My thoughts...

So many people have asked me what I thought about our trip to Trinidad, or how was the mission trip to Trinidad, and I honestly have such a hard time answering! It was so wonderful, so difficult, so exhilarating all in one! God is so good to have orchestrated such a great trip. Little did we know a few months ago what He had planned for us.

We arrived and we instantly all felt such a connection to Sister Julie and Bro. Zahir. They welcomed our tired faces at the airport with such enthusiam. That night we all settled into our beds at their home. You see, the mission house is really THEIR HOUSE, and they simply moved into a smaller room downstairs and gave us their bedrooms and bathroom. What servanthood! The rooms were smacked full of matching beds for all of us with plenty of fans. God bless fans! Although we were always hot, we were always comfortable and felt so at home. And the food was so good.

Our time at the mission house was so sweet, and we began to divide up chores among us. Little did we know that this was not usually done. They were not used to help in the kitchen to cook and clean up. What a blessing we felt it was to serve too! I pray all the other groups that come after us dont miss this opportunity to learn so much from our hosts. One of our chaperones even had the opportunity to go and hummm, "get" the chickens for dinner. Ask Nancy about that one.

The first day we delivered sheets, towels, clothes, school supplies and toiletries to the orphange, Operation Smile. It was such an honor to do this that I cannot express what it meant to US to get to go, clean out their closets, change their sheets, and simply love on the kids. I had a hard time making our kids leave so that the residents could eat dinner!!!

We were able to make a beach trip the next day, and have our first performance that night. We had several ant bites (why do those ants love our white flesh???) and two of our dancers had turned ankles, but we quickly prayed over them and they were able to finish the week. God was such a part of the day. Matter of fact, I have to mention that one of my most special moments was the time I spent on the rocks that led into the ocean with JESUS!!! OH, I could hear Him so clearly and that night, He spoke words from my mouth! Thank you, Jesus!!!

The next day we did a little sightseeing and a little shopping. When we entered the mall with A/C, it truly felt COLD! We had not been in A/C the whole trip thus far. What a treat! The ministry opportunity that night was heavy, hard, and worth every moment. That night we danced literally next to a cricket game (like baseball) in a heavily Hindu neighborhood, with a little church politics going on. (that is all I can say) The spiritual warefare was HEAVY to say the least, but our God is bigger and our praise was LOUD. I truly believe that there was salvation there that night cause satan was fighting hard! Jake gave the "in your face" salvation message, and we had several drunk guys canter around, so we were worn out after the evening. I am thankful Jake and us did not get run out of there. We actually had several cricket watchers join our audience!!

Friday, our band guys had to leave (BOO HOO). Marcus, Bobby and Jake were excellent worship leaders and great role models for our girls and gals on living your Christian walk. I am so grateful they were able to join us.

We continued our shopping quest that day in Princestown. Heard that John saved Olivia's life. Let him tell you the story.

That night we ministered in a church rather far away. Did we mention the bumpy roads??? Needless to say, many of the dancers were under the weather by the point we arrived in our town across the island in the middle of the rainforest. It was beautiful over there. Our crowd was small and the dancing area even smaller, but I am so proud of the ladies and gentlemen who rose to the occasion and praised God with all they had.

Jonathan Sutton, our adult chaperone who played Jesus in our dance pieces, led the salvation message at the end of all of our performances and was such a positive leader for all of us. He also led many devotions with the kids. So proud he could be with us. You are booked for next time too, man!

Saturday morning we were able to return to the orphanage to do a short performance and lead the kids in a DanceCamp. I was so proud of all my kids as I did no teaching, but simply let them lead each part and class. You would be so proud of them!!!! God rose leaders out of this group, not just one or two, but ALL of them played a vital role that day! Despite more biting ants (Zahir now believes us that they HURT), we had a wonderful day! We arrived back at the mission house for much needed rest. I am amazed where these kids and adult will sleep!!!!

That night was a wonderful night at yet another church. For the first time, we had a real stage! The girls were thrilled. And a cute bat kept them company backstage!! At least it chose NOT to swoop during their dancing!! And I am thankful for my iPod and cord that without it we would have not been able to perform! Thanks Kim DeReuter for running this one for me!!!

