Amanda :)
Well it looks like I'm going to start off the blog tonight! Today was a very eventful day! We started off our morning with a great breakfast of french toast and sausage links complete with fruit! After the meal we had our first devotions as a group, where we read a scripture passage and discussed how it related to our service in New Orleans. Then we left for the city for the day around 8:15 am.
Well the weather decided to be difficult because it rained during the night so it was mostly cloudy during the morning and the lots we were assigned to clean were muddy, but that didn't stop us! GC plowed forward anyway and helped in every way they could, which I got to use the heavy machinery...(ok it was just a weed eater!)
Since our group was split up, I was in a different group from our other two bloggers of the night. In our group that consisted of our team members of Amanda, Faisal, Shay, and Melissa, we were again assigned to cleaning lots to help beautify the community. We were always told by the pastor that they wanted a community where children could ride their bikes. My group is also partnered with another team that has come to New Orleans from Texas, so we are meeting people from other states as well! We seem to all get along, which is great because it takes a lot of teamwork to clean up these lots!
After a hard days work, we got the opportunity to participate in the challenge circle again. We got to spend an hour with the kids by teaching them proper ways of teamwork and sportsmanship, but also the many ways in which Jesus is such an important part in our lives. But once again I felt that GC has been an amazing role model thus far and the kids just love us! Many members once again stepped up for a leadership role and continued to shine. We met a lot of the same kids from yesterday, which was great because they remembered us and what we taught them the day before!
After heading back to the church for another hearty dinner of Turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, salad and brownies for dessert, we got our first free night of the entire trip so far. GC decided to spend that by having a "girls-night", which entitled a trip to wal-mart, by team members Amanda, Melissa, Emily, Kayla and Shay! But either way it allowed us to grow closer together and I feel that this team is extremely close and we don't ever spend a trip without laughing together.
For tomorrow it's back to the city of New Orleans for more lot cleaning and then we have the opportunity to host a block party for the community. That brings excitement for the team because it allowes us to reach out to the people and hear their stories and experiences.
**Things that I have learned today**
- Don't ask me for directions...EVER!! I will get you lost :)
- Crazy bandanna's are a fun way to stand out...especially when it leaves an awesome tan line on your forehead from the sun!
- When in the car, Emily can sleep through absolutly ANYTHING!!!!
- This week is just flying by!!
Can't wait to see everybody back home!! Keep praying for us down here :)
Emily & Kayla :]]]]]
As Amanda said above, our team of thirteen was split up at the beginning of the week. Our group, consisting of all of us but Faisal, Shay, Amanda and Melissa, were assingned this crazy lot to clean up. We were pretty intimidated at first. It was full of weeds almost shoulder high, with rocks and bricks galore, it was slightly wet from the evening rain before. There were also fire ants every where. We prayed before we began and trudged right through with the strength of God alone living for the people of New Orleans and showing the love of Jesus Christ.
As the day progressed we were able to clear the lot, making small strides. As the ground became more visible our excitement grew. Even though five of our tools broke throughout the day, it didnt slow us down. We were able to slowly but surely see results, giving God all the glory for such an amazing day filled with love and fellowship.
After working in the lot, we met at one of the public housing complexes to do the challenge circle with the kids who live there. The challenge circle consist of four teams distinguised by colors; Red, Green, Blue and Yellow. Each team color has a different meaning, Red means Jesus dies for me, Green means God loves me, Blue means all people are sinful and Yellow means I need Jesus to be my best friend! It is amazing to see how the kids remember these things when asked later on. We also participate in little cheers with the kids, which help them learn a little about God and Jesus. The cheers help get the kids hyped up as we play the games with our teams which involve the circle, cheers and the hype! The kids get so fired up to play and be loved on which is what they deserve, even if it is only for an hour! The team who is loudest and wins the most games, wins the challenge circle for the day! At the beginning and end of the challenge circle we have a time slot of around twenty minutes to just play and love on the kiddos. God is so great and we were all really touched by this ministry.
The highlights of the day:
1) When given a rubber snake, the best thing to do with it is hide it under a rock and scare the living daylights out of Joe!
2) Never ask Amanda for directions..especially in a different state. Not a good idea!
3) Befriend the local dogs..they need some lovin' as well! :D
4) It is true...Emily can and WILL sleep ANYWHERE!!!!! We are still waiting for her to live up to her nickname!! Stumpdipity!! Your falling behind on your half arm duties!! (If you're wondering what we're talking about, it's a very interesting story that you should ask Emily about sometime!!)
Time is flying by and we only have a few more days to enjoy the wonderful city of New Orleans! Keep praying for us and thanks for taking the time to read our most excellent blog!
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