Wednesday in Iowa

Photo: Planting shrubs at the

Freedom Center

Greetings from the Land of Corn, Corn, and more Corn!

The group continues to have an adventure here in Cyclone Country (we are 25 miles from the Iowa State University campus). Today saw the group split again into an "older" and "younger" arrangment. The older group worked with Habitat for Humanity, and the younger team was back at the Freedom Center of Freedom for youth. The Habitat group is working on "punch list items for new homes, while the Freedom Center group did work on a new decorative garden for the Center's campus. While there seems to still be some good energy at this hour, the group is tired and a bit sore. The overall spirit is good, inspite of some minor aggravations.

Photo Above: "Riding the shovel!"

Photo Below: Chillaxin at the Center --

hauling limestone for the wishing well

is hard work!

Our visit is winding down, but many good memories are yet to be had! Tonight we have just one youth post - from the youngest member of our group!

Talk at you all tomorrow!

Making "We Care" for the men at the Homeless Shelter.

Paige's thoughts...

I never realized how easy I have life! I have wonderful parents that love me! An an amazing church family and wonderful friends! This trip has honestly opened my eyes a little more than I thought was possible. I saw a couple that went from nothing, to accepting Christ, falling in love and and having their whole lives change in an instant! There have been men that have problems in life that are hard to deal with so they live on the streets until they decide to go into a temporary home to get them on the right track in life. I never realized how much I have and how much I take for granted. Last night at our evening fellowship and worship we walked the labyrinth that is here at the church we are staying at. As I was walking through it, I was praying for everyone: people that were having problems, people that wanted to change and everything else I could think of! I saw someone crying and it hit me how I never really thank God for all he does for me and what all he gives to me and blesses me with. So Icried, I saw young men cry that I didnt think I would ever even see think about crying. It was the most touching thing I have experienced this trip and I thank God for providing me this opportunity and leading me to do his work and let his light shine through me!

Writing notes for the "We Care" kits.