Friday, July 29, 2011

Day Five!

Well we have made it!  The morning started early with the temperatures reaching 83 by 7am.  Several of the crews left at 630 am so they could get a jump on the heat. 
Geoff (in the back) and his crew celebrate the end of their project.


There were several crews that got their projects done early so they got some extra beach time.  Way to go!  Other groups worked some extra long hours, but again it was worth it as their projects were completed. 
Geoff enjoys a much needed break on a HOT day.


By far the biggest answer to prayer came today with Rick's success on the air-conditioner front.  After visiting 5 locations, he was finally able to fix our air-conditioner.  Ashley nearly kissed him!
Rick shows off the receipt for the fixed air conditioner!


Worship tonight was wonderful as the group had chance to be recognized with their squads and celebrate with their home owners. 

Geoff had the chance to celebrate with helping to lead the birdie song.  The blog features Geoff tonight as we haven't really had any pictures of him...he's really been here working hard we promise!  We couldn't get the pictures to load so you'll just have to take our word for it!
Geoff leads the birdie song...join us in participation on Sunday


Thanks to each of you for all your prayers as we braved hot weather and challenging conditions.  We can't wait to get home and hope to see each of you at church at 845 Sunday morning.  The kids can't wait to get their cell phones back and we all can't wait to "show you our pants".  Come and see it for yourself!

See you Soon!

FBC Underground

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Day Four---it was a hot one!

Wow!  What a day.  The heat was intense with temperatures in the mid 90s and temperatures on the roofs way on up there...we didn't check them because we didn't want to know! 
Brittany works on her project.
Dalton rests in the heat after quite

The camera went today with Brittany and Dalton as well as Geoff has used his camera phone to take some pictures.  Brittany's group has been painting most of the week and Dalton actually ended up at Geoff's site today to help with roof clean-up. Robert was also able to take the camera with him today and got some good pictures of the work his group has been doing.  Notice that the pictures show a good deal of rest taking place...that's only because they are working so hard during work times they don't have time to take pictures!:)


Jamie takes a much needed water break on a hot day.



Robert rests in the sun on an extra hot day!



Bruce has been caught in limbo this week as his pressure washing crew was shutdown on the first day due to lead paint.  After much debate over what to do and jumping inbetween projects he finally got to powerwash today.  However, he missed his ride to get to the site so had to jump in with another group to get there, they forgot his group for lunch, and he had to call Geoff for a ride home....poor Bruce.  He's a trooper though!

Bruce works with the powerwasher...well sort of!


The highlight of the day was by far Alex and Ty's project.  They finished their work projects yesterday so today was spent in an SUV traveling from site to site delivering to popsicles to everyone....well everyone but Bruce!:)  We have never been so glad to see those two as we were today!

Alex and Ty with the popsicle crew.
Tonight was a great night of worship.  We really bonded as a team and are so blessed to have such wonderful youth who care and love each other.  They have really stepped up and taken care of one another.  We are so lucky.

Continue to keep us in your prayers.  Rick is in hot pursuit of a solution to the air-conditioner...he's going to meet a guy named "Tea" in the morning...we'll see how that turns out.

Love to you all!

FBC Underground

The day "off"

Sorry to be late updating the posts, but yesterday was our day "off."  Several of the roofing crews headed out for work early so they could get extra projects in, but everyone was off the job site by 1pm.  Eric, Mary and Rick took the camera for the day and enjoyed some work on the exterior of their house.

Eric works hard under the supervision of his crew chief.

      
Mary touches up the paint in the garage they are working on
Once everyone got back and showered it was time to head out for fun.  After talking to some of the locals we decided to head to the river walk.  The trip over brought some much needed napping for some, but mostly just a good time as we sweated it out together in the bus!  Most did shopping along the river walk enjoying trips into shops and a few even took a short river boat tour.  We were able to convince them all to skip over the tattoo parlor!:)

Alex shows off his moves at a Tuesday night dance party...yes we know Baptists don't dance!

They dance party catches up to Alex on the way to the river walk
Upon leaving the river walk, we headed to Rucker John's as recommended by the locals.  If you're ever down this way, we recommend it too!  They were fast, reasonable, and dealt amazingly well with 11 teenagers and 4 tired adults!

Dalton enjoys his chicken wings which had to be enjoyed with about 8 softdrink refills...a little spicy I think!

