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