Day 5: Worksites

The group split up into a few smaller groups today. John, Cole, Duncan and I went back to Ms. Edward's to finish the paneling in her basement. It was great to see a project finally come together, especially after so many set-backs yesterday.

Other groups did various scraping and painting projects, finished a board-up, demolished a roof, and helped to paint a house.

In the afternoon, we caulked some windows for a nice older lady. We were accompanied in our work by a dog (let's call him "Satan") that would not stop barking, so the job was a little nerve-wracking. We did manage to get a great picture with "Satan."

We finished the day by helping the group from Kansas paint a big house.

Rob

Day 4: Worksite

Today, a group of us went to work for a wonderful woman who lived next to an abandoned house. We helped her to clean over-grown vines from her back fence. We also replaced some plex-i glass in her garage and patched a hole in her garage. John and I, along with Karen (from Rippling Hope) worked with power tools to patch up the hole while Barb, Trevor and Duncan worked on the vines. We then spent the rest of the day working in Ms. Edward's basement. We spent a good part of the day trying to figure out a way to get, first nails, then screws into a concrete wall so we could attach paneling. To make a long story short, the hammer-drill finally did the trick!

It was a good day, as usual, but we were tired and needed ice cream! We went to six mile road and found a great place; they're making a fifty foot banana split on Friday if anyone is interested.

Rob

Day3: Special Excursion: White Castle

Tonight the gang went to the White Castle down the street from the church. We were very excited all week and pestered Rob and Chris about it a lot. Finally they succumbed to our will and took us there. Duncan and Bryce bought a thirty slider "crave case" and were just barely able to finish eighteen sliders, a large soda, and fries. When asked, Duncan yelled, "YOLO!!!!!!!!" On the way out the door we encountered a needy and hungry lady and we were able to give her six of Duncan and Bryce's sliders. After getting back to the church I received the last six sliders in the crave case. They were delicious. So next time you drive past a White Castle, and your hungry, stop and get some sliders. (This post was brought to you by White Castle he of the sixty-nine cent slider)

-Trevor

Day 3: Worksite (paint crew)

Today, Annika, Leah, Libby, Rachel, Emma, and Barb went to a lady's house in the morning to touch up her window trim. We had a little mix up with the paint situation, but got a lot of quality bonding time. (ask us about that later) But after we were done, the lady came out and asked if we could pray to close out the time. We all held hands and she then prayed for us, blessing us and the families we represent, and told god that if he could bless her, he could bless all of us. She also asked him to send an angel with each one of us to lead us the right way. We didn't know each others names, but we all started crying. It was a really cool experience, (as was riding in the back of a truck!)

-Leah

Ms Edwards house (work sight)

Today Emily, Donna, Rachel, and Liz worked on Ms. Edwards basement. We sprayed for mold, put up dry lock, and tomorrow we are going back to put up tiles. Ms. Edwards told us a really cool story. A long time ago she had a really high gas bill of $723. She didn't have the money so she prayed to God for help. That same day the mailman brought her daughter's paycheck which was for $723. She had the money! The next day she got her paycheck and was able to pay off her daughter. God has been working in her life.

-Emily

Day 2: Worksite

Today we worked at an old abandoned home. We cleared trees, branches and trash and then boarded up the the windows. the neighbors were so hospitable. They gave us pizza and cookies and made sure we had the tools we needed. One guy even came over and helped Chris saw wood so that it went faster. After work we went to a farmers market. It had delicious fresh fruit, ice cream, and cute shoulder bags. Goodnight.

By Emily

Day 2: Metro KidZ

Today instead of going to a work site, Annika, Leah, Rachel, and Libby stayed back at the church and helped with the churches summer camp called "Metro KidZ." It's like VBS mixed with daycare. We went to a park, played in the gym, watched VeggieTales, and got to know the kids. It was a different experience than what we were used to having, and a little difficult at times but over all we had a good time and made friends.

The first picture is of some of the kids we were with during the day, so cute!

The second picture is of us waving American flags with the kids. This weeks theme was "The Olympics" and we were taking part in the opening ceremonies!

The third picture is of Libby with some of the kids, wearing their hat, and hanging out with them at lunchtime!