On Second Thought....

Well....We're back from KY and I've learned a few things about taking young kids on mission trips in the heart of the appalachian region of the country. I thought I would share my lessons learned in a numbered list. Blessings!

1. Be prepared for ANYTHING
2. Plan to add hours on your travel time (We must have stopped for potty breaks 1000 times!)
3. Make sure your housing is fitting for children.
4. Make sure your mission trip partners are prepared for children on the trip.
5. Plan for those "down-time" moments that turn children from cute little ones to curiosity driven adventure seekers.
6. Have a back up plan in case the plan doesn't work.
7. Pack healthy snacks / drinks totally devoid of any caffeine or sugar.
8. NO chewing gum of anykind in any place (unless you want it stuck in your car's interior)
9. Make sure your mission work is age appropriate for the children you take.
10. Make sure you have plenty of adult supervision for those times when children are working or playing.
11. Make sure you have adequately discussed each person's role and responsibilities while on the trip.
12. Make sure you discuss these things before you leave to go on your trip.
13. Take some cash. You never know when you might need the green stuff instead of plastic...
14. In as much as it depends up YOU, live at peace with all mission team members (especially those younger members in your own family).
15. There simply is no substitute for going on mission. You experience things while doing missions that you can never learn about in a Sunday School class or training seminar.
16. NEVER assume that "it will just work out". God is in the planning, too.
17. If it is at all possible, go together, stay together and return together with your group.
18. Flexibility is required in all things mission.
19. Adequate rest is necessary for a productive and safe trip. Go to bed at a reasonable hour.
20. DO a mission trip with your family! I'd do it again...