Remembrances of Red Bird Mission

This week at Red Bird was full of many new experiences for me. It was my first mission trip, and on it I got to complete roofing for the first time, install linoleum for the first time, and so many other things. I loved this week so much, and I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to help the wonderful family we did. The family we served was so thankful, incredibly kind, and a joy to be around. This trip was unforgettable, and I will tell stories about it for the rest of my life. – Kate

                       

There are so many wonderful things that happened this week and not enough words or time to explain them all. I want to reflect on one particular thing. On out last night at Red Bird we went to their church. We heard of how the Red Bird Mission started 94 years ago and reflected on stories from the past and present. I realized that we are all apart of something truly amazing. I’ve learned that doing the little things, like putting in a floor, are what make the big picture.  Each little thing we do to help someone causes a large impact and makes something remarkable. – Susan

                       

My week at Red Bird was a truly unique experience and one that I will remember for years and years. I learned so many new skills over the course of the week. If you would have asked me to toe nail a floorboard before this trip, I would have given you an extremely confused look, but now I could actually fix it without having too much trouble. Even though the work was hard, having my fellow youth group members with me made the job much easier. I’m so glad that I got to experience this trip with people who I love so very much. This week was eye opening and wonderful in so many ways, and I’m so glad I had the chance to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.   – Jenna

                       

What were we thinking…really? “Let’s set a SMART goal of sending 22 people to Red Bird Mission next year.” Bold? Sure! As we headed into Kentucky I had numerous flashback moments recalling the years Lois and I drove those mountains in Kentucky and on return trips from North Carolina. The trees, the “hollers”(hollows), many streams and rivers all were familiar. Sadly, as we worked together, toured together and spent time in this region of Appalachia, it dawned on me that the abject poverty we had encountered in the mid-1970’s seemed as ever-present as before. In nearly 40 years of efforts of church and other service agencies, the “progress” is merely anecdotal…a story of a family here or an individual there being lifted but the big problems of pollution, employment, and poor health still seeming to win the day. My prayer is that as more eyes are opened, more hearts and lives touched someday instead of just heavy rain and rising creeks we can see “justice roll down like a mighty stream.”  -- Howard

                       

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I agreed to come on this mission trip. I never would have dreamed of all the joy that I experienced this week. I only knew Nancy and Jenna before this trip, but now I am quite close with everybody. This is of course partially by default of having to do hard labor with them, but every single person on this trip is wonderful and welcoming. For me, community is something that I need, even if I don’t always realize it. Surrounded by these people for this week gave me a sense of a community of believers, all serving the Lord. It was a wonderful week. I helped pull up old floorboards and learned how to toenail nails into boards. I painted…and then repainted what we had just painted. I did a lot of paint taping, which is actually one of my favorite things to do. I did some cleaning for the kitchen and the laundromat. I learned how to drill in screws onto a roof. It was a very productive week, and God’s presence was evident in every action and even in the times where we were waiting for a job. I can not express my delight in coming on this mission trip surrounded by people with a servant heart for God. – Kristin 

                       

This week I helped take apart and rebuild a roof on a trailer. I enjoyed working with the group I was put in. We got a lot done faster than I expected to. The week went by really fast. My favorite part of the week was going to Cumberland Falls and getting to goof off with the other youth. I really enjoyed the week. – Jake

                       

I was impressed with the emphasis on serving God by serving others in a communal environment.  Every staff member and volunteer that I met gave me the feeling that love of God and God’s children motivated them. – Gordon

                       

Well, being the gimp that I am, I didn’t get to go to one of the “work” sites, but I actually did do some work!  Is clipping labels to get a van work?  They actually get to get VANS (YES, REAL CARS!) by turning in labels, like the UMW does with BEST CHOICE labels.  Of course, we only get $60 a year!  However, I only had to do that the first day!  The other days I worked in the craft store (and spent a BUNCH of money, BTW) and then the kitchen.  The ladies who work in the kitchen are unbelievable and work like horses – for $8 an hour!  The food was very unhealthy for the most part but very good!  We did have salads, but not a single low fat dressing in sight!  And lots of yummy desserts!

