Our last day.....

We had a great day touring the city today. We managed to safely travel the Metro without losing any kids (which I am sure you are all thankful for).

Our first stop today was Arlington Cemetary. We were able see Kennedy's Tomb as well as the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the unknown soldier.

Afterwards we took the Metro to the White House....

And then over to the Capitol.

Afterwards we split up and went to the Smithsonians. We split up in groups and all of us went to the Museum of Natural History. Then some moved on to the National Archives and the Air and Space Museum. Another group when to the Holicost. However, my group found a very relaxing place to kick back....it wasn't a spa, but it was just as GOOD!!!

We cannot begin to thank everyone for all the prayers on this trip. Memories were made, lessons were learned, friendships were made and strengthened and it is safe to say we all grew closer to God this week. Not one of us is returning the same we were when we came.

THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

We are blessed beyond measure. We have so much.

Our goal is to be on the road by 7:00 tomorrow....we will see if we make it. That will get us home around 7-8:00 tomorrow night.

Pray for safety as we travel.

Audrey

All GREAT Things must eventually come to an end...

Today was a day filled with many crazy emotions.

My group when to Food and Friends and help prepare meals. While most stayed and prepared the food for delivery, myself, Jon F. and Brandon K. went to deliver the meals. We had to make 5 stops and were disappointed when 2 of them were not home for their delivery. Nonetheless we had a great time!!

The second group went to DC Central. This place makes over 4,000 meals for homeless people in ONE DAY!! They had alot of fun working there as well as had a great meal (of which they have been talking about all day today of salmon, french fries and chicken nuggets).

It was our last day of VBS and tears were shed. These kids fell in love with us and we can honestly say that the feelings were very mutual. what was really crazy about today is that when we were enroute to VBS it started to rain...hard. It was left up to us if we wanted to run VBS today. The decision was made to set up camp across the street under a roof of a school we thought was closed (but it is actually just that worn down). We were sooo thankful. Even though it was rainy and we got a little wet, we still had a good turn out. Some of our kids that came every day previous were not there, but new ones were. Many kids were able to give out their today. The bibles really became a HUGE part of our ministry here. It is very exciting to see how these kids have grown.

Here is a picture of us and our new young friends in DC.

Tonight's dinner was at Wok N' Roll. It was DELICIOUS!!!!!! We had an abundance left over and were able to box it up and feed a homeless man dinner tonight. What a blessing to be able to share.

Debriefing tonight was held that the Lincoln Memorial. What a BEAUTIFUL sight!!! We discussed about what one or two lessons or experiences we want to bring home with us and how we want to continue to do God's work when we get home. These kids are all sharing sooo much!!

Of course, not trip to DC is not complete without a picture with Einstein.

God has blessed this group this week and we are so thankful for everything!!! All your e-mails and comments have been so helpful in getting many of us thru the week. Thank you Thank you!!

Tomorrow is our "last" day here. We leave at 8:00 and will be walking to the nearest Metro Station and head to Arlington first. Cannot wait! However, many kids have asked if we can go back to VBS instead, but, unfortunately we can't.

We will be leaving Saturday morning, however, we have not yet set our departure time.

Blessings,

Audrey

Another Great and HOT HOT Day!!!

Today we did the old switcheroo.....Monday's groups flopped locations, one going to Downtown Cluster (adult daycare facility) and the other to Vision DC.

The group that went to Downtown Cluster had many great stories, but few pictures.....sorry!!! You will have to wait til we return to hear all the great memories they will have from their blessed time with the people at this ministry.

My group today went to Vision DC....no pictures allowed there. Although it was EXTREMELY HOT in this warehouse we were working in, the kids really really amazed me with their teamwork in digging in and getting the job there done. We sorted craft material into boxes that will be sent to low income schools. We also sorted clothes by size and then bagged and boxed them to go to several foundations. Although we had no direct contact with the people be supported by this mission, we definitely feel like we made a difference.

We also had the opportunity to visit the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. It was very interesting....

