Nathan, Ryan, Andy, Minami, Shad, Abby and Rod (also folding his laundry) are playing their 3-day continuous game of Monopoly.
Sean is working on our finances.
Gary (who is also helping Sean at times) and Thea are writing notes to team members in their encouragement books.
James is sitting near by zoning out/observing others. (Oh wait Ryan Kling just came in and James gave him a running hug). Ryan Kling was our 20 year old boss this week at the work site. I think it's safe to say that our group is fond of him.
Kekoa and Justin are on their phones.
I am told that Kealoha is awake but out of sight for the moment.
Anna and Tyler are keeping the laundry going and probably cleaning something outside.
Is that everyone... 1, 2, 3, ... 16 plus me yup!
Today was Friday. Our last full day in the NOLA part of our adventure. We woke up for breakfast around 6:30 and ate with the ReachGlobal interns. Had our daily devotions and had our end of the week debrief. Then we packed up the cars and set out for the hour long ride toward the lower ninth ward. Well, most of us did. Except Anna, Thea and myself we stayed back to prepare food for the Luau at VBS.
Speaking of VBS, wow, just wow! Pastor Darryl went all out. He went and got palm branches, banana leaves, tiki torches, pineapple decor, and a 30lb pig which he began seasoning yesterday. He even constructed his own smoking station. Decoration, food, music, and PEOPLE. The ReachGlobal team joined us for the VBS and even though it was a long day and a long week we gave it our all with the Holy Spirit strengthening us. Kealoha was our energetic MC. We had music with Justin and Abby and then Bible which I think Sean gave a marvelous message and even washed a kid's feet as he shared a story about Jesus' last supper. We had over forty people come and kick off the first event with this building for this church - the LUAU. Pastor Darryl said we "set the bar real high" for other teams that may follow us. But we all owe a huge thanks and hug to him for keeping our spirits up, constantly encouraging us and coming along side to build all week long. Our girls did a hula dance, we had a limbo tournament (championed by yours truly) great food and we danced, danced, danced. We drove back on the causeway in darkness the whole way.
We kicked off this week with the challenge to release all our expectations and I'm eternally grateful that we did. This was the most causal and spontaneous VBS ever. With kids aging from 4 to 18 and their parents and grandparent participated. We were sweaty and tired and grew more sore as the days went on but our bond with each other has grown more. Many of us have stains, bruises, cuts, rashes, and strange substances stuck to our skin but each coming with stories and smiles. And..... and..... and there's is much more to share but for now I just want to say,
God's story is grand.
