We're Home

We arrived home this morning about 4AM! Happy July 4th to everyone. Thanks to Danny and no thanks to the GPS we arrived safe and sound.
God is amazing. We all have grown closer together and to God. Just wanted to check in and tell you we are home and thank you for praying and traveling with us! I will blog about our last day and post some more pics later tonight!
We love you guys!

Hard Work and Good Food

Today was another LONG, HOT work day at Ms. Jones' house. We conquered more painting, both inside and out, today. Outside we painted: some of the high spots on the house, the awnings, and the front porch. Inside we finished hanging up all the new wood-paneling and primed it so that it is ready to paint for tomorrow. We were also able to hang a few pieces of the new ceiling, which we found to be quite challenging. But we heard that we might get a nail gun to use tomorrow (the good Lord provides!), which should help speed things up a little. There was a lot of sweat lost on the job site today and all the kiddos did an outstanding job!! They continue to work hard for Ms. Jones and, of course, have a lot of fun in the process.
The highlight of today came after the work day was over. Tonight we were invited to go to Ebenezer Baptist Church for a Pot-Luck dinner and talent show!!! Talk about a good, southern FEAST!!! We had fried chicken, burgers, macaroni & cheese, jambalaya, and gumbo (my personal favorite). While we ate we were entertained by the amazing voices of some of the church members. We wish you could have been there with us to enjoy the Gospel music and Good cookin'!! Our group also contributed to some of the entertainment. Ashlyn, Clarissa, and Holly impressed everyone with their tumbling skills, Sarah and Claire performed a wonderful rendition of "Little Green Frog", Adam amazed everyone with his contortionist act (legs behind head & 180 degree leg turn), and Joel wowed everyone by doing the worm!! Harrsion wanted to participate, but unfortunately Abott & Costello's "Who's on First?" routine is not as funny with only one person (nobody else knew either part). We ended the evening by watching the churches choir practice. And let us tell you, those folks can SING! They were amazing to listen to and have such passion when they worship the Lord. It was such a great experience and a wonderful end to the day.
Thanks so much for your prayers and support; we love and miss you all! Please pray that we would have the strength to finish well, that we would get the projects at Ms. Jones' house finished, and that God would keep us safe as we travel home. We will see you all soon!!
(Danny)

On the River

We had a great time on the river today! We traveled seven miles down river and had an awesome time. God is sooo good that He provided a rope for us to swing out into the river. Ms. Carol and I even took a turn. We all turned over at least once, except Ashlyn. The girls learned that canoes sometimes have a mind of their own. The boys came to our rescue more than once! What gentlemen we have among us!
Tonight, we joined the Ebeneezer Baptist Church for Wednesday Night Bible Study, followed by an ice cream social! The kids were introduced to a new culture and how they do church. We had a great discussion in the car on the way over and God opened our eyes to our own thoughts about how we worship God.
Thank you again for traveling this journey with us! We head back out to Ms. Jones house tomorrow.
Some Prayer Requests:
1. That we would finish well.
2. The temperature would not be as hot as they are expecting.
3. We would make LOTS of progress on our goals.
4. We would be encouraging and inclusive to all of those around us.

Quotes for the day:
"I haaaate canoooooeing"- Ashlyn
"Has anyone ever told you, you look like those models?"- Pastor Carlos Wilson to Danny in front of everyone at the church service.
"Don't go down the rapids without a boat." Danny, Carol and Andi
"I just got attacked by a tree." Clarissa
"Why are you going backwards (in your canoe)?" Berek to Ms. Carol and Ms. Andi
Girls:
"Danny will you stay with us?"
Adam:
"NO, he's coming with us to do guy stuff!"
"Are there snakes in here? Do you think this is safe?" Claire about 1000 times