VBS this afternoon was really pretty unbelievable! We had over 35 kids today and it was pretty crazy. I, unfortunately, did not snap one picture, as we were pretty busy. These kids are rather "unruly". But, it was a real blessing to have our ministry grow like that. Word has gotten out that we were there and they definitely came!!!

For dinner we ate at "Taste of India". This was a new experience for EVERYONE and EVERYONE loved it. Some things were rather spicy...but it filled our very hungry bellies!

Afterwards we gave the kids a surprise dessert to Baskin Robbins. They loved that even more!!!

Our Debriefing was held at the FDR Memorial. We had some time to walk around and take in the sites.

"Debriefing tonight was very interesting as we spoke on what the difference was between Sympathy and Compassion. It was very cool to hear the kids' description of the two and how they are both key elements in making a difference in meeting the needs (physical, emotional, religious) of others. Very insightful.

On the first day here I handed out bibles to the kids for them to spend time highlighting verses that they felt were important to them. They were then instructed to give their bible to someone in DC. However, we really wanted the kids (and sponsors too) to really listen to God and to our hearts to find that person and slowly we have been finding them. I think so far about 5 bibles have been given away to either elderly people, homeless or kids from VBS. This part of our "Mission" has been really interesting and so rewarding once it is done. I know the kids are very nervous about this, but so far they have been doing GREAT!!!

About that......I just want to tell all the parents how proud you should be of all of your kids. I am proud to be leading them every day. Each one has risen to whatever challenge is being placed before them. Some have really taken the reigns on many things (especially VBS) and it has not only been helpful to me, but I think that they are getting that much more out of it as well. They are very respectful when talking to other people, whether that be restaurant staff, Volunteers, kids, homeless and each other. They are willing to get involved and just been so great!!!Thank you for allowing us to take them on this trip.

New friendships are DEFINITELY being made and old ones are stronger.

It is clear that the kids are becoming physically and emotionally worn down. I actually think that this is a good thing because it is at this point that they will be more vulnerable to really experience new things.

Tomorrow is our last work day. It is our last day of VBS. There are many mixed feelings that go along with this....however, I feel like the kids are getting very anxious to be home...they all have an opinion as to what time we should leave on Saturday....ummmm they want to leave at like 3:00 a.m., some at 4:30 a.m., etc.....Nice since they aren't the ones driving....

We (sponsors) will be discussing tomorrow night our Saturday departure plan, so look at the blog to get this information.

The messages from home have been wonderful. I cannot begin to tell you how much the kids love it and we also love it as well.

Blessings

Audrey

The Face of Homelessness

Here are just a few quick pics of the homelessness we witnessed today. We had our first face to faces with many homeless people. I think all of the kids will remember this day for quite some time.....



Today both groups had great experiences!!! Group 1 (my group consisting of myself, Phyl, Tiarra, Jon V., Jon F., Brandon K., Brandon A., Andrea and Hannah and Amanda) All left at 6:15 (IN THE MORNING!!) and went to S.O.M.E. which stands for So Others May Eat. In one hour we were able to serve a GREAT breakfast to 360 homeless and what they call the "Working Poor". It was truly AMAZING! Afterwards we went to Union Station and did what was called City Survey. Our group went out and interviewed people ranging from tourists to Police officers to locals to homeless persons. What an eye opener!!! I hope some of the kids will share that experience in more detail at a later date.

The other group went to a very nice food pantry called Food and Friends. This is an awesome ministry that prepares meals for people with terminal illnesses. A few kids were able to go along to deliver the meals also and really enjoyed that opportunity! Afterwards they ended up befriending a homeless person and brought him to Subway for a meal. What a great experience I am sure they will remember for quite some time!

VBS was awesome today!!! Our numbers increased only slightly, but that was ok with us. We are really connecting with those that are there and are having a ton of fun with them all. What was truely amazing is that many of them recalled quite clearly what our story was off yesterday, which made us feel like we were really doing some good things there.

