Another Day Goes By...

Friday.....what can we say, we made it through the week! No one lost any limbs. The Brewer's won their game and we saw fireworks at the lake front. Tomorrow is our Great America day and then we'll head home. Here's a few more stories, hope you're enjoying them. Another post will be coming along shortly, it'll be all pictures of our week.

It was our last day of work and my group was out at the Harrison’s house. Darryl, Q and I built steps in the morning, then after lunch it was only me and Q working together. Q had minimal experience in building things, but he was very willing to learn. He did everything I told/asked him to do without complaining or losing his smile. Needless to say, because he worked so hard we were able to get all of our construction projects finished in time and they were looking sharp.
~ Josh Shilka

Starting out on this trip I was not excited about my team. We were split from our friends so we could “bond” with others from the youth group. I was not pleased. Come the first meeting no one talked, no one wanted to share or jump into discussion. I figured it was going to be a long week, but I was pleasantly surprised. All it took was a little appreciation and a few good songs on the radio to get the team working and singing together. By the end of the fourth workday I really felt like out team bonded.
~ Anna Evans

This week has taught me a lot about myself and a lot about my teammates. As we helped the Morey family rip out a back pathway and put it back in, and honestly, I was excited! This was going to be my first manly project of the week! We ripped it out and leveled out the area and placed about 1/3 of the bricks when we decided that they were too crooked. Time to rip them out. * sigh * We prayed for unity and patience, and God immediately answered that prayer. We all pulled together, had an awesome time, and completed every task! Even though we left at 7:15pm when we were scheduled for a 3:30pm departure. The entire day filled me up, blessed our entire team, and created memories that I’ll never forget.
~ Jana Hansen

I’m a little reluctant to put this in words, but this week has changed my life. I’ve spent the week with a group of people who are positively glowing with the love of Christ. Everywhere they go they bring their fire for God with them. It made me really step back and look at my own life – and I found myself not really liking what I saw there. Last night (Thursday) God was not so much speaking, but shouting that it was time to make a change. I’m going to try to reflect God in everything I do. It’s going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done – but I have my Savior on my side. With Him I can do anything.
~ Hannah Galbraith

This week has been such a blessing for me. I almost didn’t go because of selfish desires, and I’m so glad I did go. God has shown himself to me in so many ways. He has placed amazing people in my life. I am determined to keep on serving the community. I just want to thank everyone for being amazing encouragers, workers, and servants! I want to encourage everyone to continue in their quiet time every day. Make it a priority. Continue being servants. Give yourself 100% to God, because you are nothing without Him.
~ Jasmine Markley

This week was amazing for me. Coming in I had a lot of things I wanted to accomplish, but only now do I feel like they are within reach. It’s like the feeling you get when you’re about to try something hard, but somehow, you know you can do it. It feels good, & I know it can only come from God.
~ Laura Griglak

Working in the midst of the Lord is very conducive of powerful stories., but this one is a little more tangible than others. On the first day of work, after about 15-20 minutes, I was exhausted. I had no idea how I would make it through the day much less the entire week. I shot up a quick prayer, and almost immediately I filled with an incredible strength. I was able to use the strength to work hard for the rest of the week.
~ Dan Bondeson

My experience this week was amazing. I love to serve other people especially for God. I can’t wait to go on another trip. God really got my fire going again!
~ Luke Whitford

This week I had such a blast but I wish it had lasted a little longer. I started by ripping a deck off at the Harrison’s and ended by painting Mrs. Harry’s home. I learned that God is just so kind to us and we set high goals and He helped us finish them. I was also amazed at our team and how we stuck together. My only regret was that we only had one week!
~ Dane Berres