tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47315932597273199102024-03-13T12:19:56.545-05:00FCCBRLA MissionThe adventures of all those who participate in mission and outreach at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Baton Rouge, LA. We believe it is our mission to be deeply engaged in our community and in our world. Reaching out and connecting with the community and world has always been an important part of our ministry, which is why we support a wide variety of missions and ministries.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855504294408611836noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-26232725439362241222012-06-12T16:07:00.001-05:002012-06-12T16:07:53.642-05:00TestimoniesWhile we were in Joplin, MO we had many chances to hear the testimonies of those who live in Joplin and were affected by the tornado on May 22, 2011. There were pictures all over the news, and testimonies that we could read in newspapers, but it was different to hear them in person.<br />
<br />
In addition to these two testimonies be on the look out for testimonies from our own church members who went on the trip - those will be posted in the next few days! <br />
<br />
One person that came to speak was a personal friend and colleague, Rev. Fay Barnes Blevins who is the pastor at First Christian Church, Joplin, MO. We were staying at South Joplin, but First Christian and South Joplin both worked together in the weeks and months afterward as they responded to needs in Joplin, MO. Fay shared her personal story as well as the story of her church as they all were affected by the storm in one way or another.<br />
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We also had a tour from Kenton Foster, a South Joplin CC member and individual who lost his home. He gave us a tour around Joplin and shared his personal story. In addition to this though, his son Kenny Foster, a musician living and working in Nashville, TN wrote a song that has a music video you can watch below.<br />
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Rev. Laura <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Picking up the pieces: Fay Barnes
Blevins</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Posted on September 29, 2011</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am the senior pastor of First
Christian Church, Joplin. I ask people to call me “pastor,” or “Fay” or
whatever as long as it’s nice. This is my first call out of seminary.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">First Christian Church is the
typical downtown church in small-city U.S.A. We have a long history of 135+
years, planting several other churches around town in that time, and now
figuring out what God is calling us to do in this time and place. I am the
first female pastor and the previous pastor retired after 29 years.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I was attending an Area Board
Meeting about 45 minutes out of Joplin. We just finished our meeting and were
preparing to have dinner-it was a church dinner and so….I felt the need to stay
and enjoy…the dessert looked really good. I noticed several people looking at
their smart phones and talking about the weather. As I finished eating, the
Elder who was with me, suggested we might head back and “beat the storm.” So,
we climbed into the car (I was driving) and headed towards Joplin. About 20-30
miles out, I can’t remember exactly, the sky become almost black and the wind
was strong. Then the rain came down so heavy I slowed to a snail’s pace. We
listened to the radio and heard there was a tornado warning. The weather
continued to get worse and I could barely see. Semi’s were pulled off to the
side of the road. (I had just watched a show on tornados that are hidden by
walls of rain. People don’t see them until they’re swept up into them.) I
decided to pull off the highway and find shelter. We pulled off at the next
exit and pulled under a bride/overpass. There were several other cars there as
well. We sat listening to radio, feeling the car trying to be pushed by the
wind, and listening to the hail as it fell. The Elder and I tried to call our
spouses, but there was no phone service. So, we continued to listen to the
radio as they spoke of the tornado touching down in Joplin.</span></div>
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When the rain and hail let up some, we got back on to the highway and drove into
Joplin. I still wasn’t able to get a hold of Wes, my husband. Then I heard the
radio say, “There is complete devastation at 7th and Range Line.” I panicked as
that was half a mile from our apartment and the tornado would have moved
directly towards it. As we pulled into town we didn’t see much of anything
except for tree damage, even though the radio reported mass destruction. I
pulled up to my apartment complex and it was fine…not a shingle off or busted
window! Just debris everywhere. I screamed for Wes and ran to our apartment to
find he and the dog, Randy, just fine, but all of us shaken. Wes had attempted
to film the tornado from the balcony of our apartment, but when he discovered
it wouldn’t work he went inside to take cover. Shortly, thereafter, we noticed
the constant sound of sirens from emergency vehicles. That sound would be
constant for the next 36-48 hours.</span></div>
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We didn’t have power or water in a our apartment and I wanted to check on the
church and get numbers to call people. We headed to the church and our route
didn’t take us anywhere near the damage, but there was absolute chaos in the
streets. It tool 45 minutes to get to the church, when it normally took 15.
Once I saw that the physical structure was sound, I opened our Family Life
Center/Gym area thinking it could be used as emergency shelter. Within 2 hours
churches from Kansas were delivering water, food, clothes, towels and soap.
Within 3-4 hours, survivors of the storm were arriving. People covered in dirt,
leaves and grass plastered to their body. Tattered clothes, wet and cold. All
in shock and afraid. We served soup and coffee. We worked to help them find
family and friends who would be looking for them. It was one of the most
overwhelming moments of my life while at the same time being one of the most
blessed. I don’t know who any of those people were or where they are now, I can
only hope that we provided a bit of comfort and a sense of hope.</span></div>
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Our apartment was safe, but without utilities. We just closed on our first
house the week before. It was left unharmed as well…though 75% of the homes we
looked at were destroyed. We packed up towels, air mattress, toiletries, and a
change of clothes and headed to our house. It was completely empty, but it had
hot water and lights. There was no sleep to be had the first several nights.
The next day I began the search for congregants and discovered a young
20-something couple who moved to Joplin about the same time we did, lost
everything. They came and camped with us at our house for a week until we could
find a more permanent solution. Which, coincidentally, was that they helped us
move out of the apartment into the house and they assumed the lease on the
apartment.</span></div>
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For two weeks I would search for people, trying to remember little tidbits of
information I might have picked up on extended family members; picking the
brains of others who might know something. All the members were found alive and
accounted for…an amazing blessing, perhaps a real miracle. 14 families lost
their homes, and over 30 families had severe damage or lost a job as a result
of the storm.</span></div>
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The damage was/is incomprehensible. It was like the scenes from war movies…I
thought I was watching “Saving Private Ryan” only without the tanks. Entire
sections, neighborhoods, in piles of broken wood and glass. People wading
through the debris were pitiful. Looking for any little thing they might be
able to salvage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Life since, has been a constant
sense of inadequacy…for me, at least.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s been about listening to stories
and making connections to resources. It’s been about being hospitable to our
brothers and sisters in Christ as they need a place to worship, and being a
place where people can give time and donations, and a place where people can
find the things they need to make it another day. We operated a Distribution
Center from Friday, May 27th to Sunday, September 4th. We still have our final
winter clothing give-away on October 22nd (NO CLOTHES NEEDED!) It’s been a time
of prayer and constant reminder to people that this storm was not punishment
from God for some ill of an individual or nation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s been a baptism by fire…or wind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is much left to do. The local
government is coordinating with local organizations and churches are forming a
Long Term Recovery Committee. Part of their work will be finding those who
didn’t get insurance money or enough insurance money or didn’t get FEMA
assistance and find them help to rebuild or repair. The LTRC will funnel
financial and people resources into these projects. So, workgroups will be
needed to feed the people resources necessary to rebuild.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I received MANY notes via Facebook
and MANY phone calls checking in and offering us prayers. Their support has
helped me immensely. I know I can call for a listening ear, a cheerleader, or a
good laugh. Some even offer wise advice from time to time. Most of them
reassured me that I was right where I needed to be, when I might have thought
otherwise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are always happy to take
financial donations directly to assist the community. Come volunteer when we
begin rebuilding. We would love to see you! Support Week of Compassion as they
do wonderful work and we appreciate ALL the support thy have given us these
last, long months. Pray, pray, pray.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our church is SO GENEROUS! With all
the cries of fiscal concerns and budgetary worries here, there, and everywhere
people have been generous with their time and their gifts. We received several
emails, cards, and phone calls from people just wishing us well and keeping us
in prayer. It’s an incredibly powerful/humbling moment to realize how many
people might actually be praying for you. I have seen the Spirit at work in the
church and it’s alive and well. I’m not sure how anyone could make it through a
situation like this without the support of a faith community.</span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-60591216036506188532012-06-07T23:21:00.000-05:002012-06-07T23:46:07.171-05:00Last DayOur last day of work started at 7:30 with breakfast from our fabulous cooks: Lucy, Carol, and Beverly. Kenny, Carol, and Laura took off after breakfast and headed home. Then off to work were a team of Amy, Tom, Brandon, Darby, Michael, Joseph, Judy, and Scotty to work on Rebecca's house for the second day. Joseph, Tom, Amy, and Judy stayed late with our long term volunteers, Dwight and Steve, to finish the last of the sheeting. Now the house is complete and ready for siding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QljBVFTKqWs/T9F5xZ5CUYI/AAAAAAAAAI4/57KuWGh2B3M/s1600/DSC_0708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QljBVFTKqWs/T9F5xZ5CUYI/AAAAAAAAAI4/57KuWGh2B3M/s320/DSC_0708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our chefs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGbSrmKzg8I/T9FXLJaVGtI/AAAAAAAAAHs/fCfIclwtJ78/s1600/DSC_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGbSrmKzg8I/T9FXLJaVGtI/AAAAAAAAAHs/fCfIclwtJ78/s320/DSC_0712.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group putting up scaffolding.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph pounding in a nail with the nail gun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUUq4GVCXmI/T9Fr10nMF_I/AAAAAAAAAIg/GDfh_l9TZVE/s1600/DSC_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUUq4GVCXmI/T9Fr10nMF_I/AAAAAAAAAIg/GDfh_l9TZVE/s320/DSC_0757.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph, Amy, Judy and Tom with our homeowner, Rebecca, and her daughter, Destiny.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final product!</td></tr>
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While we were hanging the last of the particle board we met and talked with the homeowner. She was very nice and thanked us for our work. The work was hard but we all had a lot of fun. Both groups have had a lot of good memories and will cherish the times we have had for the rest of our lives. We are leaving after breakfast to head back to Baton Rouge, so keep us in your prays. P.S. Kenny is not driving so hopefully no fires this time! <br />
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Joseph <br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-86699584582824562452012-06-06T23:00:00.002-05:002012-06-07T00:03:05.675-05:00Making Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everyone is feeling the effects of the hard work from this third day of mission work. We were split between two houses - Susan and Rebecca's houses. Today, Rebecca's house consisted of insulation and hanging plywood. At Susan's house, finishing touches were done, such as the hanging of doors, cleaning the yard, sweeping, mopping, and finishing of the smoke detectors and light fixtures. After these tedious tasks, Kenny, Brandon, and Tom joined the others at Rebecca's house. After sunburns, scrapes, sore muscles, thousands of Tom Cody's hilarious statements, and an ice cream van visit, we made great progress. In a course of 36 hours, Laura has force fed us ice cream three times... To say the least, we are NOT going hungry. Especially with Lucy, Carol, and Beverly's delicious cooking! </div>
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This afternoon, we were treated to a candle-light and flowered dinner served by the youth from Lindenwood Christian Church from Memphis, Tennessee who were also here on mission duties. After dinner, two personal stories were shared which were very touching, along with a music video called "Hometown" by Kenny Foster: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx2aHbDWzhg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx2aHbDWzhg</a> who grew up in Joplin and was affected by the tornado. His family still attends South Joplin Christian Church, and his dad Kenton was our tour guide yesterday.</div>
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The first story told was from a 92 year old woman whose house was completely demolished by the tornado. She had just arrived home from church, and noticed her hanging plants on the front porch blowing sideways. She then began to take cover but lost consciousness. When she came to, the storm passed but she was stuck in the rubble. Two neighbors found her, pulled her out and brought her to the hospital. </div>
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The second story was from her daughter, whose house was unaffected, yet she was worried about her mother after learning the path of the tornado destroyed her mother's neighborhood. She could not drive to her mom's house due to debris, so she parked close and walked to the house in sandals. When she and her husband reached her mother's house, they were unable to find her in the pile of debris left over from her the house. Later that night, she was contacted by the neighbors to inform the daughter that her mother was safe at the hospital in Pittsburgh, KS. </div>
