Happy Monday All!
We now have access to internet everyday so I will be able to update you each morning.
Saturday was a great day! The kids did so well listening and being patient especially considering my voice (I lost it Thursday night and it has not yet returned although it is much better this morning. Thank you for your prayers!)
The travel was smooth. Bob, our bus driver, is quite a character and the kids love him. He is one of the family.
After a quick stop for lunch we drove into Chicago and headed to Giordano's for some Chicago-style pizza. The kids loved seeing the city and we got to see a lot as we sat in traffic :)
Sunday morning we went to Christ Bible Church for an 8am service. Our kids loved the music and worship. It was father's day so there was an all male choir and several men sang spirited solos and we all participated. This church was the most welcoming church any of us have ever been too. Jamie introduced our group and the church sang a welcome song to all of the visitors and then came over and we shook many hands and gave many hugs - right in the middle of the service. It was very special. The pastor gave a rousing message for father's day that was challenging and encouraging for us all. After the service one of our girls came to me and said 'thank you bringing us here'. Another person said they had only seen a church like that in movies and loved being a part of it.
The rest of the day was our chance to see a bit of Chicago. We went to Millenium Park, had brunch and explored the awesome sites there. We walked to Grant Park and then down to the Field Museum. A good day of fun and enjoying the Chicago skyline as well as some great discussion on all we heard at church and saw at the Field Museum.
Sunday night we returned to our home for the week, New Beginnings Church, and had orientation with Sunshine Gospel Ministries. There are two other churches here with us, both small groups of 11-20 people. We had a great dinner, the kids signed up for their work teams and the executive director of Sunshine, Joel went over the vision for the week as well as logistics for saftey and navigating the neighborhood. Then we spent some time in worship. As we prayed as a team before bed the kids were thanking God for the wisdom that has already been imparted to them - in just one day!
Our students are split up onto 6 teams. There is at least one Wooddale leader and one Sonshine leader for each group. The teams are: painting murals, running a sports camp for kids, running two other kids camps in neighborhoods, cleaning/organizing a church nursery, building a wall, preparing and delivering all the food, getting a lot ready to become a parking lot.
Today is the first day of the work projects. This afternoon we will tour PGM which is a homeless shelter and tonight Joel will begin the discipleship/bible study teaching.
Know this - we are totally safe. The kids are really listening and doing a great job following directions and having great attitudes. We are already being challenged to be more patient, gracious, and understanding.
God is good! More tomorrow!
OH! The kids wanted me to be sure to say HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
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4 comments:
Danae Zahorsky - We are praying for you and know that God's blessings and protection are on your group. Have a great time. Sheryl and gary Zahorsky
Kelli and gang,
It was great to hear from you! I am trusting God is at work in a mighty way in each of your lives! God has something special planned for each of you as He knew from the beginning of time that you would each be on this trip. I am confident that your selfless work is huge in God's eyes!!! Praying for you as you are His hands and feet in Chicago. You are loved and missed! Keep smiling, Cam!
Greetings from sunny Guatemala! Thanks for the update - it sounds like you are all off to a good start. You probably have experienced a little better pizza than we have had, but you won’t find beans like we have seen (a little too often for some people’s taste!). We are praying for you all, that you will have the kind of heart opening experiences we have had. We are far apart in geography, but close in spirit and purpose. Be open to God’s leading - we know He will do great things within you and through you!
From your brothers and sisters of OCA 2010
Hi Missions Family,
It is so good to hear from you about how God is working and your adventures as travelers.
A verse to share: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will
for you in Christ Jesus.
We love and miss you lotz. Please give a Big hug to our girl Shelby.
Mom & Dad
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