I fell in love with the place and am considering doing a long term volunteer thing.  So, pray for me as I try to discern whether that’s what God is calling me to do or not.  It would probably be in a year or so if I do go, but it’s really on my heart.  What a wonderful place.  AND ya’ll will have to forgive me my accent for a few weeks.  My “I’s” have flattened out considerably, being back close to the home country! – Linda

                       

This trip has been an amazing experience. I have learned so many new skills and met many wonderful people. I honestly had no idea what this mission trip would be like when Kate asked me to join her, but I am so glad she did. It was so cool being able to help all these people and make such a difference. At our site, we installed a tin roof and linoleum flooring. I enjoyed working with the people at my site, and it was very neat to meet and interact with the people whose home we worked on. I have made unforgettable memories on this trip, and am very thankful for this wonderful experience. – Frances

                       

I got sentenced to maintenance. I spent the days painting a house, helping clear out some rotten floorboards and building the skeleton of a deck. While I did not go out and help the people in need in the area, I grew closer to everyone on my work crew, with the possible exception of Jenna (for we were already good friends). Of especial note was Gordon. He worked hard, and was very helpful to our work effort. As far as Praise God! moments go, I avoided getting a drill bit in my left index finger by a distance of millimeters. The people I was privileged to work with, (Rachel, Molly, Jenna, Kristin, the aforementioned Gordon, Myself and Me) were incredible. All of these people, and the other ones I did not work with as directly truly do deserve our praise and respect. This includes Howard, though he did try to kill me with hot drinks and a drill. –May all who managed to stumble through this paragraph know joy and a good night’s sleep – Alex

                       

I worked on campus this week with Howard, my mom, and Susan. I feel the most satisfying feeling I experienced this week was sweeping a hardwoods floor I laid myself (with a lot of help from Howard as well) and sweeping it again after putting the trim and the quarter on it. I also loved seeing and hearing the joy Susan and my mom experienced every time they got a warped or not the best piece of wood to fit. I found this week to be a very rewarding week overall with the people who I had the privilege of getting to know better and the work I was lucky enough to do.  – Annie

                       

This was my first Mission trip ever, and it was awesome.  We did more in four work days than I could have ever imagined.  These kids are awesome and were so willing to do and try everything that needed to get done.  I had lots of fond memories over the week.  I will always remember the Kentucky countryside, the smoking mountains, and the beautiful random water falls every were I looked on the sides of the road.  I really don’t like getting my picture taken, but I found myself photo bombing all the younger teenagers’ selfies just for the fun of it.  The day off was great fun, we went to see the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi; we also saw a movie and had a great Italian dinner.  For me personally, the last two days of work were high pressure grueling days, because we had so much to get done in such a short time period.  But everyone stepped up, we got, organized, we got the right tools, and we got the job done.  We actually did more than our original work assignment.  The people we did the work for were so happy with the work we did.  It was great to get to know Willis and Kim who are really good people put into hardship.  They offered us soft drinks and items from their garden.  My only regret was dropping not one, but two larges pieces of wood on Barb’s arms, she will have definitely a colorful tattoo for the next couple of weeks.  All in all, it was very special to have the opportunity to do God’s work, and I look forward to doing it again. -- Jack 

                       

What a blessed week from beginning to end! Who knew that driving into the tree covered mountains of Appalachia would uncover a part of God’s kingdom that my heart and mind didn’t know exists.  In just four days, I experienced the unique life and immense need of one family I was privileged to serve. Willis and Kim were kind, sweet, and humble and really appreciated all of our efforts in getting their roof and living room linoleum replaced. Jack was our fearless crew leader whose patience was never-ending, as Kate, Frances and I were “first-time mission trippers” and had little if any “DIY” skills at the start. As the days passed and tasks were completed, we learned so much from both Jack and Barb while gaining more confidence and camaraderie along the way.  Lunch breaks were brief, as we all were motivated to get as much accomplished for this special couple as we possibly could. Besides drilling a zillion holes into tin roofing sheets, painting soffit boards and trimming, laying and gluing the linoleum, another highlight of my time was feeling my heart grow each day with more love for this family. When we pulled into their yard, Willis typically would be sitting outside whittling and welcoming us with his smile and laugh.  His nine hunting beagles barked their greeting to us as well… usually throughout the entire day. :) One thing that caught me completely off guard was a funeral procession for a man who had been killed in a horse-riding accident earlier in the week. Barb let us know just moments before cars started driving past.  We immediately stopped working and stood on the deck and in the yard and honored them with our solemn attention. Many reached out of their cars to wave a hand, and we exchanged similar greetings to somehow demonstrate our sympathy.

