It has officially been 28 days since I was last in my beautiful hometown, Houston Texas. I’m Honestly missing Texas a lot more than I thought I would, however this week we are staying in Mashulaville Mississippi. Mashulaville is a VERY small southern town, especially where we are staying. It all feels very familiar to me. Staying here feels lik

e “small town Texas”, or like I'm staying with my mom’s parents in Huntsville. We even stopped at a Buc-ees on the way!! Living with this community has definitely been a huge comfort to me. Being relational with my ministry hosts, Pastors, and even just our neighbors next door has given me a sense of belonging. Some of the people in this community have definitely recognized that I'm southern. Many of them right off the bat will ask me where I'm from after they hear me speak. I don't think I have an accent at all, but I guess when the majority of people on my squad are from the north or midwest the accent tends to stick out. But then again, staying in a small town community with other people who have a southern accent, I might have picked my accent up a little more.

This week we have done a lot of manual labor. My team went to a Church that needed a lot of renovations, so our team got to work. Some people were painting, others power washing, and even some reorganizing, but I got to do the nitty gritty work. I helped renovate a trailer out back behind that used to be a youth center, but since then had been flooded and just not taken care of. We started by stripping the walls (taking off all the trim, power outlets, and anything else sticking out). Then we removed light fixtures and blinds. Next came the fun part, we removed a whole wall, and some of the ceiling tiles. Fortunately, but Unfortunately while removing everything we found a lot of mold, and I mean A LOT. After finding this we had to take a step back and evaluate the situation and then decide how to move forward. We decided it would be best to take out all the ceiling tiles and insulation, and then treat the mold. So we did just that, and after continued the renovations. We hung up some drywall, while a few of the girls painted the outside of the trailer, but unfortunately everyone who worked inside the trailer (me and two other boys on my squad) got sick from all the mold. We are all okay now, but even with our ventilated masks we all felt sick after. I did really enjoy working with that church even if I got sick. I just absolutely love serving for the Lord, and the people there definitely have a special spot in my heart. The head pastor even gave me the nickname “Miss Texas”.

We've also done a few fun things this week, like we got to spend time at a coffee shop. I ordered a pumpkin cold brew and I colored with Brandon! I also got to cut Caleb's hair this week. I am very surprised he let me, but I'd say I did a good job. And he thinks it look good so that's all that matters lol. 

I am so grateful for the amount of support I have received!! I am absolutely loving the text messages and prayers. I don't always have a good opportunity to respond, due to not having cell service or even just a busy schedule. I am currently fundraising and only have 31% left to raise!! So, if you are in a position to donate or just want to support me financially here is the link to my page! Thank you and stay blessed. :)

https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/2024-world-race-gap-year-24g0903/participants/grace-gowens