Saturday night

After 2 hours of fighting my computer, I'm giving up on it and just giving an afternoon report via phone. I apologize for the lack of pictures but will hopefully have more luck after the computer and I get some much needed sleep.

The girls had a productive afternoon helping to clean the World Cup Cafe, a coffee shop that not only specializes in free trade coffee, but also other free trade goods. Today they had their Green Eggs and Ham event and the girls were able to go in afterward and get their turn at scrubbing toilets, sweeping and mopping. We might need to challenge the boys and girls to an official "clean off" after we get home. And after getting their clean on at the cafe, they headed to Mission Waco's offices to do some cleaning there as well.  And, not to be outdone by the boys, they showed their skills at pulling weeks and doing yard work.

The boys were not ready to give up on clearing our assigned lots from the morning. And despite tall grass, problematic equipment and obstacles that would thwart the most seasoned landscaper, they not only knocked out one or two, but three lots and a little more. They were hard workers who showed patience and determination. Their hard work was so contagious, some neighbor boys even came over to lend a hand.

After dinner and a little time to clean up, we loaded up in vans and rewarded everyone with a trip to see The Lorax. We filled the theater that we rented out and had a lot of fun with the movie and experience. We ended with devotionals and instructions for our trip to Church Under the Bridge tomorrow morning.

I've had several conversations with them over the past few days and it is apparent that there is more going on than just projects and hard work. The kids are seeing how serving changes us. They are figuring out that they don't have to wait for ministry some day but are perfectly able at 9, 10 or 11 to change the world. And they are seeing how helping the least of these is no different than showing love to their Savior. I am exhausted but can't sleep with the excitement of experiencing church with them in the morning. The lines of age, income, residence and race will blur to one body worshipping one God in a way that they won't soon forget.

A little more welcoming without the weeds.

Mowing would have been impossible without picking up the huge pile of branches and debris.

Serving is contagious.

Big sticks call for big boys.

Ready for a little Lorax 3-D action!