Wednesday!

Another great day here in Sault Ste Marie! We are working hard serving the Lord. Our Geneva kids continue to set great examples for the rest of the youth here. Someone from our group is always volunteering to read scripture, or to do extra jobs or is one of the first to jump in and help take down or set up tables. They aren’t even fighting about the front seat in the car! I’m really pleased with everyone’s attitude.

The Haters were back at the War Memorial Long-term care today. Some of us spent about 45 minutes picking up trash (mostly cigarette butts) from around the hospital grounds while the others played catch with balloons with the residents in the activity center. Later in the morning, we gave hand massages and painted fingernails. The girls really enjoyed painting fingernails and Nancy’s favorite thing to do is give hand massages to seniors. We stayed there for lunch, eating with the residents, because they were having a cookout. The afternoon was rather quiet, we played games and did puzzles with some residents and helped to color signs for an upcoming walk to end Alzheimer’s.

The Losers, as usual, spent the day at Kids’ Club. In the morning they planned for the afternoon’s activities. They filled almost 200 water balloons, and set up other games. They also planned for tomorrow, which is going to be a carnival day. Billy and Drew enjoyed interacting with the kids today. Billy did another skit and hung out with his buddy, Cheyenne. Drew mostly stayed inside doing arts and crafts with the kids but also played kickball. Kids club continues to be a busy place. Over 50 kids come in and out each day! The Youthworks youth sure have a lot of love to share with these kids who need it.

After spending two days at work projects, the Singles changed ministry sites today, and spent the day at Kids’ Club as well. Jeff helped supervise the gym area organizing games for the kids. Josh found a buddy to hang with named Jordan. Jessy buddied up with an older girl who attends the Kids’ Club who is close to her own age. They enjoyed spending the afternoon together. Josh helped set up some outdoor games like jump rope and sidewalk chalk. Jesse continues to ask for things to do. She loves to stay busy.

Tonight after dinner we walked down to the Soo locks area. The kids split off into their own groups (of three or more!) A few of us saw a ship come through, so to me that was pretty cool. We looked around at some souvenir shops and, of course, had ice cream!

It’s hard to believe we only have one more day! We’ll end our ministry week continuing to develop relationships and shining God’s light through our interaction with people. Anne’s crew and Jeff’s crew will be at Kids’ Club showing what love is. My crew will spend our last day with the seniors at the Hospital. For me, I know it’s going to be difficult saying good-bye. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to their stories and I feel I’ve really gotten to know a few of them. My hope is that I’ve brought some love into their lives, even for just a short while.