[Thanks to Jim Ryken for writing tonight's blog entry!]
After a late night, our group padded out of bed around 7am and went for breakfast and prepared for the day of work. Twelve of our group headed to Reda's house, where we gave her a new laminate floor, new kitchen cabinets, and painted her window frames. We all worked elbow to elbow due to the rain that made a muddy mess of her yard. It was extreme home makeover Kentucky style.
Meanwhile, back on campus the team unloaded the trailer of donated items at the trade store. They also unboxed and organized goods there, mostly toys and clothes. They also painted baseboard for Reda's house and replaced some siding on the cabins. This last task involved tromping through 4 inches of mud; using a saw to cross cut the bottom 6 inches off; applying various tools and lots of brute to extricate the rotten pieces; and finally nailing a new board in place. All this was done in soaked through clothes from the rain. Hearing the story of this project, reminded me that I am in the presence of true servants.
At 5pm our group reunited for dinner. We have to eat early because the kids from the boys home eat after us. Following dinner, Lori and the kids prepared to lead the Christian school's devotions for tomorrow. Then we had some group time and listened to Jake, the camp director, tell us more about life in Jackson County. Jackson County is the second poorest congressional district in the nation and has the lowest life expectancy. God has really blessed the holistic ministry here and it was amazing to hear a few of those success stories.
The skies cleared as the sun went down. Tomorrow's weather looks dry and we are excited to head back outside and continue to see how God will use each of us.
New floor going in over the old floorAfter a late night, our group padded out of bed around 7am and went for breakfast and prepared for the day of work. Twelve of our group headed to Reda's house, where we gave her a new laminate floor, new kitchen cabinets, and painted her window frames. We all worked elbow to elbow due to the rain that made a muddy mess of her yard. It was extreme home makeover Kentucky style.
Meanwhile, back on campus the team unloaded the trailer of donated items at the trade store. They also unboxed and organized goods there, mostly toys and clothes. They also painted baseboard for Reda's house and replaced some siding on the cabins. This last task involved tromping through 4 inches of mud; using a saw to cross cut the bottom 6 inches off; applying various tools and lots of brute to extricate the rotten pieces; and finally nailing a new board in place. All this was done in soaked through clothes from the rain. Hearing the story of this project, reminded me that I am in the presence of true servants.
At 5pm our group reunited for dinner. We have to eat early because the kids from the boys home eat after us. Following dinner, Lori and the kids prepared to lead the Christian school's devotions for tomorrow. Then we had some group time and listened to Jake, the camp director, tell us more about life in Jackson County. Jackson County is the second poorest congressional district in the nation and has the lowest life expectancy. God has really blessed the holistic ministry here and it was amazing to hear a few of those success stories.
The skies cleared as the sun went down. Tomorrow's weather looks dry and we are excited to head back outside and continue to see how God will use each of us.
Evan posing with the old kitchen cabinet
Lori with the kids preparing a skit for chapel tomorrow
Who wouldn't go to work with this guy?
Abby & Grace hard at work
DeSean & Jared on a break
Taylor cleaning the new floor
What a day! Praying for delightful weather and great outdoor time today. What an honor to partner with all of you as your prayer warriors while you serve!! Thanks for keeping us informed!!
ReplyDeleteGo team. We're praying for you back in Iowa.
ReplyDeleteps. it's substantially less muddy here... and 70 degrees.