Photo Album Week One and Week Two

Check out the photo album from Summer of Service - Sandusky, OH.

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Week 2, Day 3

We had an awesome day today!  

This morning we went to the Ohio Veterans Home, which is located about 3 miles away from the church we're staying. Our task for the day once we were there was to setup a picnic for the residents. Today's picnic, however, was a bit different in the fact that we had a picnic on the interior courtyard of the grounds with the lockdown ward - any veteran residents that are in psychiatric care due to dementia. We were a bit nervous and didn't know what to expect...

Once setup was done, we wheeled or walked out with the residents and got them seated at tables. We had a blast trading stories with them about our lives and learning all about them and their families, some of whom joined us for the picnic. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and cole slaw and there was even live music for us to enjoy all afternoon! Even though it was a misting rain all morning and beginning of the afternoon, from what we could tell no students or veterans seemed to mind at all.

Due to respect for the confidentiality of the veterans, residents and their families, we didn't take any pictures of the group w/ the veterans during the lunch, but we do have a picture of something else that was plentiful on the grounds of the OVH...

PEACOCKS!!! There were tons, at least a dozen, and even an albino one! So cool.

After the residents were all taken back to their rooms after the picnic, the music was still playing and it was still raining so of course we started DANCING!

After our great morning and afternoon at the OVH we returned home to dry off and get cleaned up. We had an awesome taco dinner and were led in worship by some amazing students, sharing many of the stories and experiences and names we had learned earlier today. We were truly touched as a group by this amazing experience.

We appreciate your prayers for us as we push into the final portion of our week together. We'll be fighting fatigue and lack of sleep as we head into a day tomorrow at the Boys and Girls club of Sandusky. Can't wait to report back with where we encounter God along the way!

Week 2, Day 2

We had an amazingly successful and fun day!  

This morning, we went back to Nehemiah Center to work with the kids summer day camp that meets there Tues-Thurs each week. As kids arrived and began to eat breakfast, we hung out with some of them around the grounds before the "official" activities started at 10.

Once all of the kids had arrived, we started with a skit from Pirate Pete!  He had some help from Kate and Olivia.

After our skit, we split up into three different age groups and had three different stations or rotations to go to throughout the morning. First was crafts, where the kids and our students got to make tie-dye t-shirts for their project today!

After crafting, each group went up to the second floor to get a bible lesson for the day, led by some of our students.

For the last rotation, the groups went outside (it was hot!) for a lesson from the local golf pro, Dave, on how to chip and putt!

Once the activities were over and all three groups had rotated through all three stations, our students helped to feed lunch to the kids before they were officially done for the day. We stuck around w/ a few of them for a while afterward and played some kickball! Before we left for the afternoon, we made sure to get a group shot with our friends from Nehemiah.

Tonight we get to go to a concert in the park after dinner, and we look forward to another wonderful and fulfilling day tomorrow as we travel to the Ohio Veterans Home. Thank you for your prayers for our group as we continue on this journey together!

Week 2, Day 1

Wow! That is the best way to sum up today. 

Amazing students and amazing work. 

Today we were at Nehemiah Center in Sandusky. This is an incredible organization that serves the community by providing for its children. The students completed a number of tasks today which will allow the organization to focus on its main mission. 

Here is a partial list of the wonderful work this team completed today...

Painted three entrances...

Painted to interior doors black and pink...

Weeded parking lots...

Cleaned graffiti off of a playground set...

Fixed a fence...

Dug a trench under the fence to allow it to hang straight to the ground...

Cleaned the entire bottom floor of the center...

Cleaned and organized a closet...

Picked up trash in the fields around the center...

Spent time with local children...

Tonight we will have smalle groups, a lasagna dinner, and worship.

Thank you for your prayers. We feel them every step of the way. Tyler arrived at 2:30 today so our group is complete. 

Enjoy these pictures from our day. 

Week 2, Arrival - We're Here

We made it. More pics to come. 

Week 1, Day 6 - Trip over...adventure just beginning

We made it home! 

What an amazing week it was. 

Everyone was transformed by the work, the people, the activities, the friends, and the God who met us there. 

In an unprecedented move last night the annual Cheese Danish award was presented to the entire group! The keeper of the Danish was randomly selected and fate fell on Christian Coler. This pastry has traveled far and wide for approximately 22 years. Yes...yuk! Everyone received their own facsimile of the original. Some ate it, and some stored it for future use. 

We are so thankful for this trip and cannot wait to see what lays before week 2 with different students and adult leaders. 

We are thankful for such opportunities to give of and grow in our faith. 

Week 1, Day 5 - Cedar Point

Today was Cedar Point! It was a perfect day with perfect weather. 

Great fun. Lots of laughs, lots of rides, lots of memories made. 

This has been one amazing week filled with incredible students giving of themselves in service to God and growing with one another. There is so much to share about this adventure. Thank you for your prayers. 

Check out these pictures with a few surprise guests.