One Day Left

Good morning! Here are some thoughts from yesterday:

Crew #1- "Today my Crew and I got to help a lady named Rita with her yard work. At first, I was overwhelmed by all the things she wanted us to do, but after awhile I realized we could do it. We trimmed bushes, pulled weeds, trimmed the trees, and mowed the lawn. At lunch time, Rita offered us some watermelon, which was a really great treat since it was so hot. As we were eating, Rita's daughter Shawn was on the phone to thank us for our hard work. I loved hearing from someone that what we are doing is making a difference. Im super excited to see who we get to help tomorrow and can't wait to see how they impact our life." -Hannah K.

Crew #14- "We had an encouraging day at the Boys & Girls Club today!  Some of us got to spend some 1:1 time with some boys as their "buddy" to help them focus at their various stations.  A few of us spent some time outside with kids.  It was hot & muggy today.  We tried to focus on uplifting the kids today & being examples for life.  After lunch we spent time caring for the building they use with the help of a few kids.  This gave us an opportunity to bond with a few more children.  We organized games, mopped a gym floor, cared for a garden and helped move things.  Matt Kinsman may or may not have cleaned a toilet.  His Mother would be proud.  Curtis Wooley may oray not have used a mop.  Also a proud Mom moment ;)  it's been a great day as a leader to see your kids smile & here their laughter.  My Crew has had a great opportunity to gain some confidence & assertivness.  We have also gained some appreciation for our own families & the people that love us daily.  Pushing forward with one of our big words of the week for Crew 14-- #perseverance. (for my girls Cayla & Darby)" -Carrie

Crew #6-  "This week, my Crew has been helping out at a local VBS. The second half of the work day, we do physical labor around the church. Today was the first day things really started to go well. The kids are beginning to trust and love us. We are also starting to understand the church layout better. It has been rewarding for us as well as the kids I'm hoping! Our Crew is also growing much closer as friends." -Bailey

Crew #11-"Today our Crew helped a few people clean up there apartments. Today some  of us played dominos with an amazing guy Harold. The smile he had on his face the whole time was huge, it was great to see him so happy. We also met a sweet lady named Annie. We talked for hours and later she imvited us into her apartment to see all of her "blang blang!" She used to model so she showed us some of her old outfits an purses that she wore. She also told us that she was 93 years old, but she didn't look like it all. Talking to her was fascinating, Im going to be sad when we have to say goodbye to her. Today was awesome getting to know some of the people better and im super excited for tomorrow." -Hannah G.


From 2 days ago, our free night!:

"Yesterday, Tuesday June 16, 2015, was our group free night and night off. We left the church where we are staying and headed off to Jack's Barbecue for dinner and enjoyed some amazing pork, chicken, mac & Cheese, beans, and cole slaw! It was great! Then from there we drove about 30 miles to Honeysuckle Farms for some zip lining fun! I was terrified and I know others were too! But as a group with all the support and confidence boosts we all pushed through and went down the zip lines. We started out on the bunny slope and then we went down one a little faster, and then finally got to the real deal zipping through the woods! We had to make about eight stops, travel down eight or nine zip lines, and walk across two wooden bridges hanging by cables to make it back to the ground! Once we got started there was no going back! We had a blast! After zip lining we had a couple hours until we could make our way back to the church so we headed to Dairy Queen and got some ice cream. We enjoyed our ice cream in the amazing air conditioning of the bus and our strong stench of sweat lol! Then we did some fantastic worship right there on the bus and went around to share how we were all feeling and shared an abundance of God sitings from our day at our work sites! Then as Adam drove us all back to the church we spent the half hour ride singing and worshipping in the darkness of the bus! It was very beautiful and so heartwarming to hear everyone joining in without lyrics in front of them and just going off the instrumental music we played off our phones! We had an amazing night off building trust, friendships, and faith as we basked in each other's stench and faithful hearts! Could not have asked for a better night as a group! The love, support, and encouragement we all give to each other shows how true and real our youth group family is! So blessed! "
Korey Arend

Sorry for the delay in blogging! Today is our last day of service with an early departure tomorrow morning. Last night there were lots of emotions floating around with love sprinkled into all of our lives.

Thank you to everyone who is following along, all the prayers, and thank you for making it possible to come on this trip in whatever way that you contributed.

See you soon!
Darby