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Scotty, Joseph, and Pam hung insulation surrounding almost the entire house.<br />
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Progress being made!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2uIIOcjVhc/T9Aeqy43EwI/AAAAAAAAAHU/avIyG_tZuWE/s1600/DSC_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2uIIOcjVhc/T9Aeqy43EwI/AAAAAAAAAHU/avIyG_tZuWE/s320/DSC_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A well deserved, and crazy, lunch break.<br />
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The gang taking a break along with our Americorps supervisor, Henry.</div>
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Brandon and Darby </div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-48690255481307284392012-06-06T00:28:00.000-05:002012-06-07T23:26:08.033-05:00Work and ReflectionIt's been a long day in Joplin. It's been a day of hard work and remembrance. Our group was consolidated to two work sites today. Tom, Kenny, Scotty and Joseph started the day at Susan's house where they hung ceiling fans. This of course was a decision the homeowner made AFTER their team had spent the last day installing light fixtures. Tom was ready to tell her that the job was finished, and she would have to find another way to get the fans installed, but Kenny volunteered right away to get the job done right.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjPrGyYp5tc/T87ZTrW5a7I/AAAAAAAAAFU/AyCvLh8kMgk/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GjPrGyYp5tc/T87ZTrW5a7I/AAAAAAAAAFU/AyCvLh8kMgk/s320/DSC_0460.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Trash pick-up</div>
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Later in the morning, Scotty and Joseph joined the rest of the FCCBRLA crew at Rebecca's house. The job today there was installing insulation and hanging particle board over the freshly de-sided house. Everyone worked INCREDIBLY hard, and have the sunburns to prove it! We even had a special visitor today! Rev. Laura's mom, Pat Phillips, drove down from Kansas City to work, visit and drop off some of Laura's stuff. She was a great addition to the team and we're all happy she was able to join us!</div>
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Pat, Michael, Brandon and Darby made an awesome insulation team!</div>
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Carol, Lucy and Beverly stayed at the mission station and literally slaved over a hot stove (and oven) all day. The outcome was crazy good! Pork chops with rice and sauteed vegetables :D Needless to say, we were all happy campers after dinner - not to mention we got a trip to Shake's for frozen custard after devotion!</div>
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Scotty and Joseph take a previously undocumented "normal picture."</div>
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Gunner</div>
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After work, both mission teams from FCCBRLA and FCC Springfield were able to go on a tour of the tornado destruction. Our tour guide, Kenton, is a member of South Joplin Church who lost his home in the tornado. He took us through the path of the tornado and explained what the town looked like before. His personal stories and recollections were a powerful reminder of the tornado's destruction during and since May last year. Some people have rebuilt their homes, but many have not.</div>
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Kenton standing where his home once stood.</div>
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During the tour, we were able to see the rubble of the old Joplin High School and the remnants of St. John's hospital, as well as, the seven houses and commemorative park built by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.</div>
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Team members overlooking the dedication to volunteers at the commemorative park.</div>
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Park statue with what remains of St. John's hospital in the background.</div>
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This volunteer tribute included found items from the storm.</div>
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Many private lots remain empty and barren. </div>
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The new sign of "hope" in front of what was Joplin High School.</div>
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We were all truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to hear Kenton's story and try to glimpse Joplin as he once saw it. This tour was a unique experience and served as a testament to what this town has come through, and the reason we as a mission team are here. We will strive to keep this experience in our hearts as we continue our work, and when we return home.</div>
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Tonight, we ask you to keep our mission team in your continued prayers, but also to say a special prayer for the people of Joplin - for their strength, hope, loss and remembrance.</div>
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Amy L.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-42694751492942190382012-06-04T21:30:00.001-05:002012-06-04T21:32:52.339-05:00Day One in the BooksToday, we started our work in Joplin, and it turned out a million times better than our trip yesterday! There was no time to recuperate from our late night - we started bright and early at 6:30 a.m. After breakfast and orientation meeting, our group and the group from Springfield, IL made a short trip to the Rebuild Joplin headquarters where we got our job assignments for the day. Everyone from the two groups were sent to three different job sites....except for Rev. Laura. She had the most important job of the day! New tires for Powder Blue Holy Wagon! Yay!<br />
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Rebuild Joplin sent us to individuals' homes that had been damaged or somehow affected by last year's tornado. Tom Cody headed up a group with Scotty Griswold, Joseph Rabb and Kenny Barron. Their main objective for the day was "finish work." They vacuumed and installed light fixtures and smoke detectors like professionals!</div>
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Tom, Kenny and Joseph work on a smoke detector</div>
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Joseph vacuums while Scotty "supervises"</div>
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Tom, the finish man himself</div>
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The second group was made up of Beverly Weselak, Brandon Miguez and Amy Lester from FCCBRLA and seven others from FCC Springfield. They spent the day removing flooring. The flooring put up quite a fight! Everyone had to wear protective masks to keep from breathing in all the dust! The day ended with the future of the house up in the air. After removing the flooring, the team discovered that the stability of the house was in question. So now, we will have to wait for the bosses to decide whether we will continue work on the house or if they will have to demolish it.</div>
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Brandon and Beverly removing nails</div>
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Beverly, Amy and Brandon</div>
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The last group was Michael Maher, Darby Jarratt, Judy Lester and Pam Miller, plus 5 other volunteers from Springfield. They spent the day in the hot sun removing siding and dragging it to the dumpster. The homeowner, Rebecca, was at their site and was truly thankful for their presence.</div>
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Pam doing some heavy-lifting</div>
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"Saws-all solves all" also, "Rawr!"</div>
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Judy is a siding pro now!</div>
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We had a DELICIOUS dinner prepared by Lucy Cody and Carol Madere, topped it all off with a celebration for Lucy's birthday and a wonderful devotion with FCC Springfield!</div>
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All in all, our first day was an enormous success. We appreciate all of the kind words people have sent to us, and ask you to continue to keep us in your prayers! We will be updating the blog every night after work. Keep reading!</div>
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Amy L.</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-26174700137839481362012-06-04T00:36:00.001-05:002012-06-04T00:36:29.621-05:00Who needs a tire... or two?In what was probably the most eventful start to a trip since I've been here, we are finally here at the mission station and happier than ever to be out of Arkansas. Nothing against you Arkansas... well wait....<br />
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Let me first say that EVERYONE IS FINE! We can't begin to say thank you enough for all the prayers that started out our trip - because they were certainly here today!<br />
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The first 6 or 7 hours of our trip were relatively uneventful and quite peaceful, until we hit just north of Ashdown, Arkansas - which in case you didn't know is right before Lockesburg, AR on Highway 71. After coming back to his first mission trip in a few years, and getting behind the wheel of the church van, Kenny did a tremendous job keeping everyone in the van safe while one of our tires shredded. Turns out the tire was SO HOT and shredded SO INTENSELY that we actually started a small grass fire when the van was pulling over onto the shoulder because of the tires. So now on top of having to worry about a shredded tire and changing it, we were also wondering just when the fire department would show up to put out this grass fire that was moving toward us.<br />
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Then, while we were waiting on AAA to come help us, just in case something happened with our jack and spare tire, the parable of the Good Samaritan came to life before our very eyes.<br />
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A lovely, lovely man came to help us with the tire - because while we all knew how to use the jack, and how to change a spare tire, we were also all a little frazzled by the burning fire behind us, unsure of how that would all work out. Thankfully the fire department came and put out the fire, and so did this amazing man and before we knew it, we were on our way! Kind of...<br />
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About 150 miles down the road, this time with Amy behind the wheel, Amy noticed the steering wheel pulling a little, and shaking a little, so she pulled over only to discover #2.<br />
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But by now we are all old pros - and can all change a spare tire on a 15 passenger van (important life skill to know!) Luckily we had made the decision to stop about an hour north of the FIRST tire blow out and purchase a spare so that we weren't traveling without a spare - and its a good thing we did - we needed it! (We'll also be heading to Sam's Club first thing in the morning for some others.) You'll notice we're on a better stretch of highway with a bigger shoulder, and now even the kids are helping. Turns out this day doesn't seem so "lost" after all as now EVERYONE on the trip knows how to change a spare tire.<br />
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In the end, we are all safe. We are a little frazzled and extremely thankful to be out of Arkansas. We are at the mission station and showered and in bed. Now we just need to pray the rest of our group here as Tom, Lucy and Carol will be arriving late tonight. Keep those prayers coming - we know they worked today... twice... and we'll need them throughout the rest of the trip!<br />
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So as we prepare for this week, join us in this prayer..... that we might all be the body of Christ in this world - whether that is for helping to change a spare tire, remove debris or listen to someone's story, we are ready. After a day like today... we have to be. :D <br />
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Join us in prayer... Holy and Loving God, we know that Christ has no body but ours, no hands, no feet on earth but ours, ours are the eyes with which He looks compassion on this world, ours are the feet with which he walks to do good, ours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. Ours are the hands, ours are the feet, ours are the eyes, we are his body. Help us to use our bodies, our minds, and our hearts to be the body of Christ in this world. Helps us to be carriers of your light to all those we meet. Grant us the courage to accept change in the ways we can. Grant us the serenity to accept those things we cannot change. Grant us the wisdom to see the difference. Grant us the compassion to live one day at a time, as your body here on earth. Amen.<br />
