Packing party and an introduction!

We depart for Argentina on Sunday afternoon, leaving from CLT with a layover in Atlanta.  We will arrive in Buenos Aires early Monday morning.  We had a packing party last week and are incredibly thankful for the donations we've received.  These FULL suitcases are guaranteed to put a smile on the kids' faces! 

There are 9 of us on the team and we'd like to introduce ourselves.  We greatly appreciate and covet your prayers.

Ryan and Alexis Drye - Team Leaders


My name is Alexis Drye, and I was introduced to Puerta del Cielo orphanage about 5 years ago when I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The orphanage is one of the most beloved places on earth, full of children who are dearly loved by God. I feel so grateful to be a part of this ministry with them. I've been on staff at Meck for 3 years and will be leading the team this year. I love everything about Argentina and can't wait to go back again this year with my husband.

I'm Ryan Drye and I'm a 28-year-old marketing director in Charlotte. This will be my second year visiting the Puerta del Cielo orphanage. Last year's experience was amazing, and I so look forward to going back again to engage with the kids there and give them a week to remember. More than just being fun, the trip gives you a real perspective about what life is all about, and as much as we hope to bless them, we also come back blessed by them.

Robert Florence

I've been involved with Meck for about four years. I work as a software developer when I'm not there. I'm looking forward to playing games with the kids and showing them that God still loves them like crazy even if it feels like no one else does!

Allyson Bonzo   
 

I attended Meck for 5 years and was over the children's ministry at the Mtn Island Lake campus before being relocated to Atlanta, GA for my husband's job.  I reconnected with the missions team after learning about their  work with this particular orphanage.  I am passionate about educating, entertaining and sharing God's love with his little children!

Elaine Benjamin

My name is Elaine Benjamin from Charlotte, NC. I'm a RN and work at MERCY  downtown. I'm a wife, mom and grandma. I'm going to the orphanage to be JESUS' hands and feet.








Kasey Stewart

Kasey has been part of Meck since 2009 and is a proud native North Carolinian. Having spent some time in Argentina following college, she feels a connection to the people there. This is her second year on the trip. "I see our group as an extension of the Church and as encouragement to believers in Argentina, while strengthening the community with fellow Meck people. But most of all, I am to love the children and staff in Jesus' name."  Additionally, if Argentina doesn't win the World Cup, she hopes the winner is not Brasil.

Joe and Matthew Penner

Matthew

I’m sixteen and a rising junior at Lake Norman Charter and have attended Meck all my life.  As a first-timer on a mission trip, I’m thrilled to go international with Meck.  Serving the Lord outside of the Charlotte area is very appealing to me and I consider it a privilege to do so.  I’m looking forward to putting all I have into this trip and letting God do the rest. 

Joe

We’ve attended Meck since 9/24/97, and connect with the mission of the church. Serving in part of the great commission – whether here or abroad – is in our core as Christians. And though we go to serve the kids and the staff, I think God will work amazing change inside me and all of our team.  It’s also exciting to serve with my son, what a privilege! God’s in charge - we need to obey, and then see what he has in store.

Emma Cathell

Hi there! My name is Emma Cathell, I'm a junior at N.C. State University studying Social Work and Spanish. I've been coming to Meck since I was in elementary school and can definitely call it my church home. I write for N.C. State's newspaper and am studying abroad in the fall in Argentina.I love the Spanish language, the people, the culture,and the food, and I am so excited for the mission trip. I went last year and had a blast, and I have no doubt this year will be incredible too! It's great spending time with the kids and the staff at Puerto del Cielo and seeing how God's moving a continent away.