Sunday, we ministered at a church very near "home". We were thankful it was close due to church starting at 730am!!!! It was a wonderful place, and a packed house! Even if Heather and Olivia's flower fell apart mid dance, you would have never known! What joy we had ministering in the art we love so much!

We were quite tired but sad to be leaving. We spent the afternoon "liming" and just plain hanging out. That night Sister Julie and her family treated us to a bar-b-que, Trinidad style. That was the best meal!!!!! I even got to help prepare the macaroni/potoato salad!!!

And another highlight for me was getting a chance to wash Julie and Zahir's feet as an act of honor and thankfulness for all they have done. I cannot say that Julie liked it too much... she said she had never been honored that way. Each of the chaperones and kids laid hands on them and prayed for them and their church and ministry in Trinidad. What a proud momma I was!! Afterwards we were surprised when they began to pray over all of us, as well as prophesy over each of us. What a wonderful and Spirit-filled moment! I do believe it was a new thing for many of the girls, but I was so proud how they recieved it! God was so glorified by it all that night.

Sadly we left Monday morning, but so full of the Lord. I think many of us have had a hard time putting into words the effect of this week. It is hard to do. It was life changing. It was such a spiritual high. It was more than words can express. It was GOD!

One other note I want to mention is the attitude of our team. I have NEVER been on a trip with such postive attitudes. I do not recall anyone complaining or grumbling during our trip. And there were places I thought they would, but they did not. They continued to smile, minister to one another and to the people they met. I have never been so utterly proud. Thank you ladies and young men, for your Christ-like attitude. What a great example you were to my son who tagged along! I cannot say enough of how proud i am!!! Thanks to chaperones who filled in all the gaps so well and each had your own place on the team: Nancy, Vickie, Kim, Karen, Carolyn, and Jonathan. Thanks to our guys: Alex, John, and Collin (Our strong men), and to all my girls: Christina, Heather, Becca, Bekah, Katelyn, Olivia, Natalie, Lauren, Rebekah, Sarah, Jacqueline.

Thanks for all your prayers, support and love on us. SOF is not done yet!! We will return to Trinidad if it is the Lords will, and we will continue to share Him throughout the world!!!!

My love to you all, and I pray blessings on anyone who reads this,
Ms. Julie

Some Dance Pictures from Trip and other fine moments

Adults with Julie and Zahir

some pictures

DanceCamp at Orphanage, Operation Smile in Trinidad




Walking in Trinidad

Our chaperones: Kim DeReuter, Karen Cameron, Nancy Miller, Vickie Teal, Carolyn Hamilton (not pictured: Jonathan Sutton)

Natalie's thoughts...

