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.

Thursday--The Final Push

     We were all geared up for the last day of work for the trip. I was to finish painting the church. We were to paint the bell tower and the rest of the basketball court. Chip was going to work on Byron's uncle's house (Ed Widow). The ladies were straightening the Fellowship Hall and preparing for our departure tomorrow. We were woken up early by a storm this morning. The rain water was still on the court so we couldn't so that project. I ran out of paint so I couldn't finish the church our do the bell tower. Chip was able to strengthen the bell tower mounts before breakfast. After breakfast he and Jacob went to Ed Widow's. They returned before lunch with a list of items to be purchased and completed (too much for the part of the day they had left). We will leave a note for the 2nd Baptist group from Liberty, MO that is coming next week of the tasks to be completed. Mickie cleaned up the trash that was left our after the cook-out. Betsy, Joy, and Mickie decided to organize the closets and clean the floors in the fellowship hall.
     In the afternoon I took Mickie, Kevin, and Betsy to Faith since they had not been. We got another gallon of paint at the hardware sore which should be enough for the last gable and bell tower. We also went to the grocery store for necessities before we leave tomorrow. If my definition for success on this trip was based solely on projects completed I would be disappointed. But, when I more correctly figure in the cook-out, the relationship and connection made with members of the community (young and old alike), the exposure to the ministry of the Gettysburg church, and the excitement of our team about coming back then there is no other way to describe this trip BUT successful! Thank you, team, for your hard work, compatibility, flexibility, and your selves. It has truly been a great week. I look forward to the partnership that FBC Augusta can form here. I eagerly await discovery of how our unique gifts can be used in the communities of Bridger, Takini, Red Scaffold, Cherry Creek, and even Faith. Thank you church for sending us and trusting us with your mission.

Andy and his hot dog helper

crowd at the cook-out

This is Beth (gray shirt) from yesterday's blog

shopping the beads

pow-wow at Takini

1st dance

jingle dancer

little fancy dancer

couples' competition (Joy and Chip)

Byron and Toni

Tuesday- work day #2

Today, we sent more people over to the Hagnauer's to offer more assistance with childcare and shed/yard clean up. Alllen's and I took measurements for the Hagnauer addition and a new house in Stanton. Several people stayed at the mission to clean. Beth took a small contingent with get to shop for bingo prizes to be used at the bursting home in the afternoon. They also purchased lunch supplies for us to eat at the mission.
   After lunch Ellen took a group to help at the H's. Beth and Kaitlyn took the group to the nursing home. Stu went to finish his railing. Allen and I went with Nick, Jacob, and Michaela to the Hagnauer addition. We did not get add much done add we would have liked. The groups finished at different times and Beth and Kaitlyn had a crew to cook lasagna for supper. Or crew worked late, but we still have more to do.

*Kyle didn't like the shape of the bumper on Brian's van so he modified it with a power pole*