Our overall mission trip team was a beautiful blend of ages, abilities, personalities and motivations… all meshed together with one common goal.  To the best of our limited human ability, we served the Red Bird Mission and the people of Clay County, Kentucky as Christ’s hands and feet for a fleeting moment.  Thank you, Lord, for removing the distractions of our regular lives and routines to bring us to this beautiful place. I know I will forever remember the people, fellowship, fun and service I was privileged to enjoy… all for your glory.

P.S. “Mr. Blinky” and “Carl” are real people we discovered during our time at Red Bird Mission. If you want to know more, ask any of us. The stories will bring a smile to your face, I promise.  – Nancy

                       

One of the projects I worked on this week was installing a hardwood floor in a closet with Susan. It was in long term volunteer housing. We used all the pieces that Howard and Annie (mostly Howard) found unacceptable. The boards were tongue and groove... some had no tongue, some were cut on both ends while others were warped. At one point we had Annie digging through the trash for more pieces. Howard said it resembled a parquet floor. We had so much fun celebrating with each success. We did the best we could with what we had. It wasn't easy but it meant so much to both of us connecting and relating it our lives.

One of my favorite devotions - to be honest every devotion was special - but I loved this reminder. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am proud to be a 3rd Generation Red Bird. -- Janet

                       

It has been a thrill to be with this group of people.  I have seen such great work this week from every one of them in small and large tasks.  I’m so proud to call them my church family!!  The best moment this week for me was being able to experience and work along side with Molly this week.   On our last night at Red Bird, we went to the original church that Red Bird started back in the 1920’s and had our last devotion there.  It was very moving for me and I’ll never forget it. -- Rachel

                       

I was very blessed to be able to go on this trip, and be the hands and feet of The Lord, while being able to spent time with my mom and friends. I was very delighted to be able to lead devotion one night with Nancy, and share the amazing message I learned at my church camp, I'm lucky that I got the chance to share that with everyone. -- Molly

                       

What a blessing it was to serve with 16 other faithful sent by Leawood United Methodist Church to Red Bird Mission this past week.  When we left, the Bible verse that probably fit was Mark 12:29-31 where Jesus was asked about the most important commandment.  He responded  “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.” We went to Red Bird Mission to live this out – loving our neighbors by being Christ’s hands and feet.  Red Bird Mission is in Clay County, Kentucky – deemed the hardest place to live in the US by a New York Times study.  The week was full of hard work, a few injuries, and good times.  Nancy mentioned the funeral procession that passed our worksite.  Bobby, our staff crew leader, told me a bit about it.  The man, who died in a riding accident, had a family but didn’t have insurance.  Even though we were serving in an area that had a lot of poverty, the community, led by several churches, came together to be sure there was a service for him.  Although this also lived out the “Love your neighbor” commandment, it also brought to mind the widow’s offering in Luke 21:1-4.  We served in an area where the people didn’t have much but we saw so many of them giving what they could – from Kim and Willis offering us cucumbers from their garden as we worked on their house, Red Bird staff that had seen Red Bird Mission touch their families and now worked for Red Bird, and the encouragement and friendliness of the other volunteers to each other.  It was humbling to see people giving what they could to help another.  It is a reminder to me to always give what I can, where I can.  It was truly a wonderful week.  I look forward to next year’s Mission Trip.  -- Barbara

A Few Pictures from the Last Part of the Week

Who knew painting could be so much fun?

As promised, here are a few more pictures from the week.  If you want to see more, come join us at the 10:45am service on July 26th for a short video presentation of our week.  Thank you for your prayers and support during the week.

I think it's fun.

If I don't laugh out loud, does that mean I'm not having fun?

It is much easier to paint the ceiling when you turn it on its side.  What color was this supposed to be?

The whole group as we head out on our free day

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The youth at Cumberland Falls - there was a lot of water going over the falls.

Discussing linoleum installation - notice the nice new roof (almost complete).

Contemplating the next step in linoleum installation.

Painting the wood for the soffits

Is it measure once, cut twice or measure twice, cut once?  I think we may have gone with measure three times.

Blogging is fun.  The later the blog, the more hilarity that ensues.

We Made It Home!

Thank you for all your prayers.  We made it safely back to church around 7pm this evening.  After greeting family and friends that came to meet us, we quickly unpacked the vans and had a final prayer circle.  Then off to our own beds and showers.

