Hey there folks,

Guess what? I finally have pictures from the other sites for you! I thought you'd be excited and cheer loudly.

Catherine has been taking pictures at the other two sites (they are across the street from each other), and I got the camera back from her tonight.

The youth have been working so very hard, and they are having a blast while doing it. I know our site was tough: power washing, roofing, cleaning off part of the roof, weeding, repairing the fence, and much more. The other groups had tons of painting to do, among other jobs.

The younger crew is so excited about being a part of this. They are amazing. Our group sets an example for the others, and they work really hard. I am so proud!

Today was a tough day. We had a lot of work to get done, knowing that tomorrow morning is it. At my site, we finished tearing down the tin shed, worked on putting the porch roof back on, cleaned off the rest of the roof, power washed, and more. A storm whipped up, and we had to really push it at the end of the day. Just a little bit more to finish up in the morning!

The evening was filled with games, discussion, prayer, and singing. Great last night! They a=were still pumped up and bouncing off the walls! Compline helped prepare them for bed! Well, check out the pics and we'll see you soon.

blessings,
dorian

Hey there folks,

Sunday is a day of ReCreation at the Jr High Augusta Home Works mission. We go to church, have a Sunday School thing where we do skits and play games, walk the Labyrinth, watch a movie, and stuff like that. This year was unique in that we came back home for the retirement celebration for the Rev. Mary Moore Roberson. The kids thought it was cool that we were going back, and Mary Moore was thankful for our return and participation. The service was way cool, and the party was awesome. Thank you so much for you service to St. John's, Mary Moore!!

We drove back to Augusta, and we arrived just in time to join a viewing of the Princess Bride. It is my personal favorite movie of ALL time. There were many people who hadn't seen it (and if you haven't...watch it pronto!), and they really enjoyed it. I think it was my 273rd time. Not sure, though.

After the movie, we went to a nearby park for a cookout party and concert. It was really humid, but we had a great time. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, ice cream, frisbee golf, climbing on a tank, and much more. It was a blast! And we were joined by Abi Moon! It was great to see Abi. She is super cool, and she is the youth minister who started this Jr High session in Augusta. She is currently in seminary at Sewanee, going into her third and final year.

We closed the evening with games and devotion. We talked about the passage 2 Timothy 4:1-8. 2 Timothy is a personal pastoral letter to Paul's protege, Timothy. It was a letter written while Paul was imprisoned for the second time, and Paul was writing to encourage Timothy in preaching, teaching, and doing ministry.

Now the day is done, and we are getting up bright and early. Tomorrow is a full day of work, and we have a TON to do. See you soon!

blessings,
dorian

Hey there folks,

Today was a long, hot, and crazy day. We started off with a quick breakfast, some directions, and rules. We broke into our work groups, got to know each other a little bit, and then header off.

The weekend has the group broken into three groups (unfortunately, I didn't get the camera from Catherine, so we don't have other pics of the other sites. We are at Mrs. Williams's house. She is fairly old but still very functional. She has 8 children and a bagillion grands and greatgrands. Our group killed wasps, cleaned out two sheds, destroyed one shed (on purpose), tore off the backporch roof, removed vines from the rear fence, and more. We worked hard!!

I think the other groups are painting and cleaning. I know one group uncovered a dead cat, and Austin got to remove it. That is pretty impressive! I don't think I could have done that. Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time, and they are working hard!

Again, many apologies that I don't have more pics. I forgot to get the camera from Catherine, but don't worry, we can always put up more pictures! I'm off to bed. Exhausted. We will see you all at church!

blessings,
dorian

Hey there folks,

We have a great group of 12 youth and 4 adults hanging out in Augusta, GA for the Jr High Home Works mission. We will be hear through Tuesday at lunch, spending 2.5 days working on 3 homes. We will primarily be painting, but also making some minor repairs (all age appropriate stuff).

Travel down Friday evening was pretty uneventful. We encountered some rain and storms, but we kept plugging ahead. We stopped for dinner at Chickfila in Augusta, and the group totally amused me with the girls on one side of the restaurant and the boys on the other!

It started storming again as we got our stuff settled, and it never really let up all evening. There was some gorgeous lightning! Amazing stuff. One group from TN was a bit late because of the storms and a wreck they stopped to help with. We played some games to kill time waiting on them, and then once they arrived we watched some safety and first aid videos made by youth at Good Shepherd. Funny stuff!

Unfortunately, I didn't really have much to take pictures of, but I promise the next post will have pics with it. The youth are doing great, and it is going to be a wonderful experience. Stay tuned!

blessings,
dorian

Johns Island
Sr High Home Works Mission

Tentative Itinerary
July 18 (Sun) arrive at church by 7am - drop luggage off in gym
7:45am We will attend the Rite I service as a group
We will be commissioned during the service
After church we will pack up the bus and cars, and then head to Johns Is
July 25 (Sun) Return to St. John's for 10:30 service

Packing List
Wear work clothes, t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers or work shoes
1-2 pair of long work pants
Casual wear for the evening
(enough work clothes and casual clothing for 7 days)
Safety goggles/glasses and gloves
Hat
No sports bras or other inappropriate work clothing
Sports wear for Tue. afternoon soccer/softball/tennis activities
Bathing suit
Shower shoes or flip flops
Rain coat
Sleeping bag (or sheets), pillow, and air mattress (or cot)
3 towels and wash cloths
Toiletries
Water Bottle
Insect Repellent
Sunscreen
Minimal spending money is need (approx. $20) Team members usually purchase a gift for the homeowner upon completion of the repairs.

Notes and Tips:
Determine whether you are current with regards to your tetanus shot
3 meals per day, snack, water, and Gatorade are provided
If possible, bring a paint brush
If you bring any tools, please label them
ipods (or other music devices) & cellphones are not allowed on the work sites
Bring a musical instrument if you play one, such as a guitar
Spend time, sit and chat with the residents of the home

Augusta Packing List and Itinerary
Jr High Home Works Mission

Friday, June 25
4PM -- Meet @ St. John's
4:30 -- Depart from St. John's
We will stop for dinner at Chick Fil A
7PM -- Arrive @ Good Shepherd

Tue, June 29 (these times are approximate and will be confirmed)
12PM -- Eat Lunch
2PM -- Depart Good Shepherd
3:30/4PM -- Arrive back @ St. John's

Packing List
Clothes that you don't mind getting dirty/ruined
(you WILL get paint on your clothes)
1 pair of long work pants
Casual wear for the evening (flip flops are allowed at this time)
Sleeping Bag, Air Mattress, Pillow
Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Water Bottle
Wet Wipes
Work Shoes (sneakers, boots, etc...must be closed toe)
Safety Glasses, work gloves
Hat
Modest Swim Suit
Appropriate sleep attire
Camera
2 Towels
Toiletries
Small amount of cash ($1-5) to purchase a shared gift for the home owner and for offering on Sunday

Note:
ipods (or other music devices) & cellphones are not allowed on the work sites
Youth do not need to bring food either; all snacks and meals are provided for
Spend time, sit and chat with the residents of the home