Day 8 - June 24th

This morning was a difficult morning to get out of bed - especially after the fun and relaxing night on the river. Many of the youth enjoyed rafting, canoeing, and kayaking - such a great time!

Today’s focus was specifically on faith which included a very powerful worship experience. We focused directly on the Prodigal Son, and his return home – where his father welcomed him with open arms, embraced him, accepted him for his wrong doings, and greeted him with an expensive ring. We as a group learned that Jesus shared the story of the Prodigal Son so we might know that God the Father wants to respond to us the same way and extend the same undeserved forgiveness – if we’ll simply receive it.

Each youth was then given a ring with the words ‘undeserved’ carved into it - a symbol of God’s love, unity, and commitment to us. The program led many of our youth to kneel at the cross as some were brought to tears. GUMY then returned to our seats, and feeling the power of the spirit, joined again in unity, for the first time this week, feeling the power and love within our youth group. What an amazing experience for the 12 of us, as we sat, holding, supporting, and comforting those in our group. This experience allowed for great bonding between the group, which I believe will only lead us to be stronger in the future. GUMY is now officially stuck like gum to each other, and like gum, we may stretch, but we will always stick together.

Day 7 - June 23rd

Today is the mid-way point of our trip!!! YIPPEE! We are now halfway through our trip!

Today, we enjoyed a half day on the worksite and only worked till about 12:30 before heading home to clean up, get the van oil changed and spend the afternoon enjoying a southern BBQ on the bank of the Black River. Many of us were shocked to see a whole pig, split down the middle, head included for our lunch! (according to those in the south, it was "luau style") Although it was delicious southern food, it was definitely a new experience for us all. A very special thank you to the city of Kingstree for providing us with such a wonderful afternoon!

Tonight, Wednesday, we focused on Family, and the things we, as undeserved Christians need to work on. We realize and understand not all families are picture perfect - shoot, who's is? We all have the corky uncle, the crazy sister, and outrageous grandma. Often we weave a tangled web full of judgments, grudges, and hostilities. Tonight we discussed and looked into the importance of family, and how we as teens can be better children and contributors to our immediate families.

Each youth was encouraged to write a personal letter home to share an apology, a regret, or even words of truth they felt needed to be shared - some may have asked for forgiveness to someone in your family for something they have done to you or merely thanked you for being such a wonderful parent. Whatever the case may be, we ask that you read these with an open mind, an eager heart, and stepping stone for future conversation starters when we are back home

Continue your prayers for us as we continue our week serving others.

Day 6 - June 22nd

Today was the second day on our worksites here in Kingstree, and although not as hot today, we still were dragging slowly this morning. Waking up at 6:45, Breakfast promptly at 7, and morning program at 8, then off to the site to start working by 9. Today's theme and focus for the day was Friends - focusing on our best friends, and how to continue those friendships in the future. In conjunction with the story of the Prodigal Son, we have discussed in great depth the importantance of friends, especially when you have nothing else in your life.

Jessica shared with us, along in front of the entire group of Workcampers, her 'God Sighting' for the day on site. She will have to tell you about her new friend (which now has doubled...) Although Jessica can't take these friends home, we know she will forever hold these "Special friends" in her heart.

We have all started to make new friends here and are really starting to enjoy the heat - at least we are getting a good tan, although its a true farmers tan, complete with tan lines. ;)

More to come tomorrow as we discuss the importance of Family...

Day 5 - June 21st

First day on the worksite, and the only two phrases are needed to describe the day are… HOT, HOT, HOT! and Radical Hospitality! The folks of the south have truly discovered the idea of making everyone feel welcome. Never have we been so amazed at the sweet, sincere and loving attitude from those in Kingstree. The folks of Kingstree, SC., with a small population of only 3,500 people, I think we have heard a ‘Thank You’ from nearly half and received snacks, soda, sweet tea and love from all others. This local community really has embraced the idea of praising and thanking everyone for their service here this week. The true definition of ‘Radical Hospitality’ which we hope to bring home with us. We never expected to feel so welcomed for our service here, but it has been nothing but amazing.

