July 11, 2023

Dear friends,

Our youth are on their mission trip today, I have two of my own there outside of Gatlinburg where they will be working. I’m excited for them, for all of them. Mission trips for me growing up were very impactful. It was a way to travel and see the world in a different way than on vacations. Those experiences always had immediate effects on me, where I would come home and feel bad for all of the stuff I had, but those trips also have had a lingering effect of embracing our neighbors. The effect of seeing people who are struggling and finding ways to help.

I’m proud of our youth, and the volunteers who are with them. They really enjoy being together, and this is a great way to get to know one another as well as have their eyes opened to new experiences that they might not come into contact with otherwise. What they have built at Embry Hills is really something to see.

When we moved here a few years ago, my daughter Georgia was trepidatious. It was very hard to move, and she was nervous. And so, we asked her what she wanted, and what she looked forward to. One of the things she said was, I really want to be a part of a youth group. I want them to like me for who I am and know that everyone there are “my people.” I’m so thankful that she found a place at Embry Hills where that happened, along with her own efforts, and that she was able to discover this need in her life. I hope everyone will join us on July 30th to see the summer slideshow and join us in welcoming the 6th graders into the group. I also hope that we share with others that may need to find their place, that we have a place for them.

Peace,

Jordan