Wednesday

For the last two days, we have helped the team wake up using various forms of noise makers. Today, things changed a little. All that we did was turn on the lights and say good morning. Those who have been before know about the quiet day, others wondered if we had just forgotten. We had not, and tomorrow they will be reminded, but for today, it was quiet. As usually happens, they are so ready for something they are up rather quickly, except for the one. This one is left to their peers instead of our wake up team as the longer they stay down, the longer it is until the kitchen team can get ready for breakfast.

Another aspect of quiet day, is leftovers for breakfast. While cereal was available, the bagels, pizza, left over breakfast casserole, and fruit were quickly eaten. Afterwards it was time for chores. With the trailer packed we were off. Today, Mother Tar from Sydney is meeting us up on the reservation. It was good to see her again. Another typical day. We painted and prepped and before we knew it, it was time to pick up our guests. Today's numbers swelled and we had our largest day so far. It was also our hottest, and with some of our games taking place outside, it was a real effort to keep everyone hydrated.

As our day on the reservation came to a close, one thing we do is come together for quick worship: well, we sing a few songs and say a prayer. When we asked our guest if any wanted to come up and help lead the songs, almost all of them headed to the front of the church. Their smiles were a mile wide and they seemed very proud they were able to take part in leading. They even got Fr. Tom up going through the motions and leading us in one of the songs. The kids really loved it. After worship is snack time and then it is a van ride home. We take almost everyone who comes home, it makes for some crowded vans. While the guests are taken home, another team cleans up, and the third packs up. When the vans return, our team piles in and we head back to Valentine.

As hot as it was, the thought of a swim was really on the top of every youth member's list. Only getting an hour to swim, they enjoyed every minute of it. Back at the church, it was a quick change and time to prepare for worship. Tonight, we had several members of the parish join us for Eucharist and Dinner. They got to hear the stories our youth had to share, and they even shared some of their own. It was a real blessing of a time. Of course, our youth anxiously awaited their free time. However, they did not want to start it until after dessert.

When everyone was back, we held our evening bible study. Mother Tar joined us as we looked at the calling of the disciples and the risk Jesus invited them to take. We finished up with the usual two questions, what risk did we take today, and where did we see Jesus. The answers continue to amaze me and it is really a blessing to hear a brief story of their encounters. Before we knew it, it was time for Compline and then bed. It is amazing how quickly a team of 24 falls asleep so quickly. Oh well, that's it for tonight. God bless.