The challenge for today was to be thankful, to take time to be grateful and direct our thanks to God. Today I was thankful for good bunch of workers, good food, and the fact that we were able to make such an impact.
Mornings are a little slow as we crawl out of bed, I mean floor, at 7 am. But they speed up after we sit down to breakfast. The Stephens' pancakes and sausage was more than enough reason to get out of bed today.
Group #1 went out to Marlin today to finish the work that group #2 began yesterday. Now that all the soil, plants, and mulch have been put in, it looks like a different yard. This group really worked hard. Its nice to know that we were able to beautify this back yard so that Mr. Ford can enjoy his surroundings a little better. We even left a reminder, with his permission, that we had been there. There is a square patch of ground underneath the porch's overhang that receives no sunlight. No sunlight means no plants. A few of the youth decided to create a cross in the square with bricks that were not in use on the property. A great reminder that it was the love of Christ that compelled us to improve the yard.
Group #2 got to spend the day at Friends for Life today. The highlight of the day was dancing with the adults at the facility. I think you can tell from their faces, that everyone their enjoyed it to. During our worship time Will Hamberlin shared that he has very thankful for family because some of the people at Friends for Life did not have family to take care of them or visit. That's a good lesson to learn.
Group #3 went to a new paint site today. A previous group had begun the job but there was more to be done. Ms. Ada Nunn and her daughter were very lively and very appreciative of the work we were able to do for them. The house looks great with a couple fresh coats of white paint on it.
Group #4 headed out to Paint Job #1 to begin priming the house after group #1 prepped the house yesterday. The wood was pretty dry and soaked in the primer pretty fast, but they were able to put on primer on almost the entire house except for a few difficult places plus part of the house has its first coat of paint. We will be sending out two crews to this site tomorrow to help ensure we will be able to finish this good project.
After work we went out to Lake Waco where we swam, played volleyball, relaxed, and grilled out for our hamburger dinner. It was just what we needed after a good day of work.
Worship was again led by our band (Jacob, Alex, Will, and Sam) who did an excellent job. In small groups we learned through Job 13-21 and Thessalonians 5:16-22 the importance of being thankful in all circumstances. Even the crummy ones. We talked about how it is importance to be a source of joy for people in despair and challenged ourselves to reach out to someone on this trip who we don't know very well or a random person. We can give a compliment, have a conversation, or even perform a random act of kindness.
Our day wouldn't be complete without our dessert so we all indulged on brownies and milk. When you are eating a fresh brownie it is easy to be thankful.
I will update this blog tomorrow and that will be my last entry for this trip. Remember to check back tomorrow for the last update.
Hi Nick!
ReplyDeletePaige Lewiecki gave me this blog site to keep up with you all. It sounds like you're having a wonderful mission trip & a lot of fun too! Please tell Allie Johnson that one four-year-old named Morrow memorized her name last Sunday & has worn her armband all week & prayed for her diligently. I have Stan Lewiecki on my armband and hubbie Andy got one with Will Hamberlin's name. Blessings to all!
Jerrilyn Entrekin