2009 Senior High Mission Trip

June 19-27

Mission Trip ‘09 takes us to Willacy County, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States — and one of the poorest.

Willacy County is the Valley’s northeastern most county; 30 miles west of Harlingen, 30 miles from the western edge of the Gulf of Mexico and a world apart from Plymouth Park UMC. In Raymondville, the county seat, thirty-six percent of families live below the poverty line.  It is one of the poorest counties in the United States with an average per capita income of only $8,910, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In July of 2008, Hurricane Dolly slammed into the southern Texas coast with punishing rain and winds of 100 miles per hour. This eye of this Category 2 storm stalled out over Willacy County and dumped 20 inches of rain in several hours. Flooding was massive, and dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed with hundreds more damaged.

We’ll be working with the Faith Community Long Range Disaster Recovery to help families who live in substandard housing conditions, but do not have the resources to improve their homes. Our work projects will include cleanup, roof repair, handicapped ramps, dry walling and general repairs.

The cost for the week is $175 for youth, grades 8-12, and $100 for adults. The balance is due with all completed forms at the pre-trip meeting on May 17th. Youth and parents meet at 12:15 pm and adult volunteers meet at 2:00 pm