When I was a freshmen in high school, I walked into the first class of the day both shy and nervous. I had no idea what to expect! I took my seat and watched the young teacher greet each student as they walked through his door. He had a huge smile on his face, and spoke mainly in Spanish. He asked things like: Hola! ¿Cómo estás? and ¿Qué tal?!
Some laughed at his greetings, while others nodded sheepishly and sat down- obviously clueless as to what he was saying. When the bell rang he shut the door and jumped to the front of the class. Excitedly he introduced himself, told us a little about who he was and then he said three words that changed my life: Nosotros somos familia.
We are family.
The concept was simple. From that first day forward, we were with family. Whatever happened outside that door: we were family. Family has each other’s backs, family helps with homework, family loves no matter what, family supports each other: Nosotros somos familia.
It’s funny how when you’re fourteen you have no idea how things you learn then will still effect you at 24. Nosotros somos familia became a concept I wanted to incorporate in every area of my life. Sometimes people would receive the idea with grace and rally with it. Other times, not so much. But it was those sometimes that kept me motivated. Sometimes people just long to do intentional life together, and you can’t explain how or why, but you click, rally in the same direction, and feel more connected than you ever thought possible.
That was this team for me.
Each year I am able, I travel with a team to the island of Eleuthera to do missions. Many of the same faces travel from their unique corners of the Virginia to that tiny, white shored island. Many new faces make the trek as well, and this year was the first time the trip was opened to anyone. We brought on friends from Alabama, Florida and some even traveled as far as California.
In those 10, sweet and precious days we became a family.
I firmly believe that it is vital for the body of believers to minister to others. But I also believe it is just as important for believers to minister to each other as well. Missions is both outward and inward. It was an honor and an incredible joy to watch this team mesh like no other team before them. They served and poured their energy, hearts and lives into each person they came into contact with. Comfort zones didn’t cage them in, and they pressed into Christ, daring to trust him like never before, begging him to show up and show off…. and you know what?
He did.
This year was the first time my sweet momma was able to go to Eleuthera WITH me! It was SUCH a gift having her servant hearted, adorable self there! I just love this woman!!
These girls are absolutely beautiful– both inside and out. I could take photos of them all. day. long.
My little love bug– I’ve watched this girl grow up!! Doesn’t she just glow?!
This is David. David led worship for us on the trip and fell in love with the Potcake population on the island. “Potcake” is bahamaian slang for stray dog. David looooooooves potcakes!
Have you ever met someone and suddenly thought ” You get it, you get me. You just do.” That’s Moriah for me. She has such an adventurous spirit that speaks to mine– this girl is a world shaker!
Ohhhh Anna! Anna P is amazing. She had no idea why she was meant to go on this trip and God romanced her in such a profound way. I got to watch her step outside her comfort zone and into her calling. So amazing!
Grace. This girl inspires me more than she may ever know. She reflects her name in every detail of what she does. Her wild passion to love people fiercely leaves me in awe.
Aren’t Madison and Mar lovely? Mary has such a sweet heart and love for little ones. Madison constantly amazes me with her quiet, passionate peacemaker’s spirit.
Tishka– she’s family. Though she lives on the island, she’s always a part of our team. I just LOVE this woman.
Cliff diving is always a must.
One of my most favorite moments from the trip was when four members of our team rededicated their lives to Christ and demonstrated that through baptism. Right after, the heavens opened and it rained. I snapped this of Moriah and it’s one of my most favorite images.
This photo just melts my heart. These two didn’t know each other before the trip. Praise God for family.
I wish I could write about each and every member of this family. They amazed me and grew me in such beautiful ways. I am SO grateful!! Expect more adventures from Eleuthera later this week– I can’t WAIT to show you our island family!!
xo
AnnaFilly
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