Expect a final update and some pictures by Sunday morning.  Look for the Mission Team Participants in church tomorrow morning.  We will be the ones in the matching grey shirts.

Blessings!

Barbara

Headed Home

We did survive Friday - but with  few new bruises (Thank you, Jack.) We have stopped for lunch but should be home around 7pm.  If you are a parent or family member planning on meeting us, we will give you a call from about an hour outside KC so you will have a better ETA.

Thanks for praying for our week - keep it up until all are safely home, please.

Blessings!

Barbara

Thursday's Winning Entry

The day started off with an eventful breakfast - Susan and Jake made faces out of jelly, catsup, and other items. After our bellies were full we ventured off to our work sites.

Susan’s group finished the hard wood floor in the closet. It was a sad day because when they finished it Kevin came in and announced that the last row needed to be removed and redone. This was DEVASTATINGLY TRAGIC! After staining, replacing, and lots of sadness we were finally done. It was one of the many miracles.

Jake’s group finished the tin roof and started putting in the linoleum floor. They also painted soffits. There were bees that were nice but wasps who were possessed by the devil himself.  A turtle was spotted and it caused widespread pandemonium.

Susan’s group had lunch at Red Bird. We feasted on fried fish and chicken. This was accompanied by potato wedge fries and onion rings. Yum! Very healthy!

Jake’s group did lunch in the van and it was quiet while everybody rested. Jake finished his book for the third time, he highly recommends!

In the girls’ cabin when all had returned, we worked on our Care Cards. Jenna, Annie, Susan, and Kristin all fit onto Jenna’s top bunk and two of the four crashed. We were awoken to the news of having to leave our comfortable cocoons and go to dinner. We ate pasta with meat sauce, salads, garlic toast, and a selection of desserts and then we enjoyed some delicious ice cream to clean our pallet. Some of us waded in the creek and there were a few accidents…

Then we watched this amazing person from Kentucky play a whole whopping two songs.

Much hidden talent in the crevices of Kentucky. It was a wild sight to see.  Then it happened…

The show ended and promptly afterward Red Bird was destroyed by an asteroid, there was a plethora of human remains. It was amazing. “What a wondrous sight” whispered Susan, whilst Jake mopped up the mess?  It was amazing we could write this blog.

This is the version Susan and Jake told – with a little editing by Barbara

Sporatic Internet Connection

Internet connections are sparse.  This causes some delays in posting both the written version of our days and the pictures.  Please bear with the technological delays and keep reading.

If this is Wednesday, this must be Tennessee????

We started off our day with a breakfast of cereal and toast, and then headed off on a wild adventure to the gas station. Jake stole the patch orphans (sour patch kids) and locked the doors of their van. After a long feud and some violence the orphans were returned to their original van. Then we were off to the falls. On the way, Mrs. Deimer’s van learned of the Chinese Fire drill and attempted to demonstrate one at a red light.

We arrived at the falls and saw the beauty of God’s creation, even though the water was very muddy. A photography session took place and many wonderful photos were taken of the surroundings. There was much exploring and excitement. Next was lunch. This consisted of sandwiches, chips, and a LARGE variety of cookies and ENORMOUS amount of ice cream.

 Exploring the falls was a wondrous sight but the mall also brought a large amount of excitement. Susan enjoyed riding in the little kid rocket with many faces looking in on her as she shot up to infinity and beyond! Bath and Body Works caused us ladies to smell a tad better. Annie got Jenna a gift, Patrick with his elongated, stretchy tongue. Kristin, Jenna, and Annie also ventured into Barnes and Noble and each picked a book. Then we split into two groups. One group saw Inside Out and the other saw Jurassic World. From our experience, Jurassic World was suspenseful and included lots of death. Great movie!

After determining the original Chinese restaurant that we planned to eat at was a dud, we ventured to TENNESSE! We tried a culture of food unknown to mankind: Italian. After many empty sugar packets and clean plates we ordered the largest slices of cake in the universe. This is when the saying, sharing is caring, came into play.

This day seemed to be one of the longest. After a long drive, everyone finally returned from our adventure. We had devotion and retreated to our cabins.

