done. The day dawned hot and humid - expected weather in the south, and not unlike our hot, humid
days in Michigan. But it sure does zap your energy when you are out in it all day. So an early start
gives us some comfortable weather to work in before it gets too hot.
We divided into our work crews today and spread ourselves out far and wide across the parish.
We all had opportunities to do many different things. One crew, (Tanner, Sam, Meredy, MaryClaire and Griffin)
worked on building a wheelchair ramp for a local family. Another crew, (Quinn, Hannah, Austin, Marisa,
Jazz, Abe, Alex, Randy, Steven, John H. and Ian) worked on a house that needed an old roof torn off,
a new roof put on, a large scrap pile cleared and trimming trees on the property. This is one of the
Heart and Hand Homes that will go to a local family. Some kids (Rachel, Zione,
Sophie, Ani, Laila, Allison, Meredith, Llora, Kat, Luke, Bobby, Peter, Eli, Nathan and Jack) worked VBS
with a small group of kids, making crafts, singing songs and playing games. In the afternoon, this group
went to the Parish Center and helped in the garden. Abby, Max, Will Br., Will Bi., Sheeba, Eric, Angela, Taylor and
Elizabeth worked in the cannery making sauerkraut.
After a long day of work in the hot sun and a late afternoon shower (for some of us), we took the kids to
literally fish for their supper. They had a grand time at a local fish pond, catching fish that will be prepared
for our dinner tomorrow. For some of them, this was a first time experience. It was fun to hear the squeals
of delight as fish after fish was reeled in.
We returned back to the church for a yummy Mexican dinner, long awaited showers (we did not take them
in the morning) and devotions.
shower trailer onsite with 4 showers. The trailer is hooked to a hose and uses 2 generators to heat the
water for the showers. It is parked on the side of the church where we enter the social hall. So it is kind
of like camping. We wait in line for our turn and shuffle back and forth from our living space to the showers.
The line can get long but we all try to honor the 5 minute shower rule. The kids are all doing great at
being respectful of each other as they wait.
We went to bed well rested and feeling good after our first full day on our various work sites. As the week
wears on, we will get tired and it will be harder to get up in the morning. But honestly, these kids never complain,
they do whatever they are asked and they do it with a joyful heart, it is such a joy and honor to be in
their presence. What a gift they are to us and to the world around them.
--
Deborah Wood
Senior Art Director
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