Day 2 Journals: June 22, 2009

Connor T.

Dear God,

Today was actually a ton of fun even though had to drive a long time on not so amazing roads. At our worksite most of us helped rip out the ceiling of a couple rooms that had water damage from the hurricane. Needless to say, there are a lot of exciting things and creatures hiding up in the rafters. Also, we completely filled up a huge trash dumpster with everything from bicycles to metal roofing and everything in between. Our nonstop work and persistence to finish a goal really reminded me what we are here to do, to serve God and help others. Overall today was a success, and I am look forward to working the rest of the week!

Tyler D.

Today we had cereal for breakfast, after I had about 5 hours of sleep. I didn’t actually feel that tired though. My work group has a lot of people including Luke, Devon, Parker, Mac, Paige, and Rene. There were some more of us too. We went to the wrong worksite to begin with, and then when we got assigned a different worksite, the lady was not home! It took us about 2 hours just to get to her house, and when we did, we didn’t do anything. Then we had a lunch of sandwiches in an air conditioned building. After lunch we went to Wal-mart to buy groceries. All of the kids went and looked at CDs for 25 minutes while the adults shopped. After that, we got ice and then back to the church! I crashed because I was tired. When I woke up, I hung out with friends for awhile and then had chili dogs for dinner. After dinner we went and played football and ultimate football. Now, I am in worship.

I saw God today in the lady who offered us the air conditioned building to eat in. She worked in the office and was so glad we were there.

Last week, I got to experience the world God created under the ocean (I was in Florida scuba diving and got at the church at 2 a.m. this morning). This week I am experiencing him by sharing his love with others, and by seeing his love acted out by others too.

My experiences today will make me be more patient in waiting for work because right now, I want to get out there and show God’s love through my actions!!!

Rachel M.

Today we woke up early so we could get out to our sites as soon as possible, and after a quick bowl of cheerios we were on our way. We piled into a van and drove… and drove some more until we began driving on a dirt road. Soon we were out in the middle of nowhere and pulled up to a shack next to a single trailer home. As it turns out, that shack was home to a woman named Stella. There were holes in her roof and rotting walls practically falling around her. We moved her many trinkets and treasures, along with a collection of furniture accumulated over the years, out of her home and began to rip out the walls and ceiling. It was there that I saw God today; In the strength of a group of children to rebuild a woman’s falling home. I feel that more than the foundation of the house was solidified today. Being here has opened my eyes and strengthened my faith. I can say that today I have become aware of God’s presence in God in all the small wonderful things, and even in the small shabby things we would rather ignore, because in the humblest of places, therein lies the Glory of the Lord. Amen.