Ty attempts to light the lanterns using his "boy scout" skills and some forks.  Attempts would be the key word!
Once our bellies were full we headed to the beach!  The weather was perfect!  Great call on Rick, Bruce, and Geoff's part to wait until evening for the beach.  We pulled right into a parking space and headed straight to the ocean.  The waves and sand were enjoyed by all. 

Geoff shows off his artistic side.
The night ended with a quick trip to DQ and then it was back to the church to "sleep."  As this is written I think everyone is still sleeping, but who knows what time they started sleeping.  Please be in prayer for us today as we face tired bodies.  May our spirits rise above and may God give us strength to keep on going.

We love you all and thanks for keeping up with us.  Rick continues to work on finding someone to fix our air-conditioner.  If not, we've already told the kids we will let them complain for 3 minutes....then we're moving on hot and happy!

FBC Underground

FBC Underground bonds.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Bring on the Rain...well okay the drizzle!

The morning started early again but all were up and ready to go for breakfast.  The youth are doing a great job of getting up, getting going, and doing all the we ask with a smile and good attitude.

The group participates in evening worship songs
Alex and Ty enjoy a time of singing and worship
Last night at worship several of our group got the chance to participate in the songs.  They were less than thrilled with the dancing in front of everyone, but were even less amused when we took pictures.  Our speaker is challenging us to accept the gift of God's love for the amazing gift that it is and we pray that each person here is feeling and learning to share that love.

The morning did bring rain, but all groups were still able to work.  Brittany and Elizabeth took the camera with them today and had the chance to help finish up some painting.  They also had the opportunity to interact with the children of the family they are serving and seem to be having a great time.











Elizabeth helps man the paint crew.


Brittany helps paint her house.
Our evening devotion gave us a chance to begin to recognize each others gifts and rejoice in the fact that we are together because of the opportunity Christ has given us.  What a blessing to see God working in the lives of these young people as they learn and grow together in Him.
 

Keep the comments and prayers coming.  We love each of you and look forward to the encouragement. 

FBC Underground


This picture has no explanation....it speaks for itself!
P.S.  Rick found the part for the van....but more research is needed.  Apparently its not just the switch!   

Thanks Ken!

Ken and All,

Thanks for your advice in the comments about the bus and air-conditioning!  I must say I was a little concerned when they came back in carrying the part!:)  We are headed to Auto Zone today...keep your fingers crossed!

Ashley

Monday, July 25, 2011

Work Day One!

Ty and Robert enjoy breakfast



Everyone made it to breakfast on time and helped pack their own lunches as we headed out to the vans. We had a great meal of eggs, bacon, biscuits, and grits....most of the kids turned down the grits!
Brittany and Elizabeth model their day one outfits






 Some of our team has chosen to coordinate their outfits.  All were dressed and ready to go as we loaded up for different worksites.
Dalton serves as the breakmaster for his crew.




 A few of our group have volunteered to fill positions for their crews.  Several are chaplains providing daily devotions for their crews and a few are breakmasters in charge of the coolers.
Chelsea helps put a new roof on her project.







 Each day a different crew will take the camera so log on daily to get updates from different sites.  Ashley and Chelsea tackled a roof today.  








Even though her mother told her to stay off the roof, the only other adults had a broken ankle, and were deathly afraid of heights...so guess who ended up there?  Don't worry she loved it and Chelsea kept a close eye on her.

Ashley CAREFULLY climbs up on the roof




Thanks so much to each of you for all your comments.  All the projects had successful days despite some setbacks for rain.  We are all tired, but looking forward to a Walmart run after worship and some more exciting bonding time....yes without cell phones!

Love to you all and God Bless!

FBC Underground

Up and Ready to Go!

Our first night brought sleep...well a little.  Despite the lack of cell phones, or perhaps because of the lack of them, everyone was able to get to sleep at a somewhat decent hour and now we prepare for breakfast at 6am!:)

The temperature is already hot and humid after an overnight shower.  We are ready to go and hope the first day will be a great one!

Pray for our teams as they embark on new adventures to meet new friends:

Alpha:  Brittany Yocum and Elizabeth Hopkins--painting and other odd jobs

Foxtrot: Chelsea Hughes and Ashley Fuller--roofing

Golf:  Geoff Fuller--roofing

India:  Robert McKinley, Ty Shaw, Alex Allen, Jamie Tucker--painting (we think)

Juliet:  Brittani McKinley and Dalton Jackson-- can't remember this early:)

Lima:  Rick Hartman, Mary Jackson, and Eric Szymanowski--painting and tree removal

Mike:  Bruce Reid--Power Washing

We appreciate all the messages we have gotten so far.  Keep them coming!


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