Each of us have had some wonderful opportunities to step out in leadership roles within our own crews. Hailey, Garrett and Andy being Group Organizers and keeping us working together, Maggie as the Site Director leading us in the right direction, Greg & Crystal as the Quartermasters making sure all tools and supplies are on the worksite daily, Jessica and Aaron as the Devotion leaders and giving there group spiritual nutrition and Billie & Laura Lee keeping their group on task and away from injuries.

Today’s theme was Myself, where we explored the idea of always living in the ‘me’ or “idea” that our individual needs, wants and desires are much more important than anyone else. We saw a very powerful skit illustrating the idea that its not always “all about me,” but should be about Him – Jesus. We discussed ideas about how we as individuals would be different, but more importantly, how our youth group would be different if we changed the idea of ‘me’ to the idea of ‘Him.’ With this discussion we made some great notes that will appear in the youth room in the coming year to remind us of our goals, and aspirations for our youth group.

Day 4 - June 20th

Today Greg had the youth wake up at 4:45 Colorado time, (6:45 in Atlanta) to make our last and final trek to Kingstree! Although everyone was extremely grumpy and tired, we were very excited because Greg took us to McDonalds for Breakfast!!

While on the road Greg enjoyed silence yet again, as everyone slept. Although it was difficult to get ready while in the van - since we didn't have time this morning, Sydney decided she needed to change clothes while in the gas station bathroom. While applying makeup and eye linger, Sydney was unaware of the 5 random strangers patiently waiting for her to finish... lets just say, we didn't get the best of looks. ;)

Maggie had the opportunity to make 3 "mini-me's", as she put makeup on Crystal, Sydney, and Hailey, and when finished all three girls looked alike. Its safe to say that Denver made quite the statement when arriving in Kingstree!

Tonight we met each of our individual work crews and were notified of our projects. We are all very exited/nervous for tomorrow morning, where we will hit the worksite for the first day!

Lots more info to come as we break up from being exclusively GUMY and now working in our work crews while bettering the lives of those in Kingstree!

Day 3 - June 19th

Today we woke up early again, and on Tennessee time, finally! (thanks Jessica for getting us back on schedule) With some time to spare, and the temperature index of 103 degrees, we set out to the Mississippi River and check out Mud Island as well as the Peabody Hotel complete with duck show! That’s right – duck show! We traveled to one of Memphis’ nicest hotels and gathered at 11am for the ducks of the Peabody to come down from the 12th floor skywalk, and enter into the lobby fountain. Let’s just say these ducks live in nicer conditions than us - who knew ducks would attract so much attention!

After some sightseeing and eating lunch we set out for the highway to Atlanta. When you ride in the van for three days straight, we quickly became “slap happy” and found ourselves jamming out to Disney sing-along songs. Pretty sure Greg now knows the words to every Disney soundtrack ever made, and possibly short one eardrum due to screaming girls.

When we arrived in Atlanta tonight, we enjoyed the downtown nightlife, while staying at Saint Marks United Methodist Church. We ate dinner at a sma1l, but delicious Italian restaurant and went to bed early while watching movies in the large youth room of the church. Although the air conditioning didn’t work as well as we liked, it did keep us cool!
Goodnight for now!

Day 2 - June 18th

Day 2 was a busy but productive day. Unfortunately this blog is coming to you a bit later than expected due to a slight accident with Greg's laptop. Let’s just say, we think the hard drive is somewhere between Oklahoma City and Memphis at a rest stop.

This morning we woke up and drove to downtown Oklahoma City and explored the heartbreaking but extremely beautiful Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial site. This was a touching and moving experience for all of us as we walked and viewed the empty chairs of the 168 who lost their lives that day. GUMY left our stamp on the memorial with decorating the chalkboards located just outside the Children’s Education Center.

We then continued on the road from Oklahoma City to Memphis, TN and arrived just prior to 7pm, Tennessee time. (Greg forgot to calculate the time change – ooops!)

Tonight we are staying at the AMAZING Barttell UMC in Memphis, TN. We continue to have great luck when it comes to staying in five-star churches. This church has everything but a swimming pool! With a youth group of over 250 youth; not to mention the full sized track, racquetball court, 5 story education wing, 3 kitchens, and a Sanctuary the size of a football field - It was extremely impressive, with outstanding air conditioning which we greatly appreciated.

More to come as we move across the nation to tomorrow on our way to Atlanta!