For dinner tonight we ate at Ben's Chili Bowl and everyone LOVED it!!! If you ever have a sec. you should google it and see all the great things about Ben's.



For debriefing tonight we got to spend some time at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, which was really neat. It is amazing how much all the kids open up to discuss what left a lasting impression on them throughout the day. Also, since we are separated during the day we have great stories to share. It is neat to see what each of them gleaned from.










I know, not as many pictures as yesterday, however, I think you would feel like alot of the VBS pictures would look like repeats from the day previous and both of the groups were not allowed to take pictures of the ministry sites we worked at in the a.m. We have many "candid" shots from today, but it is getting late and I am passed tired!! That 5 a.m. wake up call came WAY too early today. When I saw on our itinerary "City Survey" today I asked if it was possibly "code" for "go back to the church and take naps". It wasn't. So, our day was just VERY VERY long.

We heard today the temp. was up to 92-96 degrees, but there was less humidity, so that was good!!

Please know that this evening I gathered everyone together and everyone voted to have mail call similar to "camp" and everyone voted to have their messages read outloud for us all to enjoy. The messages, encouragement and prayers from home are so much appreciated and we are all enjoying them. Thank you so much!!! Although we may not reply to all of the personally, we do all get them and LOVE it!!!!

On a personal note; Ryleigh, Kobe and Nathan.....We LOVE you soooo much and just loved your messages to us!!! We miss you like crazy, but know you are having a great time with all your friends.

Tomorrow the groups from yesterday are going out and "switching" places....meaning those who worked at Vision DC are now going to Downtown Cluster and those who went to Downtown Cluster are going to Vision DC. Looking forward to another blessed day!!

There is a chance of rain tomorrow.....if that happens there will be no VBS.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I hope to have more for you tomorrow.

PEACE!
Audrey

Hello Mother, Hello Father......

Greetings from DC!

The weather was HOT and HUMID......we were sweaty and sticky....but survived!!!

We were off to a GREAT start today. 1/2 of the group today worked at VISION DC. This is a branch of World Vision. There they attempted to put together some tables, however, due to lack of tools and appropriate hardware the group was unable to complete the tasks. However, they did spend time preparing boxes for distributions to schools.

The other group went to a place called Downtown Cluster. This is a daycare facility for "seniors" (their term, not mine) with mental disabilities or those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's.

Here is Jason and Mr. Ford

Liz and her new friend

These are two very special friends of Cassidy. The lady in the yellow is Annie Lee and she says she is 100 years old. She has children, but cannot remember who they are (although we do know that she currently lives with one of them).

Well all met at a park for a sack lunch and then went on to VBS. We actually only had roughly a dozen kids today, but could have upwards of 40 + tomorrow. This was alot of fun though and we cannot wait to see our new little friends soon! They were all starving for attention and really latched on quite quickly to many of us.

For dinner tonight we all ate a restaurant called Mid Atlantic Seafood and Soul Food. This was actually owned an operated by a Korean Family....odd, but REALLY REALLY Good!!!!!! Tomorrow is Ben's Chili Bowl (which is well known and visited by many celebrities such as Bill Cosby and Oprah). Mac and I had this experience of Ben's on our visit and cannot wait to eat dinner there again tomorrow!!!

Are you wondering about where we are sleeping? We are staying at our own church (Northwest Community) We have a boys room and a girls room and sleeping on cots.

For Debriefing tonight we went to the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. It was AWESOME! Each group acted out skits on what they did that day (which were VERY funny) but then we really got some time to talk about in what ways we saw God working. Wow did we see Him work!!! Some of the kids were really challenged today and were scared (especially dealing with the elderly people). However, with God's help they did not only get involved, but they really made a difference!

I have been trying really hard to get pictures of everyone, but if you don't see your child, please don't worry...we still have them. We have so many pictures, it is really hard to just chose a few to post here.

I pray everyone at home is doing well too and we can't wait to see you all and tell you in person about this trip.

Thank you so much for your comments and e-mails. The kids think news from home and the messages are GREAT!!!

Blessings;

Audrey