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Rev. Laura & CrewAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-75062393577566887192012-02-17T12:23:00.006-06:002012-02-17T23:23:57.862-06:00Meet me in St. Louis!We're on our way, bright and early on Saturday morning to head to St. Louis! We have 7 youth and 5 adults and I think we are ALL very excited!<br /><br />Check out some of our itinerary!<br /><br />Our gracious hosts are <a href="http://www.union-avenue.org/">Union Avenue Christian Church (DOC)</a>, and their Urban Mission Inn. Union Avenue is a Disciples church that at one point had many members and the need for a large building. As their congregation has moved into the suburbs over the years, they have not had as much of a need for a large building. So UACC took their third floor and transformed it into the <a href="http://www.union-avenue.org/outreach/urban-mission-inn/">Urban Mission Inn. </a><br /><br />The staff at UACC have been tremendous and have helped arrange much of our work. Throughout our week there we will be working at <a href="http://www.bridgestl.org/">The Bridge</a>, <a href="http://www.covenanthousemo.org/">Covenant House</a> and <a href="http://www.i58ministries.org/">Isaiah 58 Ministries</a>. Some of the fun things we will do include a visit to the<a href="http://www.coreofdiscovery.com/experience/the-gateway-arch/"> St. Louis Arch</a>, <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleyski.com/polar_plunge.html">Hidden Valley Snow-Tubin</a>g and a visit to the <a href="http://www.citymuseum.org/site/">City Museum</a>.<br /><br />We are so excited for this trip, as most of it will be a new experience for all of us. It is always a joy to spend time with others in the church, and to interact with each other in ways that go beyond just Sunday morning worship. We will do our best to keep you informed throughout the trip - we may even try a video blog! - but in the mean time, let's first meet the mission team!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNftRFmMdWo/TfWRkk2bAUI/AAAAAAAAAEg/jtCj-JWpTaM/s1600/D.J..jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 319px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNftRFmMdWo/TfWRkk2bAUI/AAAAAAAAAEg/jtCj-JWpTaM/s320/D.J..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617556167767818562" border="0" /></a><br />This is Darby's second mission trip with FCCBRLA. After joining us in Nashville in the Summer of 2011 she is excited and looking forward to new opportunities and experiences in STL!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEddPsJgYp4/TfWOk1nm9pI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/zRp_VQaQJFE/s1600/Profile%2BPhoto.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEddPsJgYp4/TfWOk1nm9pI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/zRp_VQaQJFE/s320/Profile%2BPhoto.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552873734207122" border="0" /></a>This is Rev. Laura's 4th mission trip with FCC. She is looking forward to showing everyone some of her Midwest roots while also learning from these new experiences with UACC and the Urban Mission Inn!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWVd3iP_Fd0/TfWOe9DJNrI/AAAAAAAAADo/UFhG7g4CvOs/s1600/E.M..jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 307px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWVd3iP_Fd0/TfWOe9DJNrI/AAAAAAAAADo/UFhG7g4CvOs/s320/E.M..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552772649531058" border="0" /></a>This is Evan's 3rd mission trip with FCCBRLA. He also went on the mission trip to NOLA in 2010, to Nashville in 2011 and is excited to teach our group about all that is "dub-step"!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QH5YmdaW_LE/TfWOWxDSv5I/AAAAAAAAADY/saQkNy8VtV0/s1600/Craig%2BZiettlow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QH5YmdaW_LE/TfWOWxDSv5I/AAAAAAAAADY/saQkNy8VtV0/s320/Craig%2BZiettlow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552631989976978" border="0" /></a>Craig is Amy Z's brother and is joining our group from Tulsa, OK. We are excited to have him join our group and thankful he can help steer us toward REAL coffee that we may need later in the week! :D<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77L8o4TbCYo/TfWOWSae_CI/AAAAAAAAADQ/TJsn5FCzuVo/s1600/Amy%2BZiettlow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77L8o4TbCYo/TfWOWSae_CI/AAAAAAAAADQ/TJsn5FCzuVo/s320/Amy%2BZiettlow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552623765748770" border="0" /></a>This is Amy's third mission trip with FCC. She is happy that her parents are in town to keep the kids so that she can go on this trip with the CYF!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2OUZuWXhGg/TfWOV9UNXsI/AAAAAAAAADI/yVbtK4dwULc/s1600/Amy%2BLester.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2OUZuWXhGg/TfWOV9UNXsI/AAAAAAAAADI/yVbtK4dwULc/s320/Amy%2BLester.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552618102283970" border="0" /></a>Amy has been a member of FCCBRLA since she was ten. She has enjoyed the variety of mission trips she has attended, and is looking forward to some new experiences afforded by an Urban mission trip.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25P09-YMtN4/Tz6ienO33HI/AAAAAAAAAA4/qTkkZcfl54s/s1600/Meghan%2BF.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25P09-YMtN4/Tz6ienO33HI/AAAAAAAAAA4/qTkkZcfl54s/s320/Meghan%2BF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710180024363506802" border="0" /></a><br />This is Meghan's second mission trip with FCCBRLA.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrS-_JxvPIM/Tz6ieJ9M5OI/AAAAAAAAAAo/fr6SATHdgkc/s1600/Evan%2BS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 264px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrS-_JxvPIM/Tz6ieJ9M5OI/AAAAAAAAAAo/fr6SATHdgkc/s320/Evan%2BS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710180016504759522" border="0" /></a>This is Evan's 4th mission trip with FCCBRLA, but his first as a sponsor. Evan is excited to be sponsoring the trip and to do mission work outside of the south!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NB-BreT0IDQ/Tz6idp3UtQI/AAAAAAAAAAc/3NBAVIKAtt4/s1600/Corey.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NB-BreT0IDQ/Tz6idp3UtQI/AAAAAAAAAAc/3NBAVIKAtt4/s320/Corey.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710180007890171138" border="0" /></a>This is Corey's first mission trip with FCCBRLA!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUFoW7i1YKU/Tz6idf3n9fI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/6MEs-fTQeIQ/s1600/Brandon%2BM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUFoW7i1YKU/Tz6idf3n9fI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/6MEs-fTQeIQ/s320/Brandon%2BM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710180005207078386" border="0" /></a>Brandon has attended FCCBRLA his entire life, but this is his first mission trip. He is enthusiastic to help out on the trip and can't wait for St. Louis!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo1jqOL3zD8/Tz6ifC9_ZGI/AAAAAAAAABA/d-67nPmE0q0/s1600/Michael%2BM.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 222px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wo1jqOL3zD8/Tz6ifC9_ZGI/AAAAAAAAABA/d-67nPmE0q0/s320/Michael%2BM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710180031808889954" border="0" /></a>This is Michael's first mission trip with FCCBRLA!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofwbA3yCAVY/Tz6mAv7WecI/AAAAAAAAABM/NvC0JgSNfWM/s1600/Rebecca%2BF.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofwbA3yCAVY/Tz6mAv7WecI/AAAAAAAAABM/NvC0JgSNfWM/s320/Rebecca%2BF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710183909347981762" border="0" /></a>This is Rebecca's first mission trip with FCCBRLA!<br /><br />Thank you to all who have supported us and helped us get here. Your donations, your prayers, your support, your EVERYTHING has been instrumental in getting us to St. Louis. We are thankful that we can be the church, we can represent FCCBRLA here in St. Louis, doing God's work and showing God's love in all the ways we are able.<br /><br />We can't wait to post more pictures and share our trip with you!<br /><br />Rev. LauraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-91878661510634532222011-06-20T21:37:00.004-05:002011-06-22T11:07:07.717-05:00Final Thoughts on the Mission TripOne more mission trip in the books - and what a trip it was! I came home from Nashville physically tired from the work, but equally as tired from all the laughter and joy our group shared. (I swear, I should have a six-pack from laughing so much) That's the beautiful thing about these trips. The work is always paralleled and strengthened by an undeniable sense of fellowship with your fellow workers. You get to know people beyond the facade you see on Sunday mornings. It never fails that I am spiritually renewed after a mission trip. It is an amazing thing to see Christ working through others in their actions, words, and attitudes. The hands and feet of God are not limited to just our mission team, though. This work shows the true character of people I have never met and may never see again, but still they strengthen me. They give me faith - faith in tomorrow, because there is nothing a group of people working through, and for Christ, cannot accomplish. I look forward to many more trips and experiences in the future, and all the things I will surely learn in the process.<br /><br />Amy<br /><br />I'm so glad I went on the mission trip. A few days before we left, I was reluctant to going because all of my friends were going to the beach together and I'd be missing out. But, I stuck with my choice to go and I definitely don't regret it! It was so rewarding seeing the progress we made building houses and knowing that these people can have their homes back because of our work. I will MOST DEFINITELY be attending the next mission trip with FCC. I'm so glad I had this great experience as my first mission trip because it makes me want to do more. Thanks to everyone who contributed to allow me and the rest of the mission trippers to go to Nashville! <br /><br />Darby<br /><br />As long as I have had a car and driver license I have had a deep affinity for the road trip. Driving long distances often by myself has always given me the chance to meditate on my being and drown out the noise of the outside world. The road trip starts a few days in advance with the creation of the soundtrack of the trip. In years past this was a daunting feat of dubbing tapes, burning CDs and hoping that what I will want to listen to or what will speak to me is included into the numerous volumes. In this age of technological advances this process has become much easier but no less important.<br /><br />After a beautiful Saturday relaxing and lazily floating the Illinois River with great friends, it was time to get on the road for the next adventure. As I left the comforts of friendship and got on the road for Nashville I pressed shuffle on the Ipod and decided to let the first few hours of music choose its self and simply let go in thought. The mix jumped from genre to genre, a little bluegrass followed by some rap followed by some classical pieces followed by some heavy metal and so on…. As the music played my mind drifted to the past mission trips, mentally preparing for the physical and emotional exhaustion that only a mission trip in a disaster area can provide, at this time the music was second to the mind.<br /><br />Arriving to the church that hosted our group a brief moment of anxiety swept over me, knowing only my sister and brother-in-law I wondered what the other eight individuals in the group would be like, if their personalities would mesh with mine, if their work ethics would mesh with the task ahead, if the group would mesh with each other. Within minutes of meeting the group and settling into my new temporary home I knew for me and for the group that it was going to be a great week of service.<br /><br />As we entered into each person’s house we were met with unique challenges and obstacles that needed to be faced to complete the task at hand. Although the differences were apparent in each house, the common thread in each house was that they were someone’s home. As the group I was working with started the first day, the owner of the house told us that she had been raised on that property and that the house we were working on had been moved to the land over 50 years before. A lyric from the drive the day before soon resonated through my mind’s speaker “Tear down the house, that I grew up in, I’ll never be the same again, Take everything that I’ve collected, and throw it in a pile.” This song by the Avett Brothers has spoken to me in the past for many different reasons, but on this day this songs first lyrics hit a new chord within me. We had been told that this owner had been a hoarder, knowing that about her then finding out that she had lived on this property her entire life I could not imagine the feelings of pain and loss that she had been experiencing for the last year.<br /><br />Being the first mission trip with my sister in more than a decade, I was reminded of our childhood when our Mom would travel to Central America for mission trips, at my age I never really understood where she was going or why she was going. She would always return home with stories of weeks without running water, eating food we would never imagine eating and having their bus boarded by armed militia members. These stories instilled in me the belief that mission trips were not meant to be easy or comfortable, they were to push us out of our comfort zone and walk with those less fortunate. One night in Mississippi shortly after Katrina the mother of the house I was staying at was trying to thank those of us that came to volunteer, she kept saying, we don’t have a choice in being here, this is our home, thank you for giving up your comforts to join us in this situation. These words speak to me each and every trip since that experience, meaning to me that service is not only about the job of rebuilding someone’s home but also easing the emptiness and loneliness that someone feels as they see all they’ve worked for and collected thrown into the trash pile.<br /><br />As the week progressed and the exhaustion of the day’s work started to mount in each of us, the reasons for each person’s participation became very honest and apparent. Those that approached the trip with the meaning of using their skills to help those that have lost everything continued through the week with little hardship. Those that approached the trip with the hopes of being surrounded by like-minded individuals and looking for affirmation of self and faith hit the proverbial wall early and hard. Disaster areas are unforgiving and brutal; if you approach them with hopes of feeling better about yourself you will not survive emotionally amongst the brutal honesty that devastation brings. But at looking at the tasks at hand and plodding through them, that happiness will come later when you can look back and process what you have learned about yourself and about those you served and served with. As the days went by I found it to be more of an honor to be serving with the group from First Christian as everyone congealed into a cohesive unit to serve the people of Nashville and let personal expectations and wants aside for those truly in need.<br /><br />Leaving Nashville Friday afternoon, I found myself stuck in traffic the first twelve or so miles out of Nashville, for over an hour I sat at a near standstill. As much as I was ready to get home and as much as I wanted to set the cruise on 85 and fly off into the oncoming states I was slowed to a crawl. As the initial grumpiness and not so nice words left my mouth in exhaustion, a song came on the shuffle and my mood changed from irritation to reflection, “ I welcome the sun, the clouds and rain, the wind that sweeps the sky clean and lets the sun shine again. This is the most magnificent life has ever been. Here is heaven and earth and the brilliant sky in between. Blessed is this life and I'm gonna celebrate being alive.” I started to think how lucky I was to be able to drive home to my house that may be messy, but the mold only grows in the half gallon of milk in the fridge and not in the walls. I started to read the notes that each of us in the group wrote to each other. Having only known most of these people for six days a bond and friendship had been made between each of us through our willingness to work hard and serve complete strangers, each note brought a smile to my face and recent memories of each person and what we had worked on together flooded my mind. Thoughts of the conversation with the City’s Volunteer Coordinator and his statement that if Tulsa ever was devastated by a tornado or flood to expect a phone call from him and that he and his wife would arrive shortly after to volunteer in the rebuilding. This almost brought a tear to my left eye. Almost.<br /><br />After a few days of being home the exhaustion and soreness has passed, but the memories and friendships will last well into the future. I look forward to seeing each and every member of our team again and find comfort with the feeling that each of them would lend me a hand in my time of need as I would happily lend a hand to them in theirs.<br /><br />Craig<br /><br />This mission trip was a real eye-opener for me. In the beginning I thought we would be working in very low income areas that had been affected by the floods. Once we got to some of the job sites, I realized that was not necessarily the case. It occurred to me that these were middle class people like myself that had been affected. So often I have taken for granted how blessed I have been and thought it would never happen to me. I have witnessed that disaster can strike anyone, anywhere. This trip has definitely made me more appreciative for what I have been given and opened my eyes to how blessed I am.