DD#1 is going to a mission camp and I'm a wreck

[Rock'n Robin]

I'm having all kinds of second thoughts--she leaves Monday at 9AM--she's 12.
30 kids going into grades 7,8,9 are going. They have lots of supervision and are staying at another methodist church. They will be helping a mentally handicapped man fix up his house. They have to have a buddy at all times.
I am worried about her using tools, climbing on ladders, getting into a wreck in the van, being immature and doing something stupid, etc.
I am also thinking that when she gets back, only 3 weeks of vacation until I go back to work--and one of those weeks she is volunteering at Bible school. That leaves 2 weeks for the day trips I wanted to do this year, plus school shopping for clothes. And she wants to do volleyball, I have no idea when the "open gyms" are and it isn't on the website. I suppose they'll be the same week as bible school, then what do we do?
It's not like I can do shopping or $ intense day trips now; I go 3 weeks between checks for the first time in about 10 years (the school system is doing an adjustment). Money is tight. I had ideas of painting her room and fixing it up a little for a surprise.
My intention in letting her go was that she is a big help around here, but
1) her younger siblings are driving her nuts and don't listen to her--maybe they'll appreciate her more
2) she might like to "get away" and although this might not be a "vacation" per se, she would be away
3) what better time away than on a church trip doing devotions each night?
4) after our wonderful cruise my parents took us on, she could use a real glimpse of the other side of the economy.
I guess I'm just venting since this has woken me up at 4AM! The youth pastor said I could request no power tools--I'm more inclined to say no ladders since I have a ladder phobia myself.
Any words of wisdom for me?
Robin M.

 

[Cindy B]

She'll be fine.

I know our UM church just went on a mission trip to WV. They wer incredibly well supervised, and had a great time. I spoke to the youth director about the trip (thinking about letting my son go in a few years when he is old--he's only 9!). She has the ration at 2.5 per 1 adult.

The students had a great time. They fixed up peoples houses, lived in a school, and actually worked on the school as well. They did roofing (most male students wanted to be a roofer!), general clean up, and some stuff with wood (replacing deck maybe?)

They had a great time.

It wont be a vacation per se, but she will learn a lot.


As for no pay, I feel your pain. My school paychecks don't kick in until Sept. 10th! Sept. 10th! I'm sitting here thinking I have a tuition bill, and other stuff that needs to be done. I'm running around the house to sell stuff on Ebay. I've already sold a ton of PC's and laptops, now its down to "little things". --like girls clothes, computer games, and a Palm Pilot we don't use.

 

[poohlover]

My 2 older DD's have also gone on church mission trips for 3 years now. Our church only lets high school age go...but it has been a wonderful thing for them.

To see the poverty & feel they are helping others, while at the same time having devotions every day and renewing their faith, they return very tired! But very renewed.

I believe the trips are well worth the time away.

 

[powellrj]

your DD will have a wonderful trip, this was the 2nd year my ds who is 13 has gone on one. Last year they cleaned and painted an inner city church and this year they prepared and served lunch to 550 homeless people in a park everyday. It was such an eye opening experince for him. They keep a close rein on the kids and always keep them in groups. She will come home with some great stories to tell!!

I so feel your pain about the money this month. I feel like opening my wallet and saying just take it all. I get paid twice a month, but last week I got 3 large unexpected bills. Plus book/school fees. Luckly the kids don't need any clothes to start back to school with and I paid most of the deposits for childcare and lessons last spring so I will save a little that way. I have a huge box of last springs school clothes I want to sell on ebay, I will just have to get the nerve to start. I keep reading the budget board thread, but I have yet to take the plunge!!

 

[Beast]

Our daughter has been going on mission trips since she was eleven years old. And those trips were 1500 miles away! She did great every time and now (at 19 yrs.) is very respected and relied on by others going on missions.

She's on her fifth trip to Guatemala and it's her second full summer there. Yes, I know she's older now but you still tend to worry a little but she's doing such a great job.

You kid(s) will do fine as well. It's just pretty stressful the first time.

 

[Dan Murphy]

A wonderful experience in maturing and also in helping others for your daughter, Robin. Tough to let her go, sure, but great. You'll make it.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

My DS has gone on 2 mission trips to WV with our Methodist Church. He loveds the trips and had a great time.

Robin, it is hard to do but little by little you have to let them go and hope that what you have taught them has sunk in. I know. DD is a counselor at church camp and when she leaves to drive there every Sunday, I worry. But she is 18 now and needs to start leaving the fold.

I am sure your DD will be fine and you will be able to realize what a fine young woman she is becoming.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Thanks guys, I feel better now, I know they will take care of her and I saw the list of adults going and I know they are all very responsible.
Cindy, if I had to go until Sept. 10 without a check I'd be eating cardboard and water for meals. I took the option to be paid every 2 weeks all year, but every x number of years they adjust the pay periods and we have a 3 week gap. It's because on months we get 3 checks, there are no deductions in that 3rd check except taxesno credit union, union dues, medical, 403B etc.) Last year we had 3 and would have had another one in October without this adjustment, now it will be in December. It saves the school board $$ but kills everyone else!
Not to mention the end of August means school fees, pictures, pay for yearbooks, new dance shoes, etc. I paid $45 for yearbooks last year, $25 for the jr. high yearbook and $10 each for 2 elementary yearbooks. But I guess at the HS level yearbooks cost $75!
Robin M.

 

[Mom-to-3]

She'll be fine and it will be very good for her. Send along a disposable camera and have the two of you put together a few scrapbook-type pages when she returns. She'll remember the trip for the rest of her life.

Helping others in God's name is what we are called to do.

p.s. The dynamics at home change when one child is gone. Use the time to do things that the younger sibs will enjoy.