My thoughts on Trinidad 101 haha
First, way before we even got there, when Miss Julie informed us that we were now going there(Trinidad) instead of Mexico, I have to admit I was a little bummed but the thought of going to a place I had never heard of before, that was a new, different kind of excitement that to soak in...
Basically I had no idea what to expect and think, or know what pre consceived idea I "should" have. Now, thinking about the trip, everywhere we went, what we did, what in my memory will be called "a fun time" was nothing near to my non "preconceived ideas" of anything.
For me it all started in the airport in Atlanta, and being on the planes. It seemed like everyone we talked to: working and "fellow travelers" haha were so nice and joined in our happiness, especially the mission group from Colorado; that i knew that this trip was going to be GOOD!!
Sister Julie was the sweetest lady ever for not knowing any of us, and was so gracious with us, I instantly loved her. Her husband Zahir was always making us laugh and made us feel confortable and at home. Their family was as I saw an amazing support to what Julie and Zahir are doing and didn't seem bothered by us girls being loud and crazy! We even got their son Leo and Kevin (his cousin Julie's nephew) and Dinish our other driver to hang with us, but Leo most of all, he hung with us, sung, talked and goofed around with us, totally fitting in :)
With everything we did and everywhere we danced, ran, jumped, swam, and walked it was like nothing I've felt before, and by far the coolest feeling. I could feel God. Just protecting our steps. It was simple and light, things I would have tripped on at home; example: running like a mad man round some church holding Miss Julies hand in the dark. My footing was sure and secure, the whole thing was incredible.. or dancing with barely any warm up other then plie's or stretching.
Day to day though we worked at the orphanages, went sight seeing -pitch lake, the mud volcano, different towns and a hindu temple (that was weird)- shopped, and went to the beach. That was all a blast, though what I loved was hanging, "liming" with everyone in the afternoons and getting to know each other better in times of random talks, eating and napping together, I know that sounds kinda lame but whatever haha :)
In the evenings we danced! I don't think I've ever imagined the floors we would dance on to be the way they were! And if I knew what they would be like ahead of time, I don't think I would have thought I could dance on them! But I did, we did! I think it stretched me and made me be more flexible in situations and and a stronger dancer!
Also, all the "Mommies" we had on the trip were amazing, each taking care of us in different areas and ways. Jonathan and the guys, from Act One and Oakleaf were a lot of fun and it was really nice to have them all there, for comedic relief, support and protection.
But I think out of everything I did and of all the goings on my favorite part about the trip was the bonding with the girls, those times we laughed like crazy people, our shower parties(dont worry-they had bathing suits on!), singing our lungs out, and those time we cried in each others arms. There's nothing like realizing your friends just turned into your best friends! Sharing a group love for dancing and for doing it because we all have a major love for GOD is how we met but its now a cool perk!! So in that if you need strengthening, support, good godly girlie insight, or just a hug you know there are 10+ girls waiting and willing!

natalie castro.

Alex's contribution...

What a quiet but strong young man to have around. His quiet presence was always so reassuring. Alex was one of our actors on the trip. Here is his thoughts....

"If I had to choose one word to describe the trip, it would have to be ‘fantastic’. The country was beautiful, the people were amazing, and God was truly with us the entire time. I have been truly blessed to have been apart of this trip.



The people we stayed with were amazingly excellent hosts, and they made no small effort to show us their country and make us feel at home. We ate very well, and got to try some interesting, but very good food.



The first day we were there, we went to an orphanage. There we helped clean the houses where the children stayed, and we gave them new towels, bed sheets, etc. When the kids came home, we played with them for a while before going back to the house.



The next day we went to the beach for a while before our first performance. The stage was slanted, and rather small, but the girls never once complained the whole week. They truly were an inspiration.



While we were down there, we got to see the largest lake of pitch in the world, as well as a mud volcano. The girls did a dance camp for the kids at the orphanage, and seeing their passion for what they were doing was incredible. I enjoyed watching them interact with the kids, teaching them how to dance, and just loving on them in general.



It was an amazing opportunity for me, especially since I’m about to leave for college in the fall. I’m glad God saw fit to allow me to come on this trip, because it was one of the best weeks of my life so far. If I ever get a chance to go back, I’ll most likely take it.



I’d like to say once again how amazing all the dancers were. God was moving through them with everything they did. Several of the dances made me cry every single time I watched them, and I never got tired of any of the dances, no matter how many times they performed them. I have been extremely blessed by this experience."



Alexander Fortin

Lauren's thoughts...

Hi everyone, this is Lauren. There are so many things that I could say about the trip. I have to admit that I was a little concerned about how we would all do, especially since we were all in a room together. I was proven wrong though; everyone was totally considerate of others and very selfless. I'm very proud of everyone for at least trying the foods...trust me, that wasn't always easy. I was also impressed with how we adapted to all of the different situations, including injury, sickness, and tiny stages. Spiritually, I was blessed more than I ever expected. I knew that I would learn on the trip, but I didn't realize how hard it would be to do that learning. God definitely used this trip to teach me that I can't always work by schedule and plans. I have to rely on Him and trust that His Will will be done in His timing. I have also come home with a whole new appreciation for simple things, such as unlimited water, vegetables :), and spaciousness. In addition, I was challenged by how friendly the people of Trinidad are. Everywhere you go, they will wave, yell a greeting, or smile. I am truly guilty of being unfriendly to strangers. I'll be working on it. Overall, the trip was fabulous and I can't wait to do it again!! Thank you so much for your support (or organization) of our trip! God Bless!

Lauren