<br /><br />AmandaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-12493116455337775752011-06-16T23:31:00.008-05:002011-06-16T23:46:56.857-05:00Thursday FundayThursday of the mission trip held many adventures in store for our group. We began the day working on our respective projects. Michael and Nancy returned to paint at Ms. Lauree’s, Amy Z., Craig, Darby, Evan, Jack, Elise, and Laura returned to Ms. Vel’s house to finish hanging drywall, and Amy L. and Amanda went to Mr. Enrique’s house for clean-up and potentially demolition. Around 11:30 we all returned for showers and to get ready for our Trolley Hop in downtown Nashville. The group loaded the trolley and began our tour of such sites as the Ryman Theater, the Parthenon, the Fisk Museum of Art, and the Country Hall of Fame and Museum. One group learned that hopping is really not to be desired on a trolley tour. Note for the future: stay on trolley at all costs. Do not get off the trolley, or this becomes a walking tour. :D After shopping and snacks, we met up for dinner at the Big River Brewery for a delicious dinner. We then returned to the church for a closing worship led by the DHM interns where we washed each other’s hands as a symbol of service to one another. A great end to another great day!<br /><br />Amy Z.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxPAkwsTuL8/TfraxsOJ1oI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/M3sL9vcLN-s/s1600/102_0451.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hxPAkwsTuL8/TfraxsOJ1oI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/M3sL9vcLN-s/s320/102_0451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619044032317085314" border="0" /></a>Live from the Ryman Theater: The Mission-Trippin' Trio with their hit song: Shade Sittin' and Water Sippin."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gASj2yJm1o/TfraqMVgWbI/AAAAAAAAAJs/se_HstxfrZE/s1600/102_0495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gASj2yJm1o/TfraqMVgWbI/AAAAAAAAAJs/se_HstxfrZE/s320/102_0495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619043903498901938" border="0" /></a>The Amazin' YADS: We'll miss you<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jie9jGSSvY/TfraCSmIHII/AAAAAAAAAJk/ljBGCUAWl6c/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jie9jGSSvY/TfraCSmIHII/AAAAAAAAAJk/ljBGCUAWl6c/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619043217984461954" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in">Yummy dinner at The Big River Brewery with the lovely Steve from mission trips past.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-On2yjYFLKsk/TfrZqd2I7rI/AAAAAAAAAJc/RAhWVtvYAlA/s1600/102_0498.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-On2yjYFLKsk/TfrZqd2I7rI/AAAAAAAAAJc/RAhWVtvYAlA/s320/102_0498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619042808687554226" border="0" /></a>The whole group in downtown Nashville after dinner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I6rxbjAHlfs/TfrZOGe9_9I/AAAAAAAAAJE/z72i_KvShoU/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I6rxbjAHlfs/TfrZOGe9_9I/AAAAAAAAAJE/z72i_KvShoU/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619042321380016082" border="0" /></a>The Nashville Trolley Tour... not to be confused with a walking tour.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mJ01E2uQOU/TfrY_kGRXeI/AAAAAAAAAI8/uaHEue820RA/s1600/DSCN0347.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mJ01E2uQOU/TfrY_kGRXeI/AAAAAAAAAI8/uaHEue820RA/s320/DSCN0347.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619042071631453666" border="0" /></a>An exact replica of the church where we are staying... not really, it's an exact replica of the Parthenon... in Nashville, TNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-22940735200717182622011-06-15T22:48:00.010-05:002011-06-16T23:31:32.439-05:00MORE RAIN!We have been working on Ms. Lauree's house for three days now. Ms. Lauree is a native of Nashville. In fact, she has lived her entire life on the property she lives on now. She was getting her roof repaired when the rains came that led to the Cumberland River flood of 2010 and is now getting help from the Southeast Nashville Flood Recovery. SENFR is the agency that selects homes to repair and connects both building materials and volunteers that allows the rebuilding process to take place. Disciples Home Missions is working very closely with SENFR this summer.<br /><br />We have contributed quite a bit to Ms. Lauree's re-build. Today, Rev. Laura and Amy Lester finished a big landscaping project using some pretty big rocks. Amanda Price, Nancy Chapaneri and Rev. Michael did sanding, trimming and painting in the living room and main bed room. A strong mid-afternoon thunderstorm cooled things down and ended our work day a bit earlier than normal. But no one was complaining as the work was quite hard.<br /><br />Everyone who has worked at Ms. Lauree's this week has been taken in by her dynamic, vivid personality. She is 72 but moves around like she's half that age. An avid bowler, she won 4th place at a recent tournament. And she's an active member at Payne's Chapel AME, scarcely going more than a few minutes without praising God and giving an "Hallelujah! God is good today!"<br /><br />Michael<br /><br />Today the "Dream Team" returned to Vel's house (Monday's house with the pungent odor). We cleaned up, dry-walled, and did lots of dancing to say the least... We learned a lot today about hanging dry wall because not only does it require every bit of strength you have to hold it up, it also requires team work. Whether you are holding nails, holding up dry wall, or screwing the boards into place, you are an important part to rebuilding Vel's home. Vel was also very gracious in giving us Klondike bars while it hailed outside! We were excited to see lots of progress and that our hard work and team work really does count.<br /><br />Darby<br /><br />Pictures of our day... <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNaMwC_4Ces/TfrXVKj2P8I/AAAAAAAAAI0/8KppR9JzxQQ/s1600/102_0415.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNaMwC_4Ces/TfrXVKj2P8I/AAAAAAAAAI0/8KppR9JzxQQ/s320/102_0415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619040243710050242" border="0" /></a>Ms. Nancy painting Ms. Lauree's bedroom...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pszgZjsHP7s/TfrXPYPcD_I/AAAAAAAAAIs/0f7-IgBcQSA/s1600/102_0426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pszgZjsHP7s/TfrXPYPcD_I/AAAAAAAAAIs/0f7-IgBcQSA/s320/102_0426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619040144303329266" border="0" /></a>While it was pouring down rain, Amy and Laura helped inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZw0zZBXxIA/TfrXK6ME2cI/AAAAAAAAAIk/g6wg7ErsW5o/s1600/102_0427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZw0zZBXxIA/TfrXK6ME2cI/AAAAAAAAAIk/g6wg7ErsW5o/s320/102_0427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619040067516684738" border="0" /></a>Amanda and Michael painting the ceilings in each room - how'd you work around that fan?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ce2c9OFhhQ/TfrXD1z9EfI/AAAAAAAAAIc/rZTROl1fYTs/s1600/102_0432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ce2c9OFhhQ/TfrXD1z9EfI/AAAAAAAAAIc/rZTROl1fYTs/s320/102_0432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619039946082685426" border="0" /></a>Our work space was tight at times. All three of us painting in one corner!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2Bq9yE9Uzg/TfrWXEUAKcI/AAAAAAAAAIU/hPWjQCpjd98/s1600/102_0433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2Bq9yE9Uzg/TfrWXEUAKcI/AAAAAAAAAIU/hPWjQCpjd98/s320/102_0433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619039176881088962" border="0" /></a>The finished landscaping job outside Ms. Lauree's house. Amy and Laura found and dug up almost all of those rocks from around Ms. Lauree's yard - we might open a landscaping business.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEcNUkJYl2U/TfrVjjYNeeI/AAAAAAAAAIM/vDg2Yb8legk/s1600/100_0783.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEcNUkJYl2U/TfrVjjYNeeI/AAAAAAAAAIM/vDg2Yb8legk/s320/100_0783.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619038291867040226" border="0" /></a>Ms. Nancy and Ms. Lauree before the rains started!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rF_OWc7pUPY/TfmBPVCLSZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/XATP2FfvtS8/s1600/photo.PNG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rF_OWc7pUPY/TfmBPVCLSZI/AAAAAAAAAIE/XATP2FfvtS8/s320/photo.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618664110465698194" border="0" /></a>The Dream Team posed outside of Vel's house.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcivKv18oeg/TfmBH8HLB1I/AAAAAAAAAH0/tS37x9aTZCk/s1600/photo1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcivKv18oeg/TfmBH8HLB1I/AAAAAAAAAH0/tS37x9aTZCk/s320/photo1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618663983516682066" border="0" /></a>Charlie's Angels? They just might be with those drills!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rr-52G_Zho/TfmBHM2JdqI/AAAAAAAAAHs/5fKpS9053zU/s1600/photo11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Rr-52G_Zho/TfmBHM2JdqI/AAAAAAAAAHs/5fKpS9053zU/s320/photo11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618663970828809890" border="0" /></a>Jack working on dry wall with Dwight, a Long-Term Volunteer for Disciples Home Mission.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aMmhH2A3mE/TfmBG-rOUHI/AAAAAAAAAHk/-niTieymiVY/s1600/photo4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6aMmhH2A3mE/TfmBG-rOUHI/AAAAAAAAAHk/-niTieymiVY/s320/photo4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618663967024894066" border="0" /></a>Amy and Jack - good teamwork!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qutoksj3vgk/TfmBGhuL1yI/AAAAAAAAAHc/geuUBlCwT5A/s1600/photo1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qutoksj3vgk/TfmBGhuL1yI/AAAAAAAAAHc/geuUBlCwT5A/s320/photo1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618663959252686626" border="0" /></a>Evan holding up drywall until the rest of the team can screw it in.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3p9WHp0lbYg/TfmBIOz7mTI/AAAAAAAAAH8/pvdTl6rgaE8/s1600/photo2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3p9WHp0lbYg/TfmBIOz7mTI/AAAAAAAAAH8/pvdTl6rgaE8/s320/photo2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618663988536252722" border="0" /></a>Elise making some precise measurements for the drywall.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-14946144543111322992011-06-14T22:05:00.007-05:002011-06-14T22:35:54.431-05:00Rain Can't Keep Us Down!The old adage "a little rain never hurt anyone," took on new meaning for us today. It rained on us all as we tried to continue our work, but we recognized that a lot of rain did hurt all those who we are helping this week. While we welcomed the rain because it was refreshing and cooled us off as we worked our various jobs, we recognized that it also caused all this destruction and the need for us to be here in the first place. Much like our own choices, this rain can be incredibly destructive OR it can be very refreshing and rejuvenating. We trust that by being here and working as the Body of Christ, the Holy Spirit will guide us in our choices that we are "refreshing and rejuvenating" to others, and especially to others in this Body of Christ. We already feel like we've learned so much, from new skills, to learning new things about our friends, to learning more about our own relationship with Christ that we are definitely being rejuvenated by our experience here this week. And we still have three more days to go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89gqvC1KgR0/Tfgk9_hAnJI/AAAAAAAAAHI/0C2MXRNtqto/s1600/100_0780.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89gqvC1KgR0/Tfgk9_hAnJI/AAAAAAAAAHI/0C2MXRNtqto/s320/100_0780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618281182585199762" border="0" /></a>Craig directing Michael in all the ways of fascia and its proper installation. Helpful... as always.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2gwTcULRZs/Tfgk9RkRFuI/AAAAAAAAAHA/pn9NjDBHtxs/s1600/100_0766.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2gwTcULRZs/Tfgk9RkRFuI/AAAAAAAAAHA/pn9NjDBHtxs/s320/100_0766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618281170250831586" border="0" /></a>Laura carrying one of MANY rocks that she and Amy dug up from the yard so as to line the flower beds.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy8IQN6kD1Q/Tfgk9OssPnI/AAAAAAAAAG4/QprRtB-WyWY/s1600/100_0774.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy8IQN6kD1Q/Tfgk9OssPnI/AAAAAAAAAG4/QprRtB-WyWY/s320/100_0774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618281169480859250" border="0" /></a>Amy, providing some "man-power" to install more fascia.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rviFDkCJdnE/Tfgk8wdbd1I/AAAAAAAAAGw/moHEJrmAcwI/s1600/100_0763.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rviFDkCJdnE/Tfgk8wdbd1I/AAAAAAAAAGw/moHEJrmAcwI/s320/100_0763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618281161363781458" border="0" /></a>Michael and our team leader Jesse, cutting fascia on our new favorite tool called a "break."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVPYj2N8QKA/Tfgk-d6l7MI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/v5mLIMDsW3M/s1600/100_0781.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVPYj2N8QKA/Tfgk-d6l7MI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/v5mLIMDsW3M/s320/100_0781.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618281190745566402" border="0" /></a>Amy and Laura showing off their hard work on one side of the flower beds.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7--5Ak--eA/TfgkkI1JlBI/AAAAAAAAAGo/szwqkrlxjCg/s1600/102_0384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7--5Ak--eA/TfgkkI1JlBI/AAAAAAAAAGo/szwqkrlxjCg/s320/102_0384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618280738408993810" border="0" /></a>The "Dream Team" posing in front of some lawn ornaments at their house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YnnuaG5Bis/Tfgkbf49KnI/AAAAAAAAAGg/eIcjsiJNMcs/s1600/DSCN0278.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YnnuaG5Bis/Tfgkbf49KnI/AAAAAAAAAGg/eIcjsiJNMcs/s320/DSCN0278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618280589980150386" border="0" /></a>Removing drywall - the house had not received any work/labor since the floods arrived in May 2010.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYM5l3gN3eA/Tfgj_feS0-I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/W893EbFWNrQ/s1600/102_0387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYM5l3gN3eA/Tfgj_feS0-I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/W893EbFWNrQ/s320/102_0387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618280108831986658" border="0" /></a>Elise takes out some frustration on a piece of ceiling drywall.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDP6OxuQmTE/Tfgj_O-ky7I/AAAAAAAAAGI/952LSsAeeM0/s1600/102_0358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eDP6OxuQmTE/Tfgj_O-ky7I/AAAAAAAAAGI/952LSsAeeM0/s320/102_0358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618280104403979186" border="0" /></a>Amanda and Amy Z - "clean up, clean up, every body do your share...." and smiling underneath it all.