From Kindergarten Dreams to Dominican Reality: An 8th Grade Capstone Story

Written by 8th Grade TCS Mom, Lindsey Carter

Kenzie and I had the opportunity to serve alongside her classmates, their families and her teachers in the Dominican Republic earlier this month at Mission Emmanuel. We’ve been hearing about this mission trip ever since she was in kindergarten. It was more magical than either of us could have imagined! It was eye opening, physical, spiritual, emotional and just so real. God knew my heart needed this time to serve and grow closer to Him. I must admit, my spiritual battery was low from recent events and is now recharged.

The time with Kenzie was irreplaceable to me. The work we did was just a small portion of what needs to be done out there. We helped move concrete blocks to build homes, we sanded and painted, delivered food, we interacted with students at the local schools and we shared our love for God with them. We also had the special opportunity to pray over a new home with the family. I felt my cup overflowing with “God sightings” the entire trip.

What I noticed: Children and families in Cielo seemed to live out my favorite Bible verse from Proverbs: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him and he will make your paths straight. To them, God has provided! It was so inspiring.

Our TCS 8th grade community is so awesome and we brought the forces. What a testimony to our amazing school and teachers to end 8th grade with a trip like this to serve the Lord and those in need. It is now officially starting to hit me that our baby is about to head to high school!