Day 7 - Travel Day Home

Apologies for not sending the blog out last night, my body was demanding some sleep.

I left the last blog entry mentioning the painting was ongoing, here is how things progressed in that area:

 

When things got started earlier in the week, many hands made light work and the walls (and some people) were painted quickly!

And then came the corners & shelves with lots and lots of cutting in...

so huge thanks to Sean, Lottie, Elisa, Briana and Caitlin for staying up and finishing things.

This wall is actually finished, the part in blue will be painted with a chalkboard paint to become a prayer wall for the 1 Gen and college-aged groups.  33 Bleecker "Center for Hope" will literally become a haven for the youth and young adults of Gloversville, where sharing prayer requests, struggles and concerns will be done among Christian friends.

Unfortunately it was time to say goodbye, and it was 5 a.m., the younger generation (minus a few exceptions-Elle here cuddled in with Cooper) made it through the entire night without sleep, continuing to bond with each other.  Kaylyn was all Smile!

Thanks to John McClendon for catching some great photos on the way out:

New York state isn't all lights, glitter and millions of people, most of the state has a simple elegance.

The view leaving was almost worth not sleeping, see the fog line? Our path took us above, below and and through the fog.

Scenic beauty seems to be an under statement!

The trip is right at 800 miles, usually takes about 13-14 hours.  Little did we know leaving this would be the longest return trip for a Gloversville group, no problems, just 5 different lane closures at various spots that delayed things.  We all arrived home safely about 15 hours later, 2 vans, 1 Uhaul, luggage, 11 people (we dropped Brenda off in Pennsylvania with her sister for an extended vaction with family) and tons of new memories!  Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip possible, especially for your prayers!

We miss Gloversville already, but look forward to our next visit.  If you are interested in being on a future team, contact me at miketeamship@gmail.com

Day 6 - Final VBS day

The last day, always a bittersweet day, but before we talk about the VBS portion, we'll talk about what happened at the beginning of the day, literally just after midnight. First off, Will Martin returned safely to Charlotte after dedicating 2 days of driving for 2 days of serving in Gloversville, he arrived home at about 12:30 a.m.

Next, the 'surprise' was from John McClendon, his wife, Tricia, and two daughters Briana and Kaylyn have been with our team the entire week, but John had some mission obligations of his own in Nicaragua.

Back on May 22nd, while we were still compiling our team, John asked if it would be ok to join the team mid-trip? Of course it'd be OK.  So plans to surprise his daughters was in full effect.  With flight arrival at 11:30 p.m. into the Albany airport, we knew he'd have a late arrival to 33 Bleecker, but a few of the team members stayed awake long enough to entertain the girls so John would have an opportunity to surprise them.  It worked like a charm during one of our favorite interactive games called "mafia", during this game all the players, except for a narrator are required to close their eyes and "sleep".  After some strategic texts and Facebook messaging, they asked to "sleep", upon awakening, John was part of the circle and the mini-reunion was in full effect, thanks to Elisa for the fun idea.

The morning began with a bit of a snag not knowing if the elevators were going to work or not (there was apparently a fluid leak which caused the elevator to loss hydraulic power-it is working now, but wasn't fixed until after our closing ceremony).  That provided for a Spirit lead opportunity which allowed for a more in-depth Bible study for the Lexington guests which are so encouraging to us, they love each other and love Jesus!  Lottie and Beth were the main recipients of this schedule change and did a great job of being Spirit Lead.

The kids were on fire today, the morning activities ranged from karaoke, to tag and then into their favorite songs, Like a Rock and Bananas!

Evelyn and Isabella entertaining everyone!

Lottie and Dakota hanging out

Lets Go!

Like a bird

Learning from our characters!

Kaylyn explaining the Cross and everyone placing their fingerprint on the Cross!

Here is a recap of our VBS fun put together by Cyndie's sister, Megan! Thanks Megan

Next up the combined Matthews/1Gen college-aged teams put on a fun fun lunch experience in the backyard.  Here Sarah shows off her cotton candy making skills

Briana was in charge of the Bounce Slide

Servants hearts abound, John, Chelsea, Debbie, (not shown Jim and Brenda on the drink stand and Zach and Alicia on the cooking squad).

Hog dogs, chips, pineapple and cookies were in high demand!

Cotton Candy and Popcorn were a big hit too!

Siblings loving on their siblings!

Serena was a big part of our team all week.

Elisa made a few friends!

These two guys have big plans for 33 Bleecker

It was time to say goodbye to VBS

and get a little crazy!

Cleanup was next, which involved returning chairs, tables and other items to a few different places as well as packing up the borrowed supplies from Matthews UMC.

Our final activity (besides painting which is still ongoing) was some random acts of kindness.  We had over 140 ice pops to give away to random people throughout Gloversville.  One of those random people (not really, we planned it) was Mona, shown above with Briana.  During Briana's visit to Gloversville in April she wrote a letter that really touched Mona's heart, it was great to allow them to meet in person.

Next up is our closing team meeting, time for affirmations, sleep for the drivers and an all-nighter for the younger generation.  Prayers for safe travels are appreciated.

Day 5 - VBS Day 2

Our day started with a home cooked meal from Elisa; Will and I chipped in on the eggs and bacon, but Elisa added a her special blend of unknown ingredients to create some awesome tasting pancakes.

Next we moved onto the logistics of the 2nd day of VBS with our combined Matthews Mission team and the 1Gen & 2nd generation youth.  Will Martin (our kitchen, food, sound board guru) had to head back to Charlotte early in preparation for a job taking him to Phoenix on Friday, prayers for Will as he heads back home today.

Today was definitely a "get to" day.  We didn't have to worry about our roles, the building or even getting to know the kids at VBS, today we were able to share Jesus with these campers and sometimes we even did that by using words.

These kids are already like family, and what do family's do? They take group pictures!

The major "to-do" this week for the kids is "Watch for God" sometimes you just need some help from your friends to find him.

Our "ice breaker" this morning as the kids were arriving was a fun game of kick ball.

Even if you weren't playing the action was contagious!

Our leaders this week did a great job of getting everyone involved!

Awesome job Kaylyn, Sean & Lottie!

Tammy volunteered again, this time to imitate Biblical animals 

She did a great job!

Brenda had everyone's attention.

Elisa & Caitlin keeping the kids involved.

Is that King Kaylyn?

Nick helping retrieve some water from a stream

Nolan is always engaged and ready for the next opportunity!

Briana helping the kids solve string games.

We even had some time to pray together! Thanks for doing such a great job Evelyn!

Just like yesterday, we finished our time sharing a meal together.

Sean always lending a hand.

mmm mmm good, chicken tenders!

Next up, our annual softball game with Vic Manor guys! They are great, we ALWAYS have such a fun afternoon, and today was no exception!

Fast Friends!

Put me in Coach, everyone was a winner today, this team just happened to score the most runs!

After a great dinner from the Gifford family, some of our team was putting the finishing touches on the painting project they've been working on during any spare time.  Huge thanks to Briana, Elisa, Sean, Lottie and Jon for getting this done!

Then things got out of control and the group ganged up on the photographer! I have a lot of canvas, and they used all of it! Asher joined in on the fun too!