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGD2ptvNwD4/Tfgj-kV0WmI/AAAAAAAAAGA/tyj3ZnEb5rI/s1600/102_0368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGD2ptvNwD4/Tfgj-kV0WmI/AAAAAAAAAGA/tyj3ZnEb5rI/s320/102_0368.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618280092958743138" border="0" /></a>Watch Out! Darby's got a sledge hammer and she's not afraid to use it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nurbp3PsoKw/Tfgj_pYltDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/PnSR4MwmJPs/s1600/102_0393.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nurbp3PsoKw/Tfgj_pYltDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/PnSR4MwmJPs/s320/102_0393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618280111492412466" border="0" /></a>Amy and Nancy assess the situation and the best way to get all this debris outside.<br /><br />Keep checking back for more!<br /><br />Rev. Laura and Amy LesterUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-49679504252127674632011-06-13T22:11:00.006-05:002011-06-14T22:39:45.018-05:00All in a day's work - Day OneHello, from Nashville. Today, we completed our first day of work, and what a day it was. It started off with a delicious breakfast and an early departure. After a quick meeting between mission leaders, our BR, LA group was divided between two job sites. The first group was comprised of Amanda, Elise, Darby, Nancy, Evan and Amy Z. Their main focus was to "de-popcorn" the ceiling in their homeowner's house. From all accounts, the work was a great start because the work wasn't too difficult, but prepared everyone for what's to come the rest of the week. The second group, was sent across town to Ms. Lauree's house. Jack, Michael, Laura, Amy L. and Craig worked on a hodgepodge of different tasks - mudding drywall, quick-creting porch posts and landscaping. Luckily, it stayed in the 80's so we weren't too hot working outside! We met back up at the church for showers, dinner, devotion and a mean game of Farkle! Note: We'll be posting the winner and loser of our epic Farkle battles daily. Winner: Amy L. Loser: Craig.<br /><br />Tomorrow, the groups get mixed up and sent to new job sites! Keep reading!<br /><br />Amy L.<br /><br /><br /><br />Day 1: Lauree's house (hodgepodge)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7f3rTva948/TfbbrgQRcdI/AAAAAAAAAFg/xO0YIxtYmWk/s1600/100_0757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--7f3rTva948/TfbbrgQRcdI/AAAAAAAAAFg/xO0YIxtYmWk/s320/100_0757.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617919125630317010" border="0" /></a>Craig and Jack handled the drywall. Jack didn't just supervise, we swear.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QlKUDEF3q84/Tfbbrz0D30I/AAAAAAAAAFo/6-p97yDrnpY/s1600/100_0753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QlKUDEF3q84/Tfbbrz0D30I/AAAAAAAAAFo/6-p97yDrnpY/s320/100_0753.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617919130880696130" border="0" /></a><br />Amy L., Laura, and Michael trimmed, removed, and transplanted a TON of monkey grass.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpwEoaUEtzI/TfbbsCb1PGI/AAAAAAAAAFw/9lwoc0Ez4xI/s1600/100_0760.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gpwEoaUEtzI/TfbbsCb1PGI/AAAAAAAAAFw/9lwoc0Ez4xI/s320/100_0760.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617919134805605474" border="0" /></a><br />When lacking motivation, ice cream helps!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0Qv9jlxYyc/TfbbrCgEA3I/AAAAAAAAAFY/REQ7_HoPqTk/s1600/100_0752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0Qv9jlxYyc/TfbbrCgEA3I/AAAAAAAAAFY/REQ7_HoPqTk/s320/100_0752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617919117643481970" border="0" /></a>The group wait for job site assignments<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1i9DeeqpaQ/Tfbbssya_VI/AAAAAAAAAF4/8risgcWQXtc/s1600/102_0333.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1i9DeeqpaQ/Tfbbssya_VI/AAAAAAAAAF4/8risgcWQXtc/s320/102_0333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617919146174643538" border="0" /></a>FARKLE!!!!!!!<br /><br />Dream Team-Day 1...De-Popcorning the Ceilings<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lANuYS6sQa0/TfbVO7vCD3I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/iCrEPMbMNpw/s1600/DSCN0261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lANuYS6sQa0/TfbVO7vCD3I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/iCrEPMbMNpw/s320/DSCN0261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617912037721116530" border="0" /></a>Nancy Chapaneri's first mission trip...walking the Christian walk, not just talking the talk!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlQTjlyluTI/TfbTQ4I_HVI/AAAAAAAAAE4/-5Z7PMV_2HQ/s1600/DSCN0246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlQTjlyluTI/TfbTQ4I_HVI/AAAAAAAAAE4/-5Z7PMV_2HQ/s320/DSCN0246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617909872092716370" border="0" /></a>We affectionately started calling the debris "popcorn poop!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Rp3IffWh4/TfbTJlcWBHI/AAAAAAAAAEw/OUWgGXWMzzo/s1600/DSCN0247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_Rp3IffWh4/TfbTJlcWBHI/AAAAAAAAAEw/OUWgGXWMzzo/s320/DSCN0247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617909746814551154" border="0" /></a>Darby...the self-appointed "Popcorn Scraping Queen."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ynevAdxhfo/TfbTTeUoU0I/AAAAAAAAAFI/5LWt6fd7Qn4/s1600/DSCN0266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ynevAdxhfo/TfbTTeUoU0I/AAAAAAAAAFI/5LWt6fd7Qn4/s320/DSCN0266.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617909916701840194" border="0" /></a>The group with our lovely home owner, Vel, who provided a special treat, Klondike Bars, for the group! Our fearless site leader, Dwight, and DHM intern, Will, are also pictured with us!<br />Way to go Dream Team!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-83426072405000404802011-06-12T22:54:00.011-05:002011-06-14T22:39:10.424-05:00Here's.........the mission team!<br /><br />We've made it safe and sound to Nashville.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5vsbG6aQdk/TfWR7QiZiBI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Uvv53e6bjww/s1600/Nashville%2B001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5vsbG6aQdk/TfWR7QiZiBI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Uvv53e6bjww/s320/Nashville%2B001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617556557452118034" border="0" /></a>After an early start on our way to Nashville, several rest stops, lunch at a fireworks stand and some all around fun in the cars on the way here, we arrived just in time for dinner and orientation. We were welcomed by the long-time volunteers that give up their time for several weeks at a time during the summer so that other volunteers like us can come be a part of this recovery. We are excited about what we will be doing this week and look forward to the ways that the Spirit will lead us, the ways that God will move us and to the ways that we can be the Body of Christ here and now.<br /><br />Let's meet the mission team!<br /><br />Jack (Not yet pictured):<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is Jack's third mission trip at FCCBRLA.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This trip is the first since graduating college, and he is looking forward to what he hopes will be a spiritually fulfilling experience. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNftRFmMdWo/TfWRkk2bAUI/AAAAAAAAAEg/jtCj-JWpTaM/s1600/D.J..jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 319px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNftRFmMdWo/TfWRkk2bAUI/AAAAAAAAAEg/jtCj-JWpTaM/s320/D.J..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617556167767818562" border="0" /></a><br />This is Darby's first mission trip with FCCBRLA. She is excited and looking forward to new opportunities and experiences!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEddPsJgYp4/TfWOk1nm9pI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/zRp_VQaQJFE/s1600/Profile%2BPhoto.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XEddPsJgYp4/TfWOk1nm9pI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/zRp_VQaQJFE/s320/Profile%2BPhoto.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552873734207122" border="0" /></a>This is Rev. Laura's 3rd mission trip with FCC. She is looking forward to teaching the "newbies" how we "Get Dirty for Jesus" and all the ways that our group bonds throughout the trip!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDkFOu3f7ng/TfWOf09fGNI/AAAAAAAAAEA/3B3MrS-1fkc/s1600/Michael%2BKarunas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDkFOu3f7ng/TfWOf09fGNI/AAAAAAAAAEA/3B3MrS-1fkc/s320/Michael%2BKarunas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552787658184914" border="0" /></a>Rev. Michael has been on several mission trips with FCC but each one presents a new opportunity. He looks forward to the ways the Spirit will move and an opportunity for some real hands on work!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oeepq6PsGT0/TfWOfufi48I/AAAAAAAAAD4/05cYyzn9fys/s1600/Laura%2BPhillips.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2JscmUXfQg/TfWOfTUnWJI/AAAAAAAAADw/HsGWqpX8A2c/s1600/Elise%2BMadere.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2JscmUXfQg/TfWOfTUnWJI/AAAAAAAAADw/HsGWqpX8A2c/s320/Elise%2BMadere.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552778628389010" border="0" /></a>Elise continues to be a "regular" on the FCC mission trips after going on many during her HS years. We are thankful Elise is able to join us and hope this week will be a great experience before she sets off on her new journey in law school.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWVd3iP_Fd0/TfWOe9DJNrI/AAAAAAAAADo/UFhG7g4CvOs/s1600/E.M..jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 307px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWVd3iP_Fd0/TfWOe9DJNrI/AAAAAAAAADo/UFhG7g4CvOs/s320/E.M..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552772649531058" border="0" /></a>This is Evan's 2nd mission trip with FCCBRLA. He also went on the mission trip to NOLA in 2010 and is excited that he has this opportunity to help others.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IquLsheyBIs/TfWOgGtxheI/AAAAAAAAAEI/QTZ350vUXIE/s1600/Nancy%2BChapaneri.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IquLsheyBIs/TfWOgGtxheI/AAAAAAAAAEI/QTZ350vUXIE/s320/Nancy%2BChapaneri.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552792424121826" border="0" /></a>This is Nancy's first opportunity to join the mission team from FCCBRLA. Nancy is excited about the new opportunities to serve others - whatever those opportunities will look like.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QH5YmdaW_LE/TfWOWxDSv5I/AAAAAAAAADY/saQkNy8VtV0/s1600/Craig%2BZiettlow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QH5YmdaW_LE/TfWOWxDSv5I/AAAAAAAAADY/saQkNy8VtV0/s320/Craig%2BZiettlow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552631989976978" border="0" /></a>Craig is Amy Z's brother and is joining our group from Tulsa, OK. We are excited to have him join our group and extra excited for his skills and expertise in carpentry! :D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77L8o4TbCYo/TfWOWSae_CI/AAAAAAAAADQ/TJsn5FCzuVo/s1600/Amy%2BZiettlow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77L8o4TbCYo/TfWOWSae_CI/AAAAAAAAADQ/TJsn5FCzuVo/s320/Amy%2BZiettlow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552623765748770" border="0" /></a>This is Amy's second mission trip with FCC. She is happy that her parents are in town to keep the kids so that both she and Michael can go on the trip. She is looking forward to having a great week with everyone, especially the CYFers!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2OUZuWXhGg/TfWOV9UNXsI/AAAAAAAAADI/yVbtK4dwULc/s1600/Amy%2BLester.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2OUZuWXhGg/TfWOV9UNXsI/AAAAAAAAADI/yVbtK4dwULc/s320/Amy%2BLester.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552618102283970" border="0" /></a>Amy has been a member of FCCBRLA since she was ten. She has attended many mission trips all over the country and Mexico. She is looking forward to some hard work and fellowship in Nashville.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhu1ae0cwVU/TfWOVSw618I/AAAAAAAAADA/0FOLM6HWXrs/s1600/Amanda%2BPrice.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uhu1ae0cwVU/TfWOVSw618I/AAAAAAAAADA/0FOLM6HWXrs/s320/Amanda%2BPrice.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617552606679979970" border="0" /></a>Amanda has been on many different mission trips with FCC and each one has touched her and opened her eyes in a different way. She is excited and ready to see what God has planned for her this time!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntZFdM3_iGw/TfWOW_IqzmI/AAAAAAAAADg/tIjsb3VlIis/s1600/D.J..jpg"><br /></a>Thank you to all who have supported us and helped us get here. Your donations, your prayers, your support, your EVERYTHING has been instrumental in getting us to this place. We are thankful that we can be the church, we can represent FCCBRLA here in Nashville, doing God's work and showing God's love in all the ways we are able.<br /><br />We can't wait to post more pictures and share our trip with you!<br /><br />Rev. LauraUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-83314854040698519002010-06-04T20:45:00.041-05:002010-06-09T09:13:30.745-05:00A Perfect Circle....Our week started in lots of rain, so it only makes sense that we would finish off the week with a very large storm and lots and lots of water!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-b9-1jAAI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/U75BAnBvLv0/s1600/P6040106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-b9-1jAAI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/U75BAnBvLv0/s320/P6040106.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We managed to get the siding on the back of the building completely done. Thanks Ian for completing the team on Friday morning!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dpTgdu6I/AAAAAAAAA44/_r2KXndGTgg/s1600/P6040114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dpTgdu6I/AAAAAAAAA44/_r2KXndGTgg/s320/P6040114.JPG" /></a></div>And Elise got up on the scaffolding to complete the job by caulking!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-bgyEotAI/AAAAAAAAA24/TLNw14vYNuA/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-bgyEotAI/AAAAAAAAA24/TLNw14vYNuA/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Jake and Ian helped Tom install the attic steps and door to put the finishing touches on one of the multi-purpose rooms.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-cMJQ9fiI/AAAAAAAAA3g/0PHLLMwLNTc/s1600/P6040120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-cMJQ9fiI/AAAAAAAAA3g/0PHLLMwLNTc/s320/P6040120.JPG" /></a></div>Elise and Amy helped finish the windows by putting up the window trim and closing the gaps with caulking.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-ckvD3F5I/AAAAAAAAA3w/y57dv65aL8E/s1600/P6040145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-ckvD3F5I/AAAAAAAAA3w/y57dv65aL8E/s320/P6040145.JPG" /></a></div>Lucy came out to offer her support!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-cv_8mxaI/AAAAAAAAA34/-OoNLD4CyD8/s1600/P6040147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-cv_8mxaI/AAAAAAAAA34/-OoNLD4CyD8/s320/P6040147.JPG" /></a></div>Right before the rains came....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-c9lSSpTI/AAAAAAAAA4A/X6jGSbyJYzk/s1600/P6040149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-c9lSSpTI/AAAAAAAAA4A/X6jGSbyJYzk/s320/P6040149.JPG" /></a></div>We were still working... RIGHT UP to the rains!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dM8iFopI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/iBbW8ofVsGI/s1600/P6040150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dM8iFopI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/iBbW8ofVsGI/s320/P6040150.JPG" /></a></div>And the rains made for a complete circle of the week... starting in rain... and ending in rain...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-cYDJDVPI/AAAAAAAAA3o/tTMfHMgoJ4I/s1600/P6040134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-cYDJDVPI/AAAAAAAAA3o/tTMfHMgoJ4I/s320/P6040134.JPG" /></a></div>The paint team continued to work even though it was raining cats and dogs outside!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dF-ayO0I/AAAAAAAAA4I/bJ71vKpvqBM/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dF-ayO0I/AAAAAAAAA4I/bJ71vKpvqBM/s320/IMG_0725.JPG" /></a></div>And somewhere in there Carol made time for a trip to Home Depot :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dTffMiNI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/35H_0iASmq4/s1600/P6040151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dTffMiNI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/35H_0iASmq4/s320/P6040151.JPG" /></a></div>But despite the buckets and buckets of rain that fell in a matter of minutes...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dmcG-x9I/AAAAAAAAA4w/UZPynXlkIxg/s1600/P6040160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-dmcG-x9I/AAAAAAAAA4w/UZPynXlkIxg/s320/P6040160.JPG" /></a></div>We still made the best of it and finished out a great week!<br />