Susan and Frances

If this is Tuesday, it must be Red Bird Mission

Well, Dang. I despise creative writing and social media, but apparently this is mandatory. While at Red Bird, I and my fellow basketball/hacky-sackers have lived in fear of a roaming bulldog. This bulldog turns 2 on 2 into 3 on 2, with the defender always profiting. And when the dog gets the ball, he guards it, effectively halting the game. I have been playing hacky-sack, and improving, along with various games of cards. Unfortunately no one plays poker, but what can you do?  As for good works, I have been painting a house and helping clear out floorboards. Clearing the floorboards was rather entertaining, as I was finally entrusted with free rein and a crowbar. Bedlam ensued. To my parents: I love you, and yes, father, I enjoy the cessation of your smart*** remarks. Sleep well, and may all prosper by the incredible wisdom provided above. Also, the pastor tried to kill me with an ingenious trap involving a swinging door and a cup of hot chocolate.

Alex

                                   

Hello this is Rachel.  One of the rookies this year on the trip.  I’m so happy to be here and helping.  Kentucky is beautiful and the smoky mountains are wonderful to look at every morning.  I wanted to tell you about my “rookie day”!   I moved teams today and joined Gordan, Jenna, Kristin, Molly and Alex in some serious painting on a cabin here at sight.  We did priming and started painting balcony ceilings with the “Red Bird” Red we did a fine job!  Got done before lunch, we went back after lunch to put a second coat on and the foreman came by to check on us and I found out that we were suppose to paint the ceiling white!!!!  So guess what, we put primer on and Thursday we’re ready to start the white paint!!

Day 2 of working is done, after dinner we bought ice cream from the volunteer fire dept and then did some wonder shopping at the local craft store (yes, sweet husband I used the credit card tonight)  J  Then Nancy and Molly gave the devotion tonight.  I was so proud of her and Nancy.  It made Barb and I cry!  It’s a good day when you make this proud momma cry!!!

Blessings and thanks to everyone for supporting and praying for us.

                                   

Day two of work camp for “Mr. Blinky” (aka Jack Diemer) and his team (Barb, Nancy, Francis, Kate, Jake) began with a 25-mile drive back to Manchester to Willis and Kim’s home to install a tin roof.  We were again serenaded by their nine hunting beagles, with Chief barking the lead.

Barb got to make a trip back to Red Bird, slightly over an hour round trip, to get extra screws so we would have enough to get the roof almost done.  Apparently, she sang both parts of “I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better” because I wasn’t there to sing the Annie Oakley portion (my role in high school).  She does love the Sirius radio and Broadway Showtunes station.

While Barb was driving through Appalachia, the rest of us became first-time roofers.  We started pre-drilling 1,000 holes into 50 4’ x 8’ tin sheets… and enjoyed working together to make a difference in the life of this couple.  Jack was a pro in his “tool apron” perched atop the roof.  His fearless assistants were Jake and Frances.  I joined Kate as the ground crew responsible for marking and drilling the holes and handing the tin sheets up to our roofers to screw into the roof.  Highlights included our delicious lunch made even better with the tomato and bacon we were bequeathed by one of the staff members after breakfast which made my BLT sandwich, Francis’ HLTC (ham, lettuce, turkey, cheese), and Kate’s TBL (turkey, bacon, lettuce) sandwich. Barb gave me and Kate some “Drilling Basics 101” lessons AFTER we had already drilled about 800 holes and broke two drill bits… but now we know the proper way to drill through metal! J  We had a long, yet very productive work day in the hot Kentucky sun.  We enjoyed one quick bit of rain early in the day, which made the afternoon even steamier with the humidity.

Nancy

                                   

A brief report on the rest of the troop:

Susan lays a mean parquet floor – especially because they had to mix and match parts that don’t always fit.  They used the floor parts that Annie deemed unusable in her portion of the flooring.  She and Janet celebrated each success.  Howard and Annie continued laying floor in other parts of the apartment.  Linda now has bruises on her legs from clipping labels and sealing envelopes. We’re sure there is a good story there and will work on getting it out of her.

It was another good except for the lack of wifi connection.  We will continue to post as possible.  Pictures will be the last to be posted.  As always we firmly believe that GOD IS GOOD!

Barbara

Our first work day is over and I think we have some very tired people. 

We started our day with devotions at 7:15am.  One of the volunteers from Georgia who had been here before shared a bit about what to expect during the week.  After breakfast we headed off to our work sites.

