2007 Summer Tour News Updates
Week 2 (July 18-24)
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July 24, 2007
The team finished their second day. Everything went very well and the children are really a joy to be with.
We did character building stories, music, drama, crafts, actvities (games) and English. The children were learning animal names and played a game
where each one was an animal. Before dinner we gathered all the children, team members, and staff from the home to play games. We were all in one room
with many board games
going on at the same time. The noise level would rise often with much laughter. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their time. We were wanting the
staff to learn the games so they can play with the children after we leave.
We are so thankful for all your thoughts for us as we are here. Everyone on this team is healthy now and having a wonderful time. Please continue
to remember us as we finish out the week.
~Lynn Smith
July 22, 2007
The team finished a very full week at our first location. The painting project was larger than anticipated and the team worked very hard from
early in the morning to late in the evening amidst teaching our program and helping with meal prep and clean-up. Gary Smith was quite the taskmaster
as he led the painting crew but finally all was completed Friday afternoon. The outside of the children's home is now a bright blue on the lower part
of the walls with a rich yellow above. We were thrilled with the results as were the staff.
We ended the week with a celebration. The students performed songs they had been taught in music class as well as played their recorders.
The drama team trained the students to perform the Christmas story -- which they acted out well in costume. After the program we gave each
child a gift bag and each staff member
received some Florida gifts as well. The sand dollar has a neat story behind it so each staff member received one with a postcard of the
story attached. We ordered two huge, three-layered cakes, which were soon eaten by all! The frosting was made of whipped cream rather than our
traditional frosting and was delicious! We then had to pack and sort out 60 pieces of luggage for the next morning!
Saturday we boarded our large bus and headed four hours north to drop off half the team, headed by Gary and Lynn Smith, to fly to the south of the
country. I led the other half an hour north of the city into the mountains. We were sad to say goodbye to half the team but realized we would
have double the impact by being in two different locations.
The team flying south landed safely and began their program today. It is much hotter in the south so they are staying indoors for most of the program.
They have a smaller group of children, only 24, and they are mostly elementary age. We are staying across the valley from the children's home
in a most picturesque resort. The CCC students were thrilled at the accommodations for the week! We have 44 children ranging from 10-17.
They began our day today with a tremendous program that they have performed on national TV. It was spectacular.
A few have been sick on my team but spent most of the day today in bed and are recovering well. Overall, we are truly experiencing the
sustaining hand of our Father as each day runs smoothly and with rich blessings.
Some of our students are talking about the impact this trip is having on their lives -- a thrill for us leaders to hear! Some are wanting
to return to this land to share in the future and we are excited about that!
Thank you for you continued intercession! We are half-way through the trip and excited about what these next days will hold.
With eternity in view,
~Craig Ralston
The first week went very well. The big project was painting the hallways (2 stories) in a very large courtyard. The students worked very hard while
also conducting music lessons, English lessons, crafts, storytime, and drama presentations. We have split into two teams now and are at two different
children's homes.
~Lynn Smith
The first week went well and now we are in our second place of service. Our hotel is amazing, and I am happy to have a toilet that isn't slanted.
The kids are enjoying the crafts.
~Colleen Gumbert
Hello to my family. I miss you all! I am having a wonderful time at the children's homes. The kids are really cute! See you soon!
~Hanna Spence
This trip has been so unbelievable. It is hard to put into words. All that I can say is that I just want to take all the kids home with me.
~Sarah Baggott
This place is awesome! The kids are so cute. I'm looking forward to getting to know them all.
~Jamie Seltzer
We are at our second children's home, and we are learning as much as we are teaching. Our Father is doing many great and encouraging things on this trip.
We are constantly reminded of His love and grace. Keep remembering us in your thoughts not only for our words and actions, but also for our
health and continued safety.
-Jenn Williamson
Hi everyone! Your thoughts have gone a long way, so keep them up. Especially for our sick team members. I had a little sickness two days ago.
We are glorying in how our Father has used us here. We are now in a new location and I am loving it! Mommy, I ate fresh fish yesterday!
~Ruth Ward
[Week One - July 11-17]
[Week Two - July 18-24]
[Week Three - July 25-31]
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