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Thank you so much for your concern and your prayers throughout the week. They meant a world of difference. We hope that you felt as much a part of this mission through your prayers, support and financial contributions, as we did by actually working. <br />
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We'll close out the week the same way we began - both with rain - and with prayer.<br />
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Holy and Loving God, we know that Christ has no body but ours, no hands, no feet on earth but ours, ours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world, ours are the feet with which he walks to do good, ours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. Ours are the hands, ours are the feet, ours are the eyes, we are his body. Christ has no body now but ours, no hands, no feet on earth but ours, ours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but ours. Help us to use our bodies, our minds and our hearts to be the body of Christ in this world. Help us to be carriers of your light to all those we meet. Grant us the courage to accept change in the ways we can. Grant us the serenity to accept those things we cannot change. Grant us the wisdom to see the difference. Grant us the compassion to live one day at a time, as your body here on earth. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-46721959748138795022010-06-03T19:40:00.027-05:002010-06-09T08:06:21.557-05:00Is it Thursday Already?We're over "hump day"! Can't believe it's Thursday already - but we're ready to work!<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the day (end of the day on Wednesday) this is what our work site looked like...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-MwlgSpbI/AAAAAAAAA0o/tK7bSnHVK7U/s1600/P6030096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-MwlgSpbI/AAAAAAAAA0o/tK7bSnHVK7U/s320/P6030096.JPG" /></a></div>One row of siding and kick boards have been placed on every side of the community center... Soffit and fascia board continue to go up around the over hang on every side of the building - it's just harder to see, but we promise those boys are working hard!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-MyvJszgI/AAAAAAAAA0w/xSyCtVqhe18/s1600/P6030097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-MyvJszgI/AAAAAAAAA0w/xSyCtVqhe18/s320/P6030097.JPG" /></a></div>The back of the community center is mostly sided with only a little bit more needed after we add a second layer of scaffolding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-M5x6DF3I/AAAAAAAAA1A/PV6vOprZDoU/s1600/P6020093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-M5x6DF3I/AAAAAAAAA1A/PV6vOprZDoU/s320/P6020093.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The two multi-purpose rooms have all the doors installed, trim around all the doors and baseboard, all have been caulked, and all has been painted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-M-brb6bI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/PMklrVlXBM4/s1600/P6020095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-M-brb6bI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/PMklrVlXBM4/s320/P6020095.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-M8DUtNeI/AAAAAAAAA1I/QagObI-1LBk/s1600/P6020094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-M8DUtNeI/AAAAAAAAA1I/QagObI-1LBk/s320/P6020094.JPG" /></a></div>The same can be said for the hallway! It still looked like quite a construction site when we got here - but it's so great to be able to see the progress and watch it transform into a community center!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-O7A3L-qI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/biBlS9W2JM8/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-O7A3L-qI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/biBlS9W2JM8/s320/IMG_0681.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we're not acting a little crazy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PAd5dc1I/AAAAAAAAA1g/XrF-0m25s_I/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PAd5dc1I/AAAAAAAAA1g/XrF-0m25s_I/s320/IMG_0682.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Or getting hurt....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PGOaqFLI/AAAAAAAAA1o/8dNNomlAbTg/s1600/IMG_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PGOaqFLI/AAAAAAAAA1o/8dNNomlAbTg/s320/IMG_0701.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Or taking water breaks....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PQNo1_5I/AAAAAAAAA2A/lyHCWWXFRQ4/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PQNo1_5I/AAAAAAAAA2A/lyHCWWXFRQ4/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Or just hanging out the windows....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PgZMSoAI/AAAAAAAAA2I/o2dHMqk4jhs/s1600/IMG_0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PgZMSoAI/AAAAAAAAA2I/o2dHMqk4jhs/s320/IMG_0693.JPG" /></a></div>Or eating the WONDERFUL food that Lucy and the kitchen crew make for us....<br />
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We PROMISE we're working!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PJea_TnI/AAAAAAAAA1w/2dcjeYSEGfs/s1600/P6030102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PJea_TnI/AAAAAAAAA1w/2dcjeYSEGfs/s320/P6030102.JPG" /></a></div>Carol and Amanda took to painting the bathrooms and kitchen today! Only one more room after this!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PLc87dpI/AAAAAAAAA14/5JRlD6OCUe8/s1600/P6030103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-PLc87dpI/AAAAAAAAA14/5JRlD6OCUe8/s320/P6030103.JPG" /></a></div>We continue to be very grateful for Elise! Caulking is very tedious - but very important - and Elise has become the master caulker!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-QpX6N6yI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/AZVwlJpaaio/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-QpX6N6yI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/AZVwlJpaaio/s320/IMG_0707.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More scaffolding has gone up for more siding!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Q0zvMXlI/AAAAAAAAA2g/aZseniWzhAo/s1600/IMG_0678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Q0zvMXlI/AAAAAAAAA2g/aZseniWzhAo/s320/IMG_0678.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The soffit and fascia team continue to work hard...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Q4FjgRdI/AAAAAAAAA2o/DNHU7_BuyGM/s1600/P6030100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Q4FjgRdI/AAAAAAAAA2o/DNHU7_BuyGM/s320/P6030100.JPG" /></a></div>And again....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-RlyFnO7I/AAAAAAAAA2w/7lXDUVR5oWo/s1600/P6030104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-RlyFnO7I/AAAAAAAAA2w/7lXDUVR5oWo/s320/P6030104.JPG" /></a></div>We always make time for fun!<br />
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We played farkel again tonight... but it just wasn't the same. Some of us were tired, and some of us quit half way through.... it's just not the same unless our whole group is together!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-70696043065670817702010-06-02T19:17:00.000-05:002010-06-09T07:40:41.959-05:00More soffit... more siding.... more caulking.... more painting!We continue to make great progress on the house. We've been working in teams this week and have developed some good working relationships and "routines" with those teams, which makes us all the more efficient :) At the beginning of the day, the site looked like this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-H8j6TBjI/AAAAAAAAA0A/RWcbjH6Sy5c/s1600/P6020045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-H8j6TBjI/AAAAAAAAA0A/RWcbjH6Sy5c/s320/P6020045.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-IAou8QPI/AAAAAAAAA0I/XiHr3az_iLs/s1600/P6020048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-IAou8QPI/AAAAAAAAA0I/XiHr3az_iLs/s320/P6020048.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-IDeMVJRI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/KApmWdEORxw/s1600/P6020049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-IDeMVJRI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/KApmWdEORxw/s320/P6020049.JPG" /></a></div> (It's hard to see in this photo - but underneath the porch, there's no soffit, there will be by the end of the day though!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-G2QWchbI/AAAAAAAAAyA/z-yte0c6fV4/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-G2QWchbI/AAAAAAAAAyA/z-yte0c6fV4/s320/IMG_0635.JPG" /></a></div> Amy and Laura continued to work on siding - and the scaffolding went up - which is quite an accomplishment since Laura is afraid of heights. Thank you to Amy and our partner in crime Barry (from Kansas City, KS) for helping Laura work on this!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HJcnGXII/AAAAAAAAAyg/xrx9-XbnXKc/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HJcnGXII/AAAAAAAAAyg/xrx9-XbnXKc/s320/IMG_0657.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Htb1-7aI/AAAAAAAAAzo/_wsolloNY8I/s1600/P6020086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Htb1-7aI/AAAAAAAAAzo/_wsolloNY8I/s320/P6020086.JPG" /></a></div>Michael came for a visit and took Laura's place for a while. Steve (one of the long term volunteers) had to stand watch and make sure Michael was doing it right. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HBYPx3PI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/LgyMA6dxtfo/s1600/IMG_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HBYPx3PI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/LgyMA6dxtfo/s320/IMG_0650.JPG" /></a></div>Tom took some more breaks....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HM2N4RLI/AAAAAAAAAyo/VWztIy2jd4A/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HM2N4RLI/AAAAAAAAAyo/VWztIy2jd4A/s320/IMG_0659.JPG" /></a></div>Just kidding! Tom continues to be an important part of our team and works very hard!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HFbpcoYI/AAAAAAAAAyY/9QuB7uv29r4/s1600/IMG_0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HFbpcoYI/AAAAAAAAAyY/9QuB7uv29r4/s320/IMG_0655.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HVNViRiI/AAAAAAAAAy4/iLheDsCCJwU/s1600/P6020053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HVNViRiI/AAAAAAAAAy4/iLheDsCCJwU/s320/P6020053.JPG" /></a></div>Carol donned the painting gear and helped paint the inside of two rooms! It's looking more and more like a real building EVERY day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HR0YpKCI/AAAAAAAAAyw/bmowd_Sqsmo/s1600/IMG_0663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HR0YpKCI/AAAAAAAAAyw/bmowd_Sqsmo/s320/IMG_0663.JPG" /></a></div>Even though we're all from Louisiana and know about the heat - we still take our water breaks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HYquWWMI/AAAAAAAAAzA/j663KlCSxqU/s1600/P6020054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HYquWWMI/AAAAAAAAAzA/j663KlCSxqU/s320/P6020054.JPG" /></a></div>Carol continued to use the meiter saw - and found a good place for it under the shade of a big tree! Good thinking Carol!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Hamc_Z7I/AAAAAAAAAzI/O44OP87SsjU/s1600/P6020055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Hamc_Z7I/AAAAAAAAAzI/O44OP87SsjU/s320/P6020055.JPG" /></a></div>Amanda and Elise continued to do one of the most tedious jobs - caulking! But Amanda found some refuge outside when she also went to help Carol for a while.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HpcqLIlI/AAAAAAAAAzY/rUWRFNLgZWg/s1600/P6020084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-HpcqLIlI/AAAAAAAAAzY/rUWRFNLgZWg/s320/P6020084.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-IGrpvRsI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/2szYI4FPEUg/s1600/P6020051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-IGrpvRsI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/2szYI4FPEUg/s320/P6020051.JPG" /></a></div> Ian and Jake, Interns Gabe and Corey, worked on the porch for what seemed like all day... One stubborn piece of soffit.... don't ask them about the day they only put up four pieces of soffit, they are still a little frustrated!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-IQYpPeoI/AAAAAAAAA0g/ZJcjUvxWuAA/s1600/P6020087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-IQYpPeoI/AAAAAAAAA0g/ZJcjUvxWuAA/s320/P6020087.JPG" /></a></div>But we all continue to learn new skills and help one another when we are still learning and need a little guidance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Hw0YIDDI/AAAAAAAAAzw/8E45kzy31jQ/s1600/P6020091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TA-Hw0YIDDI/AAAAAAAAAzw/8E45kzy31jQ/s320/P6020091.JPG" /></a></div>And every now and again we make time for a nap....<br />
