Hey everybody, this is Kyle and Devin talking about our second day, and our first day of work. We split up into two different groups, so we’re each going to talk about our separate experiences.

Hi guys, this is Kyle and I’m going to talk about my time working at the Martha O’Brian Center. This is a center that focuses on a variety of needs that people need help with. They provide classes for all ages, ranging from cooking classes for adults, to teaching kids how to adjust from living on the streets and into society.

So anyway, when we first got there, we were given various tasks that split the groups up. Some went to go take care of weeds, some went to go clean various things, and a group went to go shovel and pile of dirt into wheelbarrows and cart them to different garden areas around the building. This is where I went to work. It was extremely humid, but everybody was working very hard. One thing that was really cool was that people that were at the center for classes and things would come up and ask us who we were, and what we were here for. It was cool to have conversations with different people and tell them about our mission. One example of this was a young boy that came up and asked if he could help us. It was great to see a complete stranger to us so eager to help.

As it got closer to lunch, a group of us took off in vans and delivered meals on wheels to older or handicapped people around the neighborhood. A lot of the people didn’t seem to want to talk to us, they just wanted their meals and that was it. However, a few of them were open to a little conversation, so that was a really good experience for us. After lunch, we finished up shoveling the dirt. It was amazing to see the difference between when we first started and the finished product (see the pictures!)

For the afternoon, we were going to start on another project. We were going to dig a trench in the ground to help the flow of water during rain so it would get to the drain instead of pooling up. We had gotten all the tools ready when suddenly, we heard a siren. There was a tornado warning! We had to pack up all the tools and sit inside. The tornado missed us, but we couldn’t go outside for a while and never got started on the trench, so we’re going to start on that tomorrow.

Well, I’ve really written a lot here, and Devin hasn’t even started yet! Sorry about that, I guess there’s just a lot to say. Alright, I’m done. Devin gets a turn now!

Hey! This is Devin, and today my group was sent to a Domestic Violence Center.  This is a place for women and children to come to live in order to escape their abuse occurring within their homes.  These women have gone through so much that we can not even imagine.  As we walked through the center, many of the women seemed unfriendly and uncaring towards us.  Once we arrived our leader from the center, gave us a brief overview the of statistics and background on domestic violence.  It was so interesting, yet sad,  to hear how often domestic abuse occurs and how we should interact within the center.

Once we got started, our group of 13 was split up in order to help even more people.  My group was sent outside into a small barn where the mini “thrift store” was held.  Many people have donated so many clothes, shoes, toys, etc. that it is amazing!  We were told to organize and neaten up the barn so that the women could easily find the things they needed.  I’m sure my grandma would have enjoyed some of the things inside!  The lovely but wild styles were funny to see!  We also had to sort the many shoes loaded inside this small shed.  It was so amazing to see God working even in these tough times. So many brand new hiking and running shoes were donated!  Local businesses are so generous, and it is so cool to see the affects!

However, this barn was extremely hot, and we were sweating so bad from sorting clothing.  But, after lunch, as we were working away sorting baby clothing, our leader came outside and told us that is was going to storm in about 5 minutes.  We could literally feel the humidity be sucked out of the air.  We quickly threw all the cardboard boxes into the barn and ran inside as the rain and wind began to increase.  As we got inside, sirens were blaring and people anxiously trying to get to the basement.  I was one of the first to enter the basement, and it was very dark.  All the women and children living in the home also were trying to get into the basement.  Once everyone was in the basement, my work group was packed into the very back of the basement.  By this time, some of the women, including myself, were getting very, and I mean very, worried!  It seemed very scary at the time, but now it a great memory!  After only about 10 minutes, we were free to go back to our “jobs.”  Since my project was outside, I got to re-organize the children toy room.  Finally, our day was over, and it was time to head back to campus.

In the evening, we had a great worship service, including a speaker from Ireland.  He spoke on what actions we need to take in order to build relationships, not only with God, but with the community.  We can impact so many people just on our actions alone and need to live every moment as if we are serving Jesus Christ.  We ended this great day celebrating Kylie’s 16th birthday with delicious chocolate cake!  We look forward to seeing what God has in store for the rest of this trip!

Here’s some pictures…

The dirt pile before...

...and after!

The Storm Coming In

Grandma's outfits on display

Organizing more clothes!

Kylie's Birthday Cake