Crew 1, lead by the fantastic Jack aka Mr. Blinkie, headed about 35 miles down the road to work on a roof.  Today's work involved removing the roofing and getting it all cleaned up.  Jack and Jake started on the roof but were joined by Kate and Frances.  The rest of the crew started cleaning up around the home and picking up the old shingles.  We stopped for lunch and Willis and Kim, the homeowners, picked a cucumber from their garden to slice and serve us.  It was delicious.  After lunch, it was back on the roof for Jack, Jake, Frances, Kate, and Susan to lay the felt.  Rachel, Nancy, and Barbara continued picking up the old tar shingles.  Nancy made friends with Marsha the Mouse.  After a final patrol of the area, we headed back to Red Bird.  Without Bobby, our camp team leader, to lead us, we were probably lucky to make it back.  We weren't as done as we thought.  It took us about 1/2 an hour to empty the bed of the truck. While unloading, we discovered that Marsha the Mouse came with us.  We left her at the dumpster.  It was a warm day of hard work, so the showers felt great.

Crew 2, lead by the equally fantastic Howard stayed on campus to work on a flooring project at an apartment for a teacher or long term volunteer.  In preparation they removed nails using a hammer and crowbar from subfloor and cut out boards needing to be replaced.  The room got noisy quickly with all the hammering.  Annie and Howard started laying new hardwoods in a small bedroom.  Unfortunately, the room was very small so that not all of the group could help.  Jenna, Kristin and Molly finished their jobs and went in search of more work.  They were sent to the craft store and laundromat to clean the bathrooms and showers and which hadn't been cleaned in a very very long time.  It was the first time some had ever cleaned a urinal.  Alex and Gordon kept busy replacing some larger areas and cutting the liner to go under the hardwoods.  

Crew 3 - lead, followed and tasks completed by the one and only Linda.  She clipped coupons and box tops, helped make lunch, worked in the craft store and had a great time visiting with a few people.  It's too bad she's not social.  

Linda and Alex lead wonderful devotion on forgiveness.  Followed by a team builder requiring us to move a ball from one side of a bed sheet to other without using our hands.  Well, their hands were holding the edges of the sheet.  It was surprising how well they worked as a team and completed the task quickly.  And continued to play with the two for quite some time.  

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Janet and Barbara

PS - Connection issues so this is late.  Pictures will follow.

Adult Blogging Time

Our first work day is over and I think we have some very tired people.

We started our day with devotions at 7:15am.  One of the volunteers from Georgia who had been here before shared a bit about what to expect during the week.  After breakfast we headed off to our work sites.

Crew 1, lead by the fantastic Jack aka Blinkie, headed about 35 miles down the road to work on a roof.  Today's work involved removing the roofing and getting it all cleaned up.  We stopped for lunch and Willis and Kim, the homeowners, picked a cucumber from their garden to slice and serve us.  It was delicious.  After lunch, it was back on the roof for Jack, Jake, Frances, Kate, and Susan to lay the felt.  Rachel, Nancy, and Barbara removed trash and then picked up the shingles.  After a final patrol of the area, we headed back to Red Bird.  Without Bobby, our camp team leader, to lead us, we were probably lucky to make it back.  We weren't as done as we thought.  It took us about 1/2 an hour to empty the bed of the truck.  Showers felt great.

Crew 2, lead by the equally fantastic Howard stayed on campus to work on a flooring project at an apartment for a teacher or long term volunteer.  In preparation they removed nails using a hammer and crowbar from subfloor and cut out boards needing to be replaced.  The room got noisy quickly with all the hammering.  Annie and Howard started laying new hardwoods in a small bedroom.  Unfortunately, the room was very small so that not all of the group could help.  Jenna, Kristin and Molly finished their jobs and went in search of more work.  They were sent to the craft store and laundromat to clean the bathrooms and showers and which hadn't been cleaned in a very very long time.  It was the first time some had ever cleaned a urinal.  Alex and Gordon kept busy replacing some larger areas and cutting the liner to go under the hardwoods.

Crew 3 - lead, followed and tasks completed by the one and only Linda.  She clipped coupons and box tops, helped make lunch, worked in the craft store and had a great time visiting with a few people.  It's too bad she's not social.

Linda and Alex lead wonderful devotion on forgiveness.  Followed by a team builder requiring us to move a ball from one side of a bed sheet to other without using our hands.  Well, their hands were holding the edges of the sheet.  It was surprising how well they worked as a team and completed the task quickly.  And continued to play with the two for quite some time.