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Which we apparently needed tonight - because we all decided we were too tired to play Farkel! Look for tomorrow's winner and loser on tomorrow's post!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-15494054897923853322010-06-01T19:49:00.000-05:002010-06-09T07:40:18.857-05:00Feelings of Accomplishment<span id="goog_1012756439"></span><span id="goog_1012756440"></span>Just in case you were wondering... Jake lost at Farkle again last night. By almost the same spread. But Carol swept up the game with her 10,000 points!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAY9g_XxZQI/AAAAAAAAAvw/ba-Q8rq8Sao/s1600/P5310026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAY9g_XxZQI/AAAAAAAAAvw/ba-Q8rq8Sao/s320/P5310026.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Today was another great day of work. At the end of the day each day, after worship with the entire group, our FCC group has been debriefing together and telling each other our “high’s and low’s” for the day. Tonight, many of us made comments about the feelings of accomplishment we had. Whether it was accomplishing learning a new task, or getting a task completely done, it was nice to hear that we all had very positive days. We debrief at the end of the day, to bring our group together and to pray for and with one another. At the same time, we pray in the mornings, praying for safety and that we all may be the hands and feet of Christ each day. And at the beginning of the day Tuesday, this is what our job site looked like.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZAy_itOuI/AAAAAAAAAv4/KANhrXyAbIY/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZAy_itOuI/AAAAAAAAAv4/KANhrXyAbIY/s320/IMG_0559.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZFkUwDhGI/AAAAAAAAAwA/mAAmYSAy45M/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZFkUwDhGI/AAAAAAAAAwA/mAAmYSAy45M/s320/IMG_0560.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZGb-jbVWI/AAAAAAAAAwI/7KCL1IpFClY/s1600/P6010027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZGb-jbVWI/AAAAAAAAAwI/7KCL1IpFClY/s320/P6010027.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZG-azC2PI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/oHMMFuaD5jw/s1600/P6010030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZG-azC2PI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/oHMMFuaD5jw/s320/P6010030.JPG" /></a></div>But the job site didn’t look “empty” for long, we all got right to work! Ian and Jake got right to their job of “hanging soffit.” Many times this included cutting the soffit to fit where it was needed. And sometimes it meant Jake’s skin got pinched in-between. Don’t worry… Jake is OK – but we liked his response – looking around for someone to give him a band-aid.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZdUPHiEwI/AAAAAAAAAww/JsgszIUzXas/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OJciBjDAe6A/TAZdUPHiEwI/AAAAAAAAAww/JsgszIUzXas/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" /><span id="goog_1012756415"></span><span id="goog_1012756416"></span></a></div>Elise, Amanda, Carol and Carol did lots of work inside today – so much that at least one of the rooms is ready for painting tomorrow! Whether it was caulking, scraping, putting up trim or learning to use the jigsaw, they all accomplished a lot today!<br />
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Amanda seems to get to go to Home Depot a lot… we’re not sure how she gets “volunteered” to go SHOP in the AIR CONDITIONING – it seems a complete mystery to her!<br />
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Amy and Laura spent most of the day outside doing siding work. Amy had already done some siding work in Galveston, and Amy and Laura both did siding work with a FCCBRLA group at Habitat for Humanity in BR last year, so it was fun to use those skills again! Amy is a mad “leveler” and Laura became quite fond of her “nail gun.”<br />
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No matter what we’re doing, we always make sure to have fun and support one another in our efforts this week.<br />
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We continue to pray that we can be the hands, feet, eyes, and heart of Christ in this world. Whether it is for something small like getting your neighbor their water bottle or something a little more significant, like giving up a week of time to contribute to the mission center here in Slidell, we’re striving to keep that thought at the forefront of our work this week. And we thank you for your prayers this week too – we can feel them all the way here in Slidell!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-22568259219711649182010-05-31T21:44:00.005-05:002010-06-02T06:02:54.895-05:00One Down... Four to Go...We knew the trip would be interesting when it was pouring down rain when we arrived at the church to load the van on Sunday afternoon. Luckily, Amy was prepared! (Good thing Amy read the packing list that Laura provided but did not pack her own rain gear!)<br />
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So about that rain jacket… (Amy made Laura insert this terrible picture of herself NOT wearing the rain gear that was listed as a must have!)<br />
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We were a little wet – but very happy to arrive – great dinner was waiting for us when we arrived! (Thanks Lucy!)<br />
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Monday –first day work day – started out rainy too! But Carol, Amy and Elise made the best of it.<br />
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Since it started raining – right as we were getting to work in the morning - we had a small change of plans and did some cleaning up inside. Jake and Ian sweeping in a very dusty (dry-wall) room!<br />
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Even Ms. Lucy got into the action and helped us sweep! FCC Slidell is also having their VBS this week – so kitchen duties are a little crowded and uncertain. But Ms. Lucy is making sure we’re all fed and taken care of – and contributing to the building as well!<br />
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Tom on the other hand was the first to take advantage of the sun! Doesn’t he look so relaxed? (You should see this photo!)<br />
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When the sun finally did come out – we were ready to jump into action! Jake and Ian were more than willing to help, and joined DHM Interns Gabe and Corey along with Steve’s supervision in hanging up soffit.<br />
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We did have our first injury of the week – and what we’re hoping to be the last. A scratch and possibly an allergy – but all is well. Carol M - we promise we'll take good care of your scratch - as long as you promise to have the ONLY injury all week!)<br />
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Carol didn’t let a little thing like a scratch prevent her from jumping in and getting dirty – Carol learned how to use a circular saw today, and was quite good at it! So good at it in fact she had a face full of sawdust to prove it! Way to go Carol!<br />
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All in all we cleaned up the mission center to get it ready for the finishing touches on the inside. We’ve hung doors (Amy’s team hung 5 doors today – and Tom’s team hung at least as many!), hung trim, baseboard, and soffit, cleaned up the mission center and prepped it for the finishing touches we hope to make this week. Spirits are still high, energy is waning <i>just</i> a little, but great food and good fellowship has helped bring that energy right back! After a good night's sleep we'll all be ready for a big day tomorrow.<br />
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Now it’s on to relaxing and hang out time - on to a game of the most exciting dice game we have found to date – FARKLE!<br />
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Amy won last night – and Jake only lost by 7,000 points. He hopes to make a comeback tonight! Stay tuned to find out. :DUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-4802617970024689792010-05-31T06:24:00.000-05:002010-05-31T06:24:06.692-05:00We've Arrived! (And we LOVE Farkle!)We've arrived in Slidell! First Christian Church of Slidell has opened their doors and welcomed us - and we're ready to get to work! We met 5 Disciples Home Mission Interns that will be working with Office of Disciples Volunteering throughout the summer and we're excited to be working with them. We also met the rest of the long-term volunteers (we already know Lucy and Tom!) and they are ready for our energy.<br />
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After a fun game of our new favorite dice-game, "Farkle," we are headed to bed and getting ready for a big day of work tomorrow! Come back for more stories and pictures tomorrow, we're ready to show you what we're working on.<br />
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In the mean time, please consider praying this prayer with us throughout the week. It is a modified version of a poem and a prayer by St. Teresa of Avila - and the Serenity Prayer. We're looking forward to the ways the spirit will support us throughout the week and thank you for your support too!<br />
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Holy and Loving God, we know that Christ has no body but ours, no hands, no feet on earth but ours, ours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world, ours are the feet with which he walks to do good, ours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. Ours are the hands, ours are the feet, ours are the eyes, we are his body. Christ has no body now but ours, no hands, no feet on earth but ours, ours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but ours. Help us to use our bodies, our minds and our hearts to be the body of Christ in this world. Help us to be carriers of your light to all those we meet. Grant us the courage to accept change in the ways we can. Grant us the serenity to accept those things we cannot change. Grant us the wisdom to see the difference. Grant us the compassion to live one day at a time, as your body here on earth. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-12857826738947765082010-05-26T13:41:00.001-05:002010-05-26T13:43:17.453-05:00New Adventure!We're off on a new adventure! This time our mission team will be headed to Slidell, LA May 30 - June 5. We have a group of eight willing and excited volunteers ready to help with more Hurricane Katrina recovery. We hope you will join us in our journey by following this blog! You can also "follow" this blog by clicking "follow" on the bottom left hand side of this page, or by clicking on the RSS feed link at the top of the page. Thank you for being a part of this important mission of the church!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-24111391550761623832009-06-05T22:57:00.001-05:002010-05-26T11:53:56.765-05:00Back to BRWe just wanted to let everyone know that we are back home in Baton Rouge safe and sound. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers this week. We could really feel the love of our church and extended families with us in Galveston! We can't wait to tell you all about it!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-24350868966053045482009-06-05T00:03:00.004-05:002010-05-26T11:53:56.765-05:00They Worked Us Too Hard...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiivhRMWA1I/AAAAAAAAAXc/vmcreAeFit4/s1600-h/IMG_1195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiivhRMWA1I/AAAAAAAAAXc/vmcreAeFit4/s320/IMG_1195.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343713943960814418" /></a>Elise taking a break from swingin' that hammer<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiivhNeNskI/AAAAAAAAAXU/IIg1Ap74G1g/s1600-h/IMG_1194.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiivhNeNskI/AAAAAAAAAXU/IIg1Ap74G1g/s320/IMG_1194.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343713942962025026" /></a>Tom's nap #1<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siivg9Q4i_I/AAAAAAAAAXM/yjv19P1H-gg/s1600-h/IMG_1191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siivg9Q4i_I/AAAAAAAAAXM/yjv19P1H-gg/s320/IMG_1191.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343713938611145714" /></a>Tom was supposed to be holding the board while Cheryl sawed...he napped instead<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiivghAIi6I/AAAAAAAAAXE/p4t5POMtPA0/s1600-h/IMG_1097.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiivghAIi6I/AAAAAAAAAXE/p4t5POMtPA0/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343713931024698274" /></a>Look familiar?<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiipcFTDclI/AAAAAAAAAWk/MpHpEn9EVnY/s1600-h/SDC10391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiipcFTDclI/AAAAAAAAAWk/MpHpEn9EVnY/s320/SDC10391.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343707257798619730" /></a>We're not surprised Andrew is taking a little nap...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siipb_0TVCI/AAAAAAAAAWc/vOgVovoH4Ec/s1600-h/IMG_1213.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siipb_0TVCI/AAAAAAAAAWc/vOgVovoH4Ec/s320/IMG_1213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343707256327459874" /></a>She must be tired if Cheryl is sleeping at the lunch table<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siiog4c30PI/AAAAAAAAAWU/aRFLI3HasfM/s1600-h/IMG_1089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siiog4c30PI/AAAAAAAAAWU/aRFLI3HasfM/s320/IMG_1089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343706240737857778" /></a>Judy earned a nap this week!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siiogmn4qWI/AAAAAAAAAWM/A2NRn2NXjbA/s1600-h/IMG_1088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siiogmn4qWI/AAAAAAAAAWM/A2NRn2NXjbA/s320/IMG_1088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343706235952212322" /></a>Is Andrew taking another nap?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiiogXGIvuI/AAAAAAAAAWE/qWmki-0pugw/s1600-h/IMG_0801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiiogXGIvuI/AAAAAAAAAWE/qWmki-0pugw/s320/IMG_0801.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343706231784128226" /></a>Will is one of our interns...I thought they were super human!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiiogCwJGTI/AAAAAAAAAV8/_3Y4gBpc4KA/s1600-h/IMG_0991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiiogCwJGTI/AAAAAAAAAV8/_3Y4gBpc4KA/s320/IMG_0991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343706226323167538" /></a>Tom took a nap every time he sat down...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiioflifykI/AAAAAAAAAV0/w9FKU1wk40Y/s1600-h/IMG_0990.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiioflifykI/AAAAAAAAAV0/w9FKU1wk40Y/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343706218481306178" /></a>Amanda snuggled in...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-36819329255250187862009-06-04T23:30:00.006-05:002010-05-26T11:53:56.765-05:00Final Worship on the Beach<div>We got to spend some time on the beach today! A few went before dinner, but the jellyfish ran them off! Then, we returned to the beach for closing worship. This was a major highlight of the trip! There's nothing like sitting on the beach, listening to the waves crash, the moon glowing over the water, singing songs, discussing the week, and of course, a hug circle to end.<br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siit22umHDI/AAAAAAAAAW8/UefGOYjV-tg/s1600-h/100_0706.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siit22umHDI/AAAAAAAAAW8/UefGOYjV-tg/s320/100_0706.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343712115790584882" /></a>Kenny using his iPhone flashlight app to help Cheryl read scripture<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siit2v2e6xI/AAAAAAAAAW0/E9Zv7u9tqH8/s1600-h/100_0701.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siit2v2e6xI/AAAAAAAAAW0/E9Zv7u9tqH8/s320/100_0701.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343712113944619794" /></a>Singing (and dancing to) Kumbaya...it was Tom's idea...