By Loran Cook
In 1747, a teenage James Cook moved to the port town of Whitby in the northeast of England. Life in Whitby and the lure of the open sea eventually led Cook to become a decorated Navy captain and famous explorer responsible for charting such places as New Zealand, the east coast of Australia, and the Arctic Circle.
Living and growing up in the same coastal town, another teenager named James, 15-year-old James Hankin, is charting his own plans for travel and greatness. James desires to serve a full-time mission and has been preparing for the last six years. James has a lot of support in achieving this goal. His father, Blair, knows about missionary service, having served his mission in Haiti. And Blair returned there to donate service after the recent earthquakes.
When asked about his dad's service in Haiti, James says, "He served his mission over there, so he can speak Creole. I'm really impressed. Basically, he's working with an orphanage, taking medical supplies to them. I'm hoping I can actually go this summer." The toy shop where James works part-time has also donated toys and supplies to be sent to the children of Haiti.