Day 3

Today was movin' and grovin' Some team members moved to different sites today, at the discretion of the entire team. Even though I know I shouldn't be amazed at what God does, because He can do ANYTHING I am. Constantly. I was amazed today at the way he has continually moved in the hearts of the team to be servants to each other, to support one another, to put others first. We asked if anyone wanted to move and the response was, I will go wherever you need. WOW And they did and people volunteered to leave sites and move so someone else could get a chance to take their place. That right there, that is God working. God shows up continually in ways that may not seem noticeable but if we keep our eyes and our hearts open he is working everywhere! We just have to be prepared to see it. Keeping an open heart, being obedient and reading His word transform us all.

After our work sites today we had block parties in the neighborhoods where we worked. I have never been involved with a block party. We cooked hotdogs and gave away food and hung out with people from the neighborhoods as well as people from the other teams. It was a bit chaotic at first but Angela and Todd grill a mean hotdog so eventually everyone had some food and fellowship. Ralph toted one of his new found little friends around on his shoulders, Greg met and artist and Sheralyn forged a special relationship with Calvin. God uses us as his hands and feet for us to build and create safe dwelling but even more important he uses us to build relationships that glorify His name.

After the block party myself and John headed to see Miss Edna and her family. She was the very first homeowner I ever came in contact with back in July 06. I have kept in contact with her. I don't have the words to describe what it was like to visit her other than pure joy. God opens hearts to pour into each other and that is what it is like when I think, pray and write her letters. It was a pouring of hearts into each other when we visited. Oh, and John had some Gumbo and we were treated to sweet potato pie and homemade pralines. Oooweee! The family is well and she asked about everyone who had come from peoples before to help with her home - Patrick, Tom Hermann, Shelly & Carly Niedwicki, Joe Jansen (my nephew), Haley and Janet Jansen (my sister-in-law). I cried when I left her but I never know how and when God will use me so I like to think I may see her again one day if it is God's will.

The rest of the team ate at a restaurant that was recommended for barbeque- they said it was terrific and you must ask Greg about his boudain.