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siit2Bz7AEI/AAAAAAAAAWs/cKTyEZxe-4M/s1600-h/100_0698.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siit2Bz7AEI/AAAAAAAAAWs/cKTyEZxe-4M/s320/100_0698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343712101585846338" /></a>Our group at the beach before worship<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihuYaBWmI/AAAAAAAAAVE/GyzNMnnFJc8/s1600-h/IMG_0833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihuYaBWmI/AAAAAAAAAVE/GyzNMnnFJc8/s320/IMG_0833.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343698776072739426" /></a>Enjoying God's magnificent creation...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihuJTzx7I/AAAAAAAAAU8/qa5_S1tGeHA/s1600-h/IMG_0842.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihuJTzx7I/AAAAAAAAAU8/qa5_S1tGeHA/s320/IMG_0842.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343698772020152242" /></a>We're thinking about our church family!! Now, anyone who passes this spot on the beach in Galveston will know too!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siiht7_pYMI/AAAAAAAAAU0/ZLL0YiypUEc/s1600-h/IMG_0843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siiht7_pYMI/AAAAAAAAAU0/ZLL0YiypUEc/s320/IMG_0843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343698768445923522" /></a>The Powder Blue got to do some off-roading tonight! We drove right onto the beach for worship! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihOcwS7BI/AAAAAAAAAUs/RcOjaNXl1-s/s1600-h/IMG_0849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihOcwS7BI/AAAAAAAAAUs/RcOjaNXl1-s/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343698227484093458" /></a>Lucy, Tom, Amanda & Amy singing songs for worship.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihOA4cyII/AAAAAAAAAUk/Jn7ICDYu0Cc/s1600-h/IMG_0848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihOA4cyII/AAAAAAAAAUk/Jn7ICDYu0Cc/s320/IMG_0848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343698220002101378" /></a>Chaz (from Odessa), Laurie (from Albuquerque), Dustin and Carol<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihN4Lw-iI/AAAAAAAAAUc/d51HNaI9GsA/s1600-h/IMG_0847.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihN4Lw-iI/AAAAAAAAAUc/d51HNaI9GsA/s320/IMG_0847.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343698217667197474" /></a>Someone left a wakeboard on the beach, so Amy took advantage before worship got started.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihNqEGHRI/AAAAAAAAAUU/JEqmSXv-TpY/s1600-h/IMG_1242.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihNqEGHRI/AAAAAAAAAUU/JEqmSXv-TpY/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343698213876931858" /></a>Chaz, Brad, Laurie, Dustin & Carol before worship got started.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihNZm4dWI/AAAAAAAAAUM/4jYwVSXhs2M/s1600-h/IMG_1245.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiihNZm4dWI/AAAAAAAAAUM/4jYwVSXhs2M/s320/IMG_1245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343698209459434850" /></a>Amanda rejoicing in the beauty of the beach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigSfWCPyI/AAAAAAAAAUE/NWD9j7ga_uE/s1600-h/IMG_1238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigSfWCPyI/AAAAAAAAAUE/NWD9j7ga_uE/s320/IMG_1238.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343697197387104034" /></a>Jacqueline (Odessa), Tom and Lucy...we were so lucky to have such wonderful people to share this trip with! We love our Texas City family!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigSB4a2VI/AAAAAAAAAT8/g00U2YZDsjc/s1600-h/IMG_1232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigSB4a2VI/AAAAAAAAAT8/g00U2YZDsjc/s320/IMG_1232.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343697189478259026" /></a>Amy, Cheryl & Amanda cheesin' before the beach worship<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigR379MHI/AAAAAAAAAT0/1coaiZ_ZGiQ/s1600-h/IMG_1248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigR379MHI/AAAAAAAAAT0/1coaiZ_ZGiQ/s320/IMG_1248.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343697186808737906" /></a>Dustin, Carol, Judy, Lucy (behind Tom), Tom, Amanda, 1/2 of Amy<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigRm2I_bI/AAAAAAAAATs/sUag95AHGAs/s1600-h/IMG_1247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigRm2I_bI/AAAAAAAAATs/sUag95AHGAs/s320/IMG_1247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343697182220942770" /></a>Blake, Elise, Kenny, Cheryl, Andrew singing on the beach<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigRUi50CI/AAAAAAAAATk/e9vJ-9HlkS8/s1600-h/IMG_1246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiigRUi50CI/AAAAAAAAATk/e9vJ-9HlkS8/s320/IMG_1246.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343697177308418082" /></a>Cheryl, Andrew, Chaz, Laurie, & DustinUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-16866919264663872812009-06-04T22:38:00.006-05:002010-05-26T11:53:56.766-05:00Last Day of Work<div><br /></div><div>I think if you talk to any one of our missionaries, they'd tell you that the last day of work, was by far the best day of work. We felt like we accomplished a lot and had fun doing it! Even with all the frustrations we encountered through the week (missing supplies, etc...), we ended strong. <div><br /></div><div>The outside the church group finished putting up plywood and the tar paper on one side of the church. This also included putting TWO windows in! The interns were skeptical that it could be done on time, but it got done! The inside group got most of the sheetrock in the classrooms/offices! Again, this was not all supposed to get done, but it did! </div><div><br /></div><div>The group working at Matt & Sharon's house got the siding up on one whole side of the house! This is extra wonderful since they didn't get the siding delivered until last night!! They worked lights out and had fun doing it! Sharon couldn't be happier!</div><div><br /></div><div>The plumbing group (or the "Special Teams Unit" as they came to be known) did a lot. They finished replacing outlets and switches in the Love House, took out a sink and urinal in the men's bathroom in the church and put the sink back when the sheetrock was up. However, the urinal turned out to be a bit of a problem and broke before it got replaced. But the sink is back in AND doesn't leak! woohoo!!</div><div><br /></div><div>We are looking forward to coming home to Baton Rouge and sharing our stories with all of you! But tomorrow is Schlitterbahn day!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Good Night!</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiilwflalkI/AAAAAAAAAVs/9JPCdAk200w/s1600-h/SDC10400.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiilwflalkI/AAAAAAAAAVs/9JPCdAk200w/s320/SDC10400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343703210405828162" /></a>Amy putting up siding on the house with a nail gun!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiilwDlAS2I/AAAAAAAAAVk/MaeiVhLwylw/s1600-h/SDC10403.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiilwDlAS2I/AAAAAAAAAVk/MaeiVhLwylw/s320/SDC10403.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343703202887912290" /></a>FCCs own Charlie's Angels...perhaps they are Andrew's Angels? Michael's angles? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siilv0bMVnI/AAAAAAAAAVc/fBaPrX_BvbA/s1600-h/SDC10406.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siilv0bMVnI/AAAAAAAAAVc/fBaPrX_BvbA/s320/SDC10406.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343703198820226674" /></a>Kenny with a nail gun! Whose idea was that?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siilvvw6d6I/AAAAAAAAAVU/oe2foK3wq-c/s1600-h/SDC10405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siilvvw6d6I/AAAAAAAAAVU/oe2foK3wq-c/s320/SDC10405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343703197569152930" /></a>Blake making sure the siding is level<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siilvf_PC5I/AAAAAAAAAVM/ZxBsS3LK-9w/s1600-h/SDC10408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siilvf_PC5I/AAAAAAAAAVM/ZxBsS3LK-9w/s320/SDC10408.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343703193334254482" /></a>Intern #4, Rindi, using her first power tool of the week (she's been on kitchen duty...)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiieeasLFyI/AAAAAAAAATc/TaCTh2sGTNk/s1600-h/IMG_1207.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiieeasLFyI/AAAAAAAAATc/TaCTh2sGTNk/s320/IMG_1207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343695203272955682" /></a>Water breaks were Brad and Amanda's favorite time of day!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiieeIDzgBI/AAAAAAAAATU/e5PyrT6whj0/s1600-h/IMG_1216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiieeIDzgBI/AAAAAAAAATU/e5PyrT6whj0/s320/IMG_1216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343695198271799314" /></a>Amanda and Lucy are ready to put that window in!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiiediiNpDI/AAAAAAAAATM/x_3RI7hHgT8/s1600-h/IMG_1212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiiediiNpDI/AAAAAAAAATM/x_3RI7hHgT8/s320/IMG_1212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343695188198794290" /></a>Carl inspecting, Cheryl supervising, Tom hooking up the sewer pipes...just the way it ought to be.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siidf2AVLDI/AAAAAAAAATE/xmXw7-AV4Zo/s1600-h/IMG_1204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siidf2AVLDI/AAAAAAAAATE/xmXw7-AV4Zo/s320/IMG_1204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343694128273501234" /></a>Carol and Lucy were very proud of their tar paper!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiidfiQSbsI/AAAAAAAAAS8/aRC14H6lYhU/s1600-h/IMG_1201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiidfiQSbsI/AAAAAAAAAS8/aRC14H6lYhU/s320/IMG_1201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343694122971721410" /></a>Elise can sheetrock with the best of them!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiidfYEA0CI/AAAAAAAAAS0/LDg6MYpDwdA/s1600-h/IMG_1197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiidfYEA0CI/AAAAAAAAAS0/LDg6MYpDwdA/s320/IMG_1197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343694120235880482" /></a>Brad unhooking the urinal...I think this was a first.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiidfMe2OII/AAAAAAAAASs/H0L8leY91jE/s1600-h/IMG_1196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SiidfMe2OII/AAAAAAAAASs/H0L8leY91jE/s320/IMG_1196.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343694117127207042" /></a>Cheryl unhooking the sink so the sheetrock can be replaced...she put it back in too and it doesn't leak or anything!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siide3yCUMI/AAAAAAAAASk/pyC9ZPCw9xI/s1600-h/IMG_0826.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/Siide3yCUMI/AAAAAAAAASk/pyC9ZPCw9xI/s320/IMG_0826.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343694111570546882" /></a>Carl explaining something to Lucy...Carl (who is in charge of the whole worksite) likes to explain things...<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731593259727319910.post-77350564608243299712009-06-03T23:05:00.004-05:002010-05-26T11:53:56.766-05:00Poop-a-palooza<div>Strange title...yes. <br /></div><div><div>Strange day...yes.</div><div>Pictures to back it up...oops.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was some plumbing that needed to be done, so of course George got to oversee it. The plumbing team was so proud to finish their job this morning...however this afternoon it was discovered that someone flushed something they shouldn't have and things kind of went downhill from there so to speak. Needless to say, George ended up "dealing" with the worst of the problem. While the whole team pitched in to correct the problem, George ended up being the one who needed a shower later...ask him about it. :o)</div><div><br /></div><div>The team working at Central Christian Church put in a window, tar paper up and got a good portion of the inside drywall up! The plumbing team (after the mishap) turned into the electrical team and got to work changing out plugs and switches in a house that has been gutted and ready to be rebuilt. The crew at Matt & Sharon's finally supplies and are ready to put up Hardy Board tomorrow!</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow is our last day of work! </div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidNPbHPvzI/AAAAAAAAASc/oe3HgS8SR_s/s1600-h/IMG_1028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidNPbHPvzI/AAAAAAAAASc/oe3HgS8SR_s/s320/IMG_1028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343324410269908786" /></a>Kenny and Dustin look really busy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidNPAlIcXI/AAAAAAAAASU/3_uXAgx0eGs/s1600-h/IMG_1021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidNPAlIcXI/AAAAAAAAASU/3_uXAgx0eGs/s320/IMG_1021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343324403147501938" /></a>Don't worry, Andrew may be doing some work this week, but he's not working TOO hard!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidNOpvmtGI/AAAAAAAAASM/lhheHGbnt3Q/s1600-h/IMG_1002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidNOpvmtGI/AAAAAAAAASM/lhheHGbnt3Q/s320/IMG_1002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343324397017412706" /></a>Mother-Daughter teamwork!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidNOf_LebI/AAAAAAAAASE/XVxz3M8NBxM/s1600-h/IMG_0997.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidNOf_LebI/AAAAAAAAASE/XVxz3M8NBxM/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343324394398382514" /></a>Dusting the builder...looking professional<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ7NkKzkI/AAAAAAAAAR8/QPCuppEcUHE/s1600-h/IMG_1186.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ7NkKzkI/AAAAAAAAAR8/QPCuppEcUHE/s320/IMG_1186.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343320764500856386" /></a>Tom replacing the outlets in the "Love House"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ6ujiFoI/AAAAAAAAAR0/Svp8q168hOU/s1600-h/IMG_1193.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ6ujiFoI/AAAAAAAAAR0/Svp8q168hOU/s320/IMG_1193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343320756176688770" /></a>Brad...a proud member of the plumbing crew cutting a hole for the dryer vent...notice Cheryl's expertly cut hole in the board...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ6bEKSqI/AAAAAAAAARs/-M7odYWjn9g/s1600-h/IMG_1190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ6bEKSqI/AAAAAAAAARs/-M7odYWjn9g/s320/IMG_1190.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343320750944832162" /></a>Cheryl's new favorite power tool = jigsaw <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ6M4DOMI/AAAAAAAAARk/W5q-2PIia40/s1600-h/IMG_1178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ6M4DOMI/AAAAAAAAARk/W5q-2PIia40/s320/IMG_1178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343320747135940802" /></a>Okay, what about this hat?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ50mwN5I/AAAAAAAAARc/ywHjg4I27fY/s1600-h/IMG_0825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OUgbYCW2akk/SidJ50mwN5I/AAAAAAAAARc/ywHjg4I27fY/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343320740620941202" /></a>Did you know that today Sonic was giving away FREE root beer floats? They may have cried when two church vans pulled in! But we enjoyed them!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5