HAPPY TIE-DYE TUESDAY! 

We had a jam-packed day full of service and great company! The students did very well in the morning and we were able to make it to breakfast by 8:00am. We quickly ate and prepared for the rest of the day. The leaders of Fourth Presbyterian Church kindly split us up into two different groups and sent us to different sites. 

One group traveled to a park to play all sorts of games with younger kids during their summer programming. These children attend Fourth and are apart of this program to give them something to look forward too while they're on break. As the program serves lunch, it might be the only meal the students receive all day. 

The other half of our group stayed at Fourth and learned about an organization called A New Life for Old Bags. For some of the families that have been apart of this trip in previous years, this may sound familiar. Four years ago we visited a retirement center where we cut plastic bags and tied them together to make 'plarn.' (plastic+yarn=plarn) With this plarn, volunteers help crochet and create a bed mat for those who may be homeless or are in rough situations. Today, we were able to do this conveniently in the church blaring some throwback music and having a great time! We were proud to witness the students’ mow through the plarn in about 3 hours. One of Fourth's interns, Elaina, even had to go find more plastic bags! After they accomplished this task we gave them the option of joining the rest of the group to play with the younger kids, or to take a stroll around the river walk. The boys chose to play with the kids and the girls chose to walk with some of our leaders! Later, we grouped back up to help Norman organize Fourth's pantry. They use this pantry to make meals for those in need. Norman explained that in one day, they will make and serve 600-800 sandwiches! It was an amazing opportunity to help make this an easier task for them. 

Everyone grouped back together in the late afternoon to have a little bit of free time. The students played a variety of card and board games and enjoyed each other’s company. 

As usual, we ate dinner and ended the night with small groups and worship. These were both a mix of emotional and humorous conversations. We are very eager to see what God has to bring into our lives tomorrow as we have a very busy day once again! 

-ANNIE M.