8:OO… Once again. Getting out of bed was an interesting task, but once I was up, I was ready to go. We gathered and prayed for the days works. We rolled out of the parking lot around 9:00. Some of us went to finish the work from the day before at the Salvation Army and then some of us were off to another long day at the Dakota Boys Ranch and the rest headed over to the ARC, another thrift store in the area that focuses on people with mental disabilities.
At the Salvation Army, everyone finished their designated jobs (Painting and roofing). That group ate and enjoyed lunch with the people there.
Over at the Dakota Boys Ranch, there was tons for us to do. Jeremy, Gina, and Mary Bea helped repair some clothes racks while Lindsey was swallowed by the multiplying pairs of Camp Rock shoes and purses, and I was helping unload the 20 or so bins of NEW merchandise onto the shelves that were already over crowded.
Over at the ARC, the group helped organize the thrift store which funds the promotion of education and independent living of the mentally disabled population in the community. The organization actually saves around $17 per hour for every volunteer that they have and that money goes into their programs.
Per the request of Dennis Knisley, we got to see the glorified Mount Rushmore! Only, it was a lot smaller…. and not in South Dakota. James Russell conveniently found a miniature version just for Dennis.
After we had our afternoon rest, we headed out to West Fargo and helped clean the Living Hope Baptist Church. Different people mopped floors, cleaned furniture, bathroom and the kitchen. After we finished there we headed out to the Downtown area to hand out flyers for the picnic……….. in the rain………. at the park. Needless to say, not many people were there.
While everyone else was waiting for Alan’s group to get back to the bus, Lindsey and I decided to take matters into our own hands and had some fun. We played in the rain. Heather decided to join in and quickly regretted that decision after lindsey and I drenched her by jumping in a puddle.
We headed back to “The Crib” and got freshened up for dinner. The guys had been craving a big juicy steak so John recommended Timber Lodge Steakhouse. We all had a great time and the Bridge family got to meet my cousin who lives in Valley City, ND.
We are all grateful for the amazing opportunities and the luxuries that we are blessed with. Please keep everyone in prayer that we have already met and the ones that we will meet in the future. Tomorrow we have a community picnic in the park planned. Thunder storms are in the forecast. Please pray for clear skies, open hearts and witnessing opportunities.
Sarah
Great job writing the entry Sarah! Sounds like you guys are getting alot accomplished.
No kidding. I love being able to read about what God is doing to and through you every day. Keep em coming!
Thank you all for your entries! I love reading about how God is using you. We love and miss you all. Praying God will continue to use you to make Him more famous!