Day 7-
Today was our last day on the work site and in Hollywood, SC. Tomorrow, bright and early, we'll pack up all our smelly, and dirty clothes, climb back on the bus one last time and return to "normal life". It has been a physical, emotional and spiritual journey for these teens who have given up a week of their summer vacation to serve others. Each will come away with a different highlight, low point and personal meaning from their time here. Over the week the spiritual focus has been centered around Romans 8:37, "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us". Being a part of this mission trip and having the opportunity to meet the residents of the homes they are working on has made an impact on the teens. They have made connections between God's word in Romans and the hard work that they have done. God shows such love that nothing has the power to separate us from him and we can in return show that same love by serving others.
Day 6 -
Today was another great work day and it's hard to believe that there is only one more. The teens have continued to work hard and are a real inspiration. In the morning the groups split up with one group on Ms. Claire's house to try and finish it up and the rest of the crews to the new location. After dinner we went swimming. It was a great evening and the teens really enjoyed spending time together.
Day 5 -
Last night was a late night for the teens and so they moved a little slow this morning. However, they were very productive with all teams on deck. Students were working in the house, around the house, and even under the house, preforming their various jobs. When they got back on the coach (yes it is a coach, not a bus according to our driver David) in the afternoon, they were covered in sweat and dirt. Even with the heat and grim, the teens had such a positive attitude and loved to be active and took pride in what they were doing. This is a long demanding week with little sleep and still the group comes together and takes ownership of the task that they are doing with smiles on their faces. They are really amazing teens!
After taking showers, we got back on the coach and traveled to John's Island where Rural Missions hosted a dinner for us. This is an annual mission trip treat with the best macaroni and cheese ever! There was singing, dancing and prayer which everyone enjoyed. We did learn, as a group, we did not know the proper way to clap to a song with any kind of rhythm. So, they were kind enough to teach us. We may be a hopeless cause with that one!😉👏
After dinner and a visit on the pier, it was back to Christ St. Paul's for our small group time, slide show, and BED!
Day 4 - Happy 4th of July!!!
Today was another great day. Two of our teen teams continued to work on Ms. Claire's house and the rest worked on a new site. The new site consisted of putting an addition onto the back of the house. The teens were able to put tyvek around the addition, install a couple of window and work along the roof. After a hot hard day of work, the teens took their showers and had a wonderful dinner of chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, potato salad, coleslaw and for dessert, apple pie. Again thank you kitchen staff!!! Then we loaded back onto the coach and went to the city of North Charleston to watch fireworks at the River Park. It was a wonderful display and a great way to celebrate Independence Day! We got back to Christ St. Paul's late, so the teens had just enough time to grab a quick snack and then it was bed time. Everyone must have been very tired because there were no complaints. 😴
Day 3 -
Julia gave a wonderful description of our first day on the work site. Above are a few pictures to go with it. Just a couple of points to add; the teens were absolutely wonderful today. The first day is one of the hardest because everyone is figuring out what needs to be done, so there was some down time and waiting around. Everyone was so patient and understanding. They really are a great group of teens and I am excited to see what else God has in store for them this week!
