Friday - last day? it all went by so fast.

It is funny how when you are on a trip like this each day feels like 5 days in 1 because you are doing and experiencing so much. On Wednesday we were joking that we have been here for months. Now it is Friday and we are all wondering where the time went.

What a day yesterday. Both the tour and the EL were great experiences for our kids. Stepping out in faith to talk with people, deepening our understanding for this city and it's neighborhoods and racial divide, and having fun.

Last day of work groups. For those groups working with kids this will be a tough day to say goodbye and leave Jesus' mark as best they can, trusting that he will continue to do the good work in both their lives and in the lives of the kids. For the other groups it means completing work and saying goodbye to each other - the bonds have been made on these special teams.

We will switch experiences today and ride the bus or the El. Then we will come 'home', pack and have pizza with the sunshine staff and the other churches that we have been sharing this space with.

We are too large a group for Friday night lights, which at first was a disappointment but the Sunshine staff is taking us to a Christian rap and break dancing contest wtih worship through rap and dance. The kids are PUMPED! Following that we will share and pray and close out this time together before we get on the bus and head home to you.

Last night Joel encouraged them to keep talking, to pay attention, to reach out. To keeping seeking God for all of his people and the roles he has for us in fighting injustice, loving others and being more like Jesus.

Then the church choir invited us to watch a rehearsal. There were dancers and singers and the band was awesome. The drummer was 'sick'! It was so fun to watch our musicians soak in that band and their amazing skills but how they worshipped through playing. The experiences here have been so varied and so rich. I am so excited for tonight to hear all the stories! WOW.

Thank you thank you for praying and encouraging. They have loved your notes. If you have a chance to write today I will come and check once more so I can share it with them.

We are asking God to give us energy for this one more day. To hold off the homesickness and to use us powerfully. Bob is our bus driver. He will be off this afternoon and evening to rest for the drive. Pray for him if you would. And for the people of Sunshine who will be here when we go. Pray that we will have left a positive impression for their ministry and for Jesus.

I wish we could all get together so I could tell you face to face how great your kids are. Paula, Joel's wife, told me this morning that they see a lot of groups but that our kids and leaders are at the top of the list. I think so too!

Thanks for sharing them with us. What a pleasure. We will see you tomorrow! 10am.

Love...Kelli

A few quick notes from some kids...

We went on the El train yesterday. We rode through all of the stops there and back. One experience was we were sitting and we could see all of the change in the housing and the landscape and people. We were probably the only white people once we got passed the Sox stadium. It was a very cool and different experience.
Abby

Last night there was a choir at the church. They were just practicing but it was heaven (shalom). A group of us stayed really late. The choir finished and then they had us come up with them to pray. It was so raw! There was not any shame and it was all God. It was so cool how we came together no matter the race.
Will

One thing God has taught me throughout this trip is to be thankful for the life you live.
Also, this trip has taught me to contribute to others. The day we ate with the homeless was incredible! It felt amazing to help out people in need. It also felt amazing to be helped. The homeless people taught me so many outstanding life lessons, and it was a reality check. I came on this trip hoping to change someone's life and the funny thing is...someone changed mine.
Chris

Before I came on this trip, I only thought that God could be worshipped by conventional things, like singing, praying and reading the Bible. Even though these are all ways that we can worship our Father, I have realized that God can be worshipped by painting or listening to a friend. This trip has opened my eyes to so much and I want these new ways of worship to be a part of my life. I have realized, that though I cannot change the world by myself, I can make an impact on others. I feel so blessed to have been on this trip and grow in new relationships. We love you and we'll see you soon!
Charlotte