Today was an awesome day. It was our first day working but it was my first time doing mission work in general. I didn't really know what to expect, but wow, it was just so rewarding. It feels great to be part of something that is helping to rebuild a community.
We broke up into groups today and each group worked on a different project. My group worked on this local Hispanic Church that we are also meeting at in the mornings before the day starts. It is definitely smaller than South Church but the Holy Spirit's presence is just as prominent. Even without the congregation there, you can just feel that so much hope and faith has lived within the walls of the church.
Working on the church was so much fun! I am not very skilled, but I learned real quick and everything I learned was pretty cool. Nail guns are fun and so is sawing. But if you are under the age of 18, please get adult supervision.
I must also say that construction work is a lot of work. I think that all of us put everything we had into our jobs. Each person did an excellent job contributing to their project. We have a great team and we all work together very well and that really helps this rebuilding process along.
Some people got a little frustrated that they had to re-do some electric work because it was not quite up to standard, but they did it and they also feel very accomplished about that. Others realized that cabinetry is very exciting and trips to Home Depot are very necessary. Many people got to see that we have some great teachers among us - very patient, understanding and knowledgeable. Without them, some of use may have not been able to even pick up a hammer.
We are very lucky because our group has a good mix of skilled people and those willing to learn and do anything. I admit, a few of us are not willing to get on a roof, but we will get dirty cleaning bathrooms to prepare them to be waxed.
Today was very successful and I am sure everyday here forth will be as well. I must say that Jesus has really blessed us with a great group of people and a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in the Galveston community. I am so happy to be here and I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow!
Also, I can't believe we are all the way in Texas yet the majority of us are gathered around watching the UCONN girls game. Connecticut really loves its college basketball! GO UCONN!

-Stephanie

We're here...almost!

17 out of 21 members of the group has arrived in Texas. Because of the massive snowstorms around the country last week, many travel plans had to be adjusted. Three of the people we are still waiting for were dedicated enough to drive up to Manchester, NH early this morning to catch a flight to Austin and drive the remaining four hours. This is a group that really wants to be here.

Everyone who has arrived is settling into our very comfortable living quarters at a Disciples of Christ Church in Texas City, Texas. There are bunk beds, a tv to keep up with the Olympics, and a kitchen that comes with ice cream! Those who roughed it at other locations on past trips have huge smiles on their faces.

Tonight we are going out to dinner and getting to know each other before learning more about our jobs for the week with Peter, our "chaperone" at the church. The excitement level is high and we are all excited to be here together.

Ready to Go?!

"Are you ready for your mission trip?" might seem like an innocent question, but for those of us who are last minute packers and planners, it causes a bit of anxiety! We are three days away and while some of us have already aired out sleeping bags and gathered tools, others of us don't even know if we own a sleeping bag and are praying that if we manage to get on the plane, it will all work out fine. Luckily, our church family has us in their thoughts and prayers. Last week during worship they commissioned our group and our work during the Sunday service. It is inspiring to know that while we are across the country, working hard, and making connections, there is a loving group of people waiting for us to return home.

Meet the Team: Pete

Name: Pete Atherton
Professon: Certified Public Accountant/independent business owner
Member of South Church: 42 years
How he gets involved: Presently co-chair of Music Committee, member of Personnel Committee and Salmon Brook Ministry; previously on Boards of Deacons (twice), Trustees, Missions, Social Action, and Christian Education.
Favorite Bible story: The Prodigal Son
Favorite inspirational quote: “The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but can never forget what they did here.” (from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address)
In his free time he enjoys: Aerobic exercise and strength training; volunteering on numerous boards and committees of the YMCA of Greater Hartford; watching the Red Sox, UCONN men’s and women’s basketball, and the New England Patriots; classical music; cinema
Mission trips attended: Monhegan Island, ME, 2001 and 2002; Diamondhead, MS, 2007; Biloxi, MS, 2008; Hartford, CT, 2009; various local work days for Habitat for Humanity
Favorite trip memory: Listening to the story of a man in Diamondhead, MS whose home was completely under water in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and how he survived with his family by living at the top of a tree until the water subsided.
Looking forward to: Having a positive impact on people’s lives with the work we will do.
A hope for the trip: That we place as much emphasis on listening with compassion to those we help as we do on the work itself.

Meet the Team: Hallie

Name: Hallie Hollister
Profession: Special Ed. Para @ Hebron Ave. School
Member of South Church for: 35 years
How she gets involved: Have served on most boards, some twice, choir.
Favorite inspirational quote: "You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love, and you can be that servant." --Martin Luther King Jr.
In her free time she enjoys: Seeing her grandson, Uconn basketball, Redsox, playing golf, reading, gardening.
Mission Trips Attended: Marlinton, West Virginia '95 to Albany, NY '05--10 trips with youth and 4 with adults
Favorite Trip Memory: I have many great memories, seeing how changed teenagers and all of us are at the end of a week of mission is always a joy.
A worry for the road: "I only worry 'til we finally get there."
Looking forward to: The joy we will all have in helping others and the fun we will have doing it together.

Meet the Team: Casey

Name: Casey Lyth
Profession: Kindergarten Teacher
Member of South Church for: 7 years
How she gets involved: Participated in a youth mission trip and was a part of Wednesday school while in high school.
Favorite inspirational quote: “If you don’t have a smile.. you can borrow one of mine!”
In her free time she enjoys: cooking, reading, spending time with friends and family, movies
Mission trips attended: Rhode Island - '01
Favorite trip memory: Finishing the shingling on a families’ house and seeing their reaction made all the sweat, blisters and blood worth it!
Kind of work she enjoys: painting, cooking, and spending time with those we are helping.
Looking forward to: Spending time with family and building new friendships.

For Reflection...

To be of use

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shadows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is as common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.

- Marge Piercy