Getting settled in

     If we were to measure our success by deeds we accomplish then today might not be considered a success.  If, however, we remember that one of our main goals this week is to be about the people and relationship building, then today was definitely a success.  The project-oriented, type A, git 'er done, side of me can be very frustrated when we don't have the tools or materials we need to accomplish the tasks that need to be done. But, when I remember that what we set out to do today should be about getting ready for the community cook-out that we had tonight then I am pleased with our teams' cohesiveness and team work.

     

     Our task list for the week includes repairing the gate wheel that we worked on last year, mowing the grass around the church, cemetery, and fruit orchard, sawing points onto the crosses that are already built and painted, and finishing the top wire on the chicken pen (which has been re-done since last year). However, in order to mow the grass we must first fix one of the three mowers that are on the property but all in some form of disrepair. Chip went to Pierre today for Rotary and to make connections on behalf of Byron and the community. While in Pierre he also went to the hardware store and made some additional purchases that we realized we needed as well. The rest of us stayed back and preparations at the church. We cleaned bathrooms, prepared meals, cleaned the fellowship hall, cut what we could of the yard with the manual push mower and swing blade, played with the children as they came by, talk to other community residents when they stopped by, travelled through the community inviting people to the cook-out tonight, and worked on the lawn mowers to identify the problems.

     Tonight we had several people from the community to stop by and have supper with us. Today was Mickie's 83rd birthday so we had cake for her and sang happy birthday (see picture). We had many opportunities for connections, relationship building, playing, and talking. After dinner we converted the grill that I had used to cook the hot dogs and hamburgers into a contained bonfire. Several of us sat around the fire while others got to ride horses and still others stayed in the fellowship hall to continue conversations.  All in all the fellowship tonight was good.  There were people that came to the meal that we did not see last year and may not have done much with the church before now.

    

   This was a great start to the week.  We are looking forward to the rest of this week as we live into the presence of Christ in the community and accomplish small projects along the way. Thank you for your support and prayers.