Eleuthera, Bahamas 2014 [ Part 1 ]

It became real when I stepped off of the tiny plane that took us from Nassau to Eleuthera Bahamas. I didn’t think I’d be back so soon. My heart swelled as I made my way through the tiny airport and my team and I loaded into the vehicles that were waiting for us. I firmly believe that there are times in life where words just don’t do justice to what we experience. This was one of those times. Excitement seemed to fill every part of me, joy overflowed, and my heart could not contain my desire to see the people of St. Gregory town again.

My Bahamian family.It was dusk as we made our way across the Glass Window Bridge, the thinnest place on the whole island, and the place that allowed for the smallest space of land between the atlantic ocean and the Caribbean ocean.  The deep blue of the Atlantic crashed against the crystal blue of the Caribbean- we were almost there. For nine years our team has made a way to love, build relationships, and share the gospel with the people of St. Gregory Town in Eleuthera, Bahamas. I have been blessed enough to be a part of four of these last nine years. Discipleship is essential to spiritual growth, and in returning to this precious island, our team has been able to do just that! Every year we minister to the community. We have Vacation Bible School, trash pick up days to keep the island clean, teen bible studies, community ice cream socials, we build and do construction, we baptize, and most importantly, in everything we do, we share the Gospel!

Jesus did so many incredible things! Since I can’t share every moment, I’ll let the pictures do the talking ….Every face has a story, and within that story there is a beauty that is mysterious, indescribable, and inspiring. You have to see them for yourself.
The first thing we do when we arrive is have an ice cream social. We go door to door and invite anyone and everyone to come have free ice cream with us- it is such a great way to bring the community together, meet new people and reunite with old friends!  They always expect us 🙂  It’s like coming home <3Then VBS starts- and so does the fun! I was in charge of sports this year -its my favorite!-I LOVE IT!  After VBS we have a teen bible study, and after that our team head back to our house to rest.  Then, our evenings are spent back in town, doing everything from facilitating relay races, to basketball games, to nail painting!  Anything and everything that allows us to get to know each person better! They get so excited!  Their joy is contagious! 

These images tell the story of the first part of our week- but my favorite highlights and the second half of the week will be blogged next!  Stay tuned for the second half!

xo

AnnaFilly