Communication Update

FYI - Cell phones do not work at Red Bird.  If you would like to speak to a family member, please leave a comment here and we will get your family member a way to call you.  Or just leave your message here for all to share.

Riding into Red Bird

After a wonderful night spent at Trinity UMC we got to attend a delightful prayer service, where we got to listen to scripture and sat in silence of the Lord in prayer. We then started our rainy, two hour drive to Henderson Settlement, where Pastor Howard met up with some old friends (he had worked and lived there previously for two years). We were privileged to receive a tour of the property and see some beautiful scenery.

A Banner in the Prayer Hall of Trinity UMC

Our Rainy Drive

Our Tour of Henderson Settlement

Waiting patiently for the rain to subside, we played card games and visited. When the rain slowed, we were able to pack up and get on the road for an hour and a half trip to Red Bird. Once we arrived at Red Bird, we got situated (boys in a cabin at the bottom of a hill and girls at the top), and had a delicious dinner of pizza and sloppy joes provided by the Red Bird staff. 

Our Welcome to Red Bird

Beautiful View of Clouds over the Mountains

We rested a bit after dinner, before heading down to orientation. While there, we received a descriptive layout of the grounds and the work we will be doing this week. We then sang songs of grace and praise and closed with a prayer. Finally, we had our own devotion and team building games. Then off to shower (which was much needed) and get rest for a big day tomorrow.

Molly, Kate, and Frances

PS the best way to contact us is commenting through the blog

and YAY USA!!!

Enjoying the Local Cuisine!

Old Piano in Schoolhouse at Henderson

Original Schoolhouse

Alex Gazing Majestically out into the Valley

Group Photos!!

Love One Another

Cruisin' into Kentucky

Five states and twelve hours later, Leawood UMC arrives safely at Trinity UMC, exhausted but ready to serve in the week ahead. 

We headed off from the church around 7:45, packed into vans with burritos, cinnamon rolls and a prayer circle to fill us up. The journey ahead loomed long in front of us, but the sugar from the cinnamon rolls definitely perked us up. 

Each van had a different experience. Some listened to Broadway show tunes, some played cards and made friendship bracelets, while others took numerous naps. And of course there was some snacking too. 

When we finally arrived at Trinity UMC, we were greeted with a wonderful pastor (complete with a southern accent) and a beautiful purple and pink sky.

The beautiful Kentucky sky

For dinner, we had wondrous pulled pork and brisket left over from the Legacy Barbecue and finished it off with oven baked s'mores, courtesy of Nancy.  

Barb, Jack and Gordon lovingly prepare dinner

We wrapped up the night with a short devotion, reminding us who we are in Christ. 

We got to see a few scattered fireworks, but unfortunately we missed the big show from last night. It was definitely a fantastic way to wrap up our first day of travels. 

Jenna and Kristin 

All the girls pose in front of the church entrance

Group bonding over hacky sack

Linda, Janet, Barb and Rachel demonstrate proper eating etiquette

Alex and Jake relax while playing cards

We are in Kentucky!

We have safely arrived at Trinity United Methodist Church.  Dinner preparations are underway.  Nancy and Rachel are working on dessert.  Expect a fuller report later this evening.

Thank you for your prayers.  Please keep them heading our way.

Barbara

Send Off - 7am-ish on Saturday the Fourth of July

From past mission trips, I know how meaningful it is to the team members to have our church family come to see us off.  If you can make it to church at 7ish, we would appreciate having you there to pray us up and send us on our way.

Barbara

PS - Please pray that I don't over sleep - mornings aren't my thing.  :-)

Last Minute Preparations

I can't believe it is almost time for us to leave on this year's Mission Trip Adventure.  A sure sign that the time is close is setting up the blog.  Expect some changes to the format but this is at least a start.

We leave Saturday the 4th for Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Kentucky.  Seventeen of us will be heading off to be Christ's hands and feet.  Please keep us in your prayers - for safe travels, patience, and the wisdom to find the opportunities to make a difference in someone's life in some small way.  Whether it is the person driving next to us as we head down the highway, the cashier at the gas station, the person standing in line with us for the restroom, or the people we meet at Red Bird Mission - we want to touch lives.

Thank you for your support.  Please watch for updates as various members of the team keep you updated on our progress.

Barbara