Second Day at Bluefield

We have returned from our respective worksites after more roofing, nailing, painting, and so much more . . . At my site today, we actually finished the main roof and painting. Tomorrow will be some touch up as well the beginning of the de-construction of a back roof, so a new one can be built and completed by end of day Friday.

God is definitely at work here as the students are working hard, really understanding what injustices exist in this world and how they can be the hands and feet of Christ in very tangible ways to these homeowners.

Tomorrow (Wednesday), we will only work in the morning - lunch back on campus at 12:30 p.m. and then we will have the afternoon off to rest and relax. The group has decided to go to a "Exhibition Coal Mine" not too far from here in Pocahontas. It should be great to understand and see something first hand that has impacted the residents we are helping. Then, it will be off to the Wal-Mart (I know, they can't live without it! ) to do some shopping for their buddies and some children they have met at the worksites, then to dinner.

Keep the prayers coming, and we will see you soon! Hope you are enjoying the pictures.

First Work Day

Wow, what a busy day it has been. My crew's name is "Rowdy Roofers", so guess what our work assignment was today. There are 29 adults and students working in my group including our own, Dee Dove, Emily Smith, and Lindsey Jones. Our assignment for the week is to replace the roof of the house, build a new roof on the back, replace the front porch, and paint! There is so much to do, but the group was eager and much was accomplished. One side of the main part of the house completely had the old roof removed and a new roof installed today - our day ran from 8:30 - 4 p.m. today! We also scraped and painted 2 sides of the house, lugged all the shingles off the roof to a dumpster. (Who knew one house could have so many wasps nests).

I was so proud of all the students at this site, they really worked hard and got a lot accomplished. Tomorrow, we will work on the other side of the roof, shingle the front porch, finish painting, and begin replacing the front porch.

Our other youth are divided among 6 other projects. The team names are On The Level, One Plank Sky, Jacks of All Trades, Hard Heads, Roof Roof, and High Pitch. As you can tell from many of the names, there is a lot of roofing going on here this week. The One Plank Sky group has Marty Cash as their Crew Chief. they are putting in a new ramp which includes a landing as well as laying a paver patio. I haven't heard yet how it went there, but will update you later.

I do not have cell phone reception at my work site. So, there's a bit of withdrawal, but also God's gift of really focused energy on the work and the students.

Blessings, Michael

We are here!

Yes, we arrived safe and sound to Bluefield around 2:15 p.m. In case you wondering, it is hot - the mountains are supposed to be cooler, right? Anyway, the girls and guys are in separate dorm buildings on the campus - guess what floor? That's right the 3rd and the ony floor above is the roof - ha~! There is no elevator in the dorms, but that's okay, as it will fit nicely into my exercise program. As I write, the crew chiefs for the work sites are in a meeting (Marty Cash would be there!) The group leader (me) and college leader (Jackie) have a meeting at 5 p.m., then dinner at 6 p.m.

Everyone is excited to find out about their work assignments tonight and get ready for tomorrow. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we make an impact here in the Bluefield area.

Till later!

Michael

On the road to Bluefield . . .

Well, we are on the road to Bluefield. The bus was loaded quickly, pictures taken, hugs given, and prayers lifted. The ride will be about 5 hours - currently, HSM 3 is in the DVD player - girls loving it - guys not so much, but they will get their turn. More to come tonight once we arrive and learn our work assignments for the week. Keep those prayers a coming.

Laundry, Laundry!

So, I'm getting laundry done this morning in preparation for departure tomorrow! Tomorrow at this time, we will be finished loading (see how hopeful I am!) and then on the road to Bluefield.

Let me know what you are looking forward to the most . . .

Are you ready????

So, we leave for Bluefield on our Sr. High Mission Trip this coming Sunday, June 28. I can't believe that it is already here!!!! I've been thinking I should probably begin to gather my tools and supplies for the trip, including ensuring that my clothes are washed and ready to go. There is so much in store for us as we head to Bluefield to minister to the community through multiple projects. I've already decided that it's going to be hot, so I'm prepared. Hope you are too!

I will be using this blog to log entries each day as well as pictures.

See you bright and early Sunday morning - 8 a.m.!!!!!

Blessings,

Michael