Florida Keys GO Week
By Samantha DePriest
In last week’s article we traveled across the pond and learned about the Europe GO Week trip led by Mrs. Forde. This week we are back in the States to share about the Florida Keys GO Week trip. This GO Week trip was lead by High School Science Teacher and Varsity Swim Coach Devin James and fellow High School Science teacher Mr. Tommy Stell, as well as High School Literature teachers Mrs. Anna Maupin and Mrs. Ruth Wolleat.
The team flew into Miami and visited Little Havana to experience the culture by tasting the delicious Cuban food and coffee, listening to the language and music, shopping local handmade goods, and visiting an Art museum. Some of the older students were even able to create their own graffiti art at the museum.
The next few days the team spent their time exploring the Keys and were blessed with sunshine and warm temperatures. Day trips to Key Largo and Islamorada included a snorkeling tour, kayak excursion, dolphin encounter, airboat ride through the Everglades, and more.
Mr. James shared, “Our students spent time marveling at God's creation by snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, kayaking, and more.”
Mr. James shared, “Our students also spent time at the Redlands Migrant Christian Association. They support the migrant community and our TCS students specifically helped in the childcare facilities. Students were split up in a bunch of different classrooms and helped the kids play, read, color, draw, and do puzzles. Our students did a great job with kids and we were really proud of how quickly they jumped in.”
A little boy named Stephen, who wore a Spiderman sweatshirt, took a liking to the Trinity students and enjoyed playing games with them. When it was time for our student to leave, Stephen started crying and didn’t want them to go. It touched the hearts of all of our students that in such a short time they could make such an impact. Stephen will surely be remembered and prayed for by all of our students and staff.
Senior Dylan DePriest shared “It was an amazing experience to explore South Florida. I had never been to the Keys before. One of the coolest things we learned about was while kayaking through the mangroves, there is a particular plant which has one leaf that absorbs all the toxins so that the other leaves may thrive. It reminded us about Jesus taking the punishment for our sins.
It was such an amazing time with friends and teachers. We definitely made a lot of memories on our trip. I will never forget little Stephen at the school we served at. This GO Week trip was a highlight of my Senior year at Trinity.”
Mrs. Anna Maupin echoed Mr. James sentiments and shared “We were astounded by God’s creation during our trip to the Florida Keys! Our favorite part of the trip was definitely getting to play with the migrant workers children!”