6-1-09

Hey guys this is Heather. We got to Galveston around 9:30. We were all so tired of being in the van and the truck. But we managed to get our stuff and us up to our rooms and take showers. (which are very small and hard to shower in…but we are suffering for Christ. Lol)we got up this morning at about 7:00 and had Amanda’s AMAZING burritos! Then we headed out to our work cite.

As we were driving through Galveston we could see the affects of the hurricane. The one thing I can remember vividly is the boat docks where the big fishing boats were. There were several boats that were thrown from the docks; you would just see a random boat in the middle of some land. The windows were shattered out of many of the houses.

But anyway we finally reached the Student Baptist Center and the building seemed like it wasn’t even touched but as we unloaded the truck and walked into the building it became apparent that the inside had been destroyed. There was a group that had gutted the place before we had gotten there.  The guys were given the sheet rocking job downstairs. The girls carried the kitchen utensils upstairs. Mel, Kallie, and I started cleaning the dirty dishes. I was a little frustrated because I didn’t want to wash dishes I wanted to do what the guys were doing. (and to clarify to my mother and father…I really wanted to WORK not do the girly jobs….wanting to work with the guys is not saying im boy crazy…thank you don!!!) But Gabe came up there with scrapers and explained to us what needed to be done. He needed us to scrape up the flooring. Mel, Kallie, and I started peeling up the floor. But as we were going…we soon realized how draining it really was. It seemed like we were putting more work in without any results. By lunch we finally stopped and took a rest from it. Our bones began to ache. We really felt all of that work. I have blisters on my hand from using the scraper thingy. But that was the kind of work we wanted to do. As tired as we were, we managed to pick up the scrapers again and keep going after lunch. We went a little longer and Bobby decided he was done and so we got to stop. Don took us to the beach and bought us snow cones and they were really good. But I would have to say the BEST part of today was dinner. Amanda made the most amazing chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy. Omg It was so good. (sorry mom…but I think I have finally found someone who can make chicken fried better then you.)  Ha As hard as all the work was, I loved working as hard as we did. It was good to help people. I can't wait till tomorrow and to scrape some more! 

Heather Presley

6-1-2009

Monday was our first full day of ministry. We had a great time of ministry. Our students and sponsors worked very hard doing sheet rocking, painting, flower beds, yard care as well as scraping the floor for new tile. That, by far, was the hardest job I have seen in a long time. Please take a look at the pictures on the church site.
God is blessing us beyond measure during this time.

I am seeing the students grow closer together. I believe this group continues to seek God’s will and are not afraid to step out and do things like we are doing this week.

Bobby Rowland, Amanda Villarreal, Jami and I are having a wonderful time but do feel our age from time to time. Bobby taught the boys how to sheetrock and drive screws today. I think they really caught on fast. Jami and Amanda spent most of the day at the store and preparing meals.Tonight, we had one of the best meals in years.There won’t be any weight loss this week.

I believe God will open the door for many opportunities to witness and serve the island this week. Here I am Lord, send me! Until next time, Keep looking Up!

Don Vinson