian

“Oh I’d love to do a podcast with him” - Nick

“It started as yesterday, hot and sultry… but today we knew better the tasks at hand.

Breakfast was efficient and quick

and we were loading up tools and equipment by 8a after our 3 job groups had discussed our plans of attack for the day.

Everybody was full on the job before 9 anxious to reduce the repair burdens that CCDRA has taken on.

We are all hopeful that by week’s end we will have removed 3 burdens from their list completely. When we all came together at the end of the day there was the general feeling of mission accomplished and we prepared for a delicious collaborative dinner.

It is great to be on this mission with the regular alumni crew and it is particularly exciting to be sharing this experience with our new members. We are looking forward to tomorrow on the beach!”

- Bobby Srour

“I enjoyed talking to Sany (the home owner) about whatever she had to talk about.

I also enjoyed taking pictures of everyone.”

- Parker Borchert

How to Install a Ceiling:

By: Eden Borchert

Step 1: Gather your team. In our case it's gonna be James, Sam, Mark, Amelia Grace, and I.

Step 2: Listen to Sam as he instructs you to scrape foam off of the support beams. This is so that they're nice and clean for step 3. This will take an hour.

Step 3: (you'll need a mask and glasses for this one) Get: Installation, a staple gun and a ladder. Place the ladder conveniently so that you can reach high. Then, Lift the insulation and push it between the support beams. Then, use the staples to keep the installation in place, if you forget this step it'll fall out.

Step 4: Watch Sam try and figure out how to assemble a dry wall lift.

Step 5: Offer Sam assistance.

Step 6: Carry big pieces of dry wall and place them on the lift. Crank the lift up. Then, ask Sam how to use a screwdriver. Then, reach up high and screw the drywall to the ceiling. Sam will say "Awesome".

Step 7: Continue doing that until you reach a light bulb. Once you reach the light bulb you'll need to cut a hole in the wrong spot of a fresh piece of drywall and install it to the ceiling. Go back and fix the hole, now you have a bigger hole for the light bulb. Take a small piece of drywall and cover up your mistake.

Step 8: Continue this process untill the ceiling is complete.

Step 9: Clean up your mess.

Step 10: File into James's Car and go back to church. Awesome! You just installed a ceiling!

- Eden Borchert

That about sums up the day! We wrapped up with devotions and then a quick game of try not to laugh before turning in for the night.

Tomorrow is fun day and we are headed to the beach.

Round 3! Match the quote to the mission trip participant:

(Tommy, Dominic, Mark, Nick)

“My country was fire last year”

“I don’t really believe in showers”

“Green and Yellow make Blue”

“I hate rules”

Also, these photos were taken:

Closing thought:

If Uno is mostly a game of pure chance, why is it so mean to Tommy?

Answers:

“My country was fire last year” - Mark

“I don’t really believe in showers” - Tommy

“Green and Yellow make Blue” - Dominic

“I hate rules” - Nick

The day began with an orientation led by Kristy, the Executive Director of CCDRA. She shared the story of how Hurricane Florence struck Craven County in 2017, flooding the entire region—including her own home. It was powerful to hear firsthand how someone who was directly impacted has turned that experience into a mission to help others rebuild. Her story set the tone for the work ahead and reminded us why we’re here.

Blog Posts:

Today I worked at site 2 with Chris, Sebastian, Juliette, and Marshal. We were given two tasks, one being to repair the stairs and deck at the front of the home, and the other task was to repair a hole in one of the bedroom ceilings. Juliette and I immediately got started on the ceiling hole (with guidance from Marshal).

We measured and cut a new piece of drywall to fit the gap. After fighting to get the perfect cut to fit the hole, we had our lunch break.

During our devotional we discussed the impact and importance of teamwork.

After lunch we got back to work but soon found out the screws we had were too short to properly hold the drywall. Marshal heroically drove to a nearby hardware store to get all our missing supplies including a handheld saw for Chis and Sebastian on the stairs.

We took a much needed AC break while Marshal picked up the supplies and ultimately were able to install the dry wall and get the first layer of mud and taping done.

Extra observation: Chris and Sebastian discovered a massive spider hanging over the deck which was subsequently very cautiously avoided the rest of the day expect for the occasional picture.

-Corinne Davies

Today at Worksite #3, Sam, Isabel, Nick, James, Tommy, and Dominic arrived to the house about 20 minutes up the road from Neuse Forrest Presbyterian Church. 

We unloaded some needed supplies outside in the already very high heat and humidity. 

We moved inside where it was somewhat cooler and got to work on the room in need of our attention. 

We took out waterlogged insulation and drywall and replaced it all on the wall facing the front yard. 

It was challenging at times as the water had seriously damaged the prior insulation and drywall, but we successfully removed it all along with some wood too water damaged to be of further use and some old nails and staples. 

After we had eaten lunch and done our midday devotional, we cut the new drywall and successfully replaced it. 

This was made possible by our great teamwork and our ceaseless efforts to see it done by the time our workday was over.

- Nick Mason

Team 1 spent the day working with Bobby, helping install cabinets and paint a room!

Hi, I’m Tommy!

I was captain of my kickball team. I picked Nick Mason, Corinne, Ian, Julia, James, Isabel, and Sam. We started in the outfield as the underdogs.

The first inning we made some mistakes and got down 5-0. We came to hit and Ian strikes a home run making the score 5-1.

The rest of us got out... It came to the last inning they scored 3 more points making it 8-1. In the end we got 4 runs making the score closer but in the end we lost!

- Tommy Trenkamp

With that, we wrap up Day 2! Thank you for following along—please continue to keep us in your prayers as the work carries on tomorrow.

Round 2: Match these quotes with the mission trip participant

(Amelia, Eden, Juliette, Corinne)

“I’d workout, but I didn’t bring athletic clothes.”

“Picked second, let’s go!”

“Monopoly takes too long”

“I can’t wait to go running at 6:00am tomorrow”

*Answers Below*

Also, these photos were taken:

Closing thought: Am I too old to get what these videos are?

“I’d workout, but I didn’t bring athletic clothes.” - Amelia

“Picked second, let’s go!” - Eden

“Monopoly takes too long” - Juliette

“I can’t wait to go running at 6:00am tomorrow” - Corinne

The Mission Team gathered bright and early this morning, donning their matching t-shirts and loading up the cars for our journey to New Bern, North Carolina!

After being commissioned during worship, we enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by the Deacons (special thanks to Ann and Janet!).

With full hearts and full stomachs, we hit the road and began our adventure south.

By evening, everyone had arrived safely and settled into what will be our home for the week.

We wrapped up the day with a pizza dinner, some laughter, and group activities to get ready for the week ahead.

Work begins tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.— please keep our team in your prayers as we get started!

Quotes of the Day Quiz: Can you match the quote to the Mission Team Member?

(Bobby Srour, James Chhetree, Sam Gray, Nick Mason)

• “Wait, I’m actually cooking”
• “I need work moms though...”
• “You have to get a cat robot”
• “I literally got put into the newspaper with this”

*Answers at the bottom*

These Photos were taken:

Closing Thought:

• Do waffles have a top and bottom side? Is there a right side to put the butter and syrup? Has my whole life to this point been a lie?

Quiz Answers:

• “Wait, I’m actually cooking” - James Chhetree
• “I need work moms though...” - Sam Gray
• “You have to get a cat robot” - Bobby Srour
• “I literally got put into the newspaper with this” - Nick Mason