What to say

We are almost done. The hard work of loving one another continues tomorrow on our journey home. Hot showers and soft beds await. But the memories of this time, of Jesus' presence thick with us, and the beauty of creation linger as they hold on to this night just a bit longer. While Philistines is played, row of our students sit to the side reading Philippians. I am overcome with awe at the movement of God in our midst and in their hearts. It has been a taxing day emotionally and physically. The tasks at Wind River were made more difficult by the tired and sore bodies. As I write, Thomas is at the EP emergency room to see if the shoulder that got cracked by a log on the mountainside is dislocated. We are worn out physically and emotionally, and refreshed spiritually. What an amazing journey that only promises to get better as we continue to run hard after Him...

What day is it?

This was a day. Wow. The pics tell the story, in part because I never for to the other work site to snap photos. We filled drainage ditches on the Y camp grounds with rocks. Big ones. Little ones. Dump truck loads of them. We built a handicap accessible ramp and walkway. It was warm. It rained. It was cold. Then hot. When it was done, we were hungry and tired and satisfied. After dinner at the famous Smokin Dave's BBQ, we split and a bunch went up on Deer Mtn in the park, while the others went to the rodeo in town. Tomorrow is our last day working, and I expect it to be a challenge. These kids are up to it for sure!

Day 3

Rocky Ridge Music Center. Hard work. High elevation. The kids were remarkable. Truly remarkable. We did deck railing, boulder rolling, cabin sweeping, and waterfall climbing. Here are the pics. They speak for themselves!

Day 2 pics

Day 2

We had a good day today. Woke up to some sun but was soon replaced by the threat of rain. Worship was great and the message and scripture tied in with our theme of discipleship, dirty hands doing Jesus work, and going all in and all out for His sake. The day was spent working at the Estes Valley Advocacy Center, where we fixed drainage issues, pulled 26 bags of thistles and weeds, and dug steps into a hillside. No one can question the work ethic of our kids - they sweat and get dirty and do not complain. We accomplished a ton today. It was showers, then pizza at the Y camp, followed by some shopping downtown after dinner. I had the distinct pleasure of watching the kids out and about, and once again you parents should be proud!!! The van ride home was a riot, as all the gals piled in my ride and sang One Direction at the top of their lungs. We had an amazing chapel led by Joseph Donofro, Shaylyn's fiancée, and as I write the adults are fading fast and the kids playing games. We will be back at it tomorrow, hopefully at Rocky Ridge Music Center. Until then...keep praying. Hoping to make a difference and also to see the mountains tomorrow as they have been hidden by low clouds since we arrived. Thanks for following along!

Day 1

We arrived safe and sound. Lunch at Ole's in Paxton, NE. Sunshine until Greeley,CO and the a deluge in Big Thompson Canyon. Water everywhere, rocks washed off the cliff sides, water on the road in a few spots, waterfalls cascading down the hillsides...it was quite the adventure to start the week. The mountains are shrouded by low rain clouds, but spirits are high and we are excited to be here doing work for Jesus. The journey once again taught us all a lesson in God's provision. He saw us safely through 11 hours driving and a soggy drive up to Estes Park. Tomorrow promises to be another day full of lessons and adventure.

Here we go!

We leave Sat morning bright and early. The plan is to be rolling by 6 am, so am planning to be a Zion by 5:30 to load. If you have not paid or turned in medical sheets, bring them then. We will grab lunch in Paxson, NE and hopefully arrive in Estes Park at dinner time.

Fires - spoke with a lady in EP on Tuesday and they are good. No fires there. I have been asked and sated to pass that on.

The forecast for Sunday in EP is a high of 68. I would throw in sweatshirts and a long sleeve T just to be safe. Lows in the low 50's. They have been similar to us temp wise, so a break in the heat will be lovely.

Excitement is building...hope your students are ready to get their hands dirty. I will be posting on the here, both pics and thoughts. Thanks for the chance to lead the trip and for allowing us to invest in your kids for Jesus' sake.

More to come...