Directors Diary: Friday

By now, most of you know we made it back safely! We spent a few hours helping IHN wash 15 sets of bedding that the director needed help doing, then headed home. Because of the snow and ice (there was a lot when we woke up on Friday!), we postponed our departure and hung out at the lodge to give the temperatures a chance to warm up and the plows a chance to work. I'm glad we did because when we left the roads were great.

Family and Friends: I'm very proud of every one of our youth. They were a great group, and each one was integral to this week and the work we did. It was exciting to see so many talents being used in service. A big thanks also to MC, who made this possible by arranging the free lodging at Maumee Bay.

Donators: You also made this week possible. Mealtimes were a highlight, with MC making several delicious meals with your donations. The meal we served for the IHN families also went over great, and I ended up having some money left to make a donation to IHN for future meals. I could feel that your thoughts and prayers were with us, and it was so much appreciated. Thank you for joining us in ministry!

I will continue to update the diaries (that weren't finished) and post some more pictures in the coming week, so keep checking back in!

DR is talking about working some of this trip into the Sunday worship (in particular, they came up with a skit he might modify), so we will hopefully see many of you on Sunday!

In Christ,
Adriane

PS. Does anyone know anything about why a squirrel might decide to eat a bird?...just curious...:)

Directors Diary: Thursday

We split up today for sight-seeing after DR did his morning devo on Katillia (and being loved)! Part of us visited the Toledo Zoo...we LOVED the harbor seals, the orangatangs, POLAR BEARS, penguins, elephants (although it scared us) and turtles. Even though it rained and was cold, we had a blast!

The other half stayed at the cottage and went out for lunch (hanging out at the lodge). We'll serve dinner for the families in Interfaith Hospitality tonight...chili. EB is feeling kind of under the weather, so keep our group in your prayers!!!

See AC at Lake Erie.

The girls are here and say, "Hey mom (and everyone else)!"

Director's Diary: Wednesday Part 1

Well, the day is just beginning, but I had internet so thought I'd take advantage and drop a quick note to say we're doing great! We made it to the Adult Daycare in Maumee, OH just fine. The GPS woman gave us many laughs (DR has a Tom Tom).

We'll settle in here and help out where needed. There is an Episcopal church service at 11:30 that we'll attend to help the Senior clients where needed.

Todays Theme: We all have suffering (the world is imperfect, and we'll all find some sort of suffering. The good news is we don't have to face life alone. God is there to take our burdens, and we can also depend on each other to help carry each other through rough times.)

Tony Packo's for dinner! Yum. Chili Fries, Chicken, cabbage roll, and cookie sundae (not together) were amazing!

Thanks for your prayers!

Adriane

Director Diary: Tuesday

Didn't everything turn out GREAT!

Unfinished...but here's some pictures so far

Director Diary: Monday

We arrived at our work site in great spirits and made wonderful time (3.5 hours with a lunch stop). We got the entire kitchen painted, and JW and SC took the lead in designing and planning a lighthouse mural. The youth all got right to work and did great! Hopefully we can get the mural done tomorrow! It's a really neat design. We made friends with a little girl there who was so adorable! The Director of the organization gave us a great overview of what they do and issues associated with homelessness. It was eye-opening. Families make up 42% of all homeless, and more and more of them are working poor who just can't get by on minimum wage. We came back to a yummy spaghetti dinner and truly wonderful lodging. We feel so blessed to have this opportunity to be in service.

Week long devotion theme: Finding Common Ground

Today's Devotion: We all have a story! We talked about how everyone has a unique story, and you can't judge people based on appearance or status. Then we took time to think about what our own stories were. I was impressed with how many people were also willing to share their own stories. After our prayer, we played the game "Merder in the DArk" as our group game. SC was a very sneaky villain. After some free time and swimming, everyone conked out. It's been a busy day! I can't wait to see how tomorrow unfolds!

Adriane

PS Just to be on the safe side I'm using initials for everyone but the adults. I know this might be confusing --sorry!

Stories of the day (shared during devotions as the daily highlights):

*AC and KG saw a herd of deer while walking in the park!

*TR "accidentally" dropped her wet paint brush on SC --oops!

*MC and AC's cat at home had kitten's

*MC was complemented for a fabulous dinner! We all thought the meat was especially yummy

(and we were so thankful to all the meat and food donators).

*JW was complemented by MW for a great, quick, paint job covering the tops of the walls with the long roller!

*DR complemented everyone on their hard work and quick painting!

Coming Soon...

Next week I'll be posting pictures from the EMUMC Toledo trip. Keep posted:)