Hello again from the deep, hot south. Today was a warm one. VBS and workgroups kept very warm and drank alot of water as the temperature peeked at 99 with 200% humidity. :) But we are alive.

To update, last night, the work crews came back and we had a good supper again. Many of us aren't complaining about the food, but just how fat we are getting with all the good food.

We ended the night again with share time/devotion time which was worthwhile again to grow as a group. We all shared our frustrations of the large group of kids, well at least I did. My frustration all came from my wanting to really reach these kids, but I didn't know how. (I'll update on that later).

The worksite update last night was that all was going well. We were done painting the house after only 2 days which was a large accomplishment for us as a group. We all commented how nice it was to be able to work straight through and not take an afternoon off to sight-see though there is something good about that as well. We discussed a bit what we might do next year.. we'll have to see how the Lord leads.

We ended the night with Kangaroo Kourt in which the cooks gave little trinket presents to each of us for the different things we did for the week. Some of the little presents were fun jokes at many of the good memories that were made.

After another night of Mafia and a few teachers working on some lessons, it was time for bed.

This morning we woke up ready for another day of VBS. It was a little slow at 9 but by quarter after we had a full house again. Many of the Kids that Mrs. Tate rounded up for us the other day came on their own, even alot of the older kids that I taught. Each of the teachers had their challenges and victories for the morning with some children catching on and asking more while others stared off blankly. Its always the challenge when teaching but it is all rewarding in the end.

As for an update with my own class, I thank you for your prayers for in many ways they were answered. Last night, all of the teachers racked their brains with me and we ended up splitting up my class into two sections. Its a little busier for the interest builders and myself for we don't have any breaks anymore but overall its alot less stress. Along with that, I found a teaching style that some of the older kids were more responsive to and I believe they may have actually enjoyed the day. Praise God for that!

We ended with a hot full church of kids singing praises to God and then headed home for a quick bite to eat before returning to work sites. Nerk, Todd, and myself got to work on the picnic tables. Others joined in once their jobs were finished in the thrift store. A few painted a few benches by the playing field as well. Mrs Van Hulzen and and Jacy worked again with the young ladies of Cary. A Few others went to Rolling Fork to work at the thrift store there. Some of the other guys went back to the houses they have been at all week getting some dry walling done. And I think thats all that I can remember. Make sure to check out some of the pictures.

Some of you will have to talk with Lila when she returns about the work she may be doing in helping a young girl down here fulfill her dream by becoming a nurse. Truly God sent Lila to come with us to meet up with this girl and her mother. Providence works itself through again. But I will not share the full details on this blog, it is her story to tell.

Tonight we dined with the Cary Christian Center staff having the catfish fry. It all went well and our bellies are full once again. It was good to meet up with all the Cary Staff as well and talk with them around the supper table. After the meal, Dorcey and Care stayed behind to debrief us by answering questions and asking how the week went. tommorw night will be very busy with the VBS program so we went and debriefed tonight.

Another night ended with share time and devotions. We are all tired from a long week and are looking forward to the last day, though at the same time it means we'll have to say goodbye to all our kids and to those we have been working with this week. Please keep us again in your prayers as we finish some work sites and VBS.

Take care and until later,

Merrick