It was another rainy day Friday, but it was a little more sporadic than Thursday. We had a powwow during breakfast to get rallied up one last time and to get a game plan for the day. Friday was a shorter day than the other days due to the fact that we were leaving that evening and we needed to get the camp really clean. Also, we planned to visit a newly finished house that one of our teams was able to finish.
After breakfast everyone was rallied and took off towards their projects. Johnathan and I packed up and headed back towards the small church to finish up what we could that day. When we got there, our goal was to get a kitchen and the main sanctuary finished and sanded so it could have a texture sprayed on the ceilings and walls which is the last step. We sanded and sanded and sanded for most of the day. There's nothing like sanding drywall. It's a very tiring and messy process. We accomplished our goal that day and left on a really good note. Definitely a sense of accomplishment.
Orange peel texture
As everyone landed back at camp, similar stories of accomplishment began to be told. Everyone seemed to be really content with the work they were able to complete during the week. The Spirit was there all week in every one's hearts encouraging them to give all they had and to be reminded of the reason to serve. We all packed up, cleaned up, and left camp and headed towards the finished house.
The ladies bought me some boiled peanuts. Great southern food that I miss
The new house was awesome and probably one of the most adequate homes I've ever seen. The tenants were two wonderful, grateful, and inspirational people. Two people that most of us would walk by and write off on the street any day. After taking a tour of their 1,000 - 1,200 sq ft, two bedroom home, we convened in the living room/kitchen area. The new homeowner began to tell he and his wife's story of what their journey has been like over the past couple of years since the storm and the hope and faith they have had in the same God we all have was touching. They thanked everyone from HCRN, Monty and his family, us, and all on behalf of their family and every family that HCRN has provide houses for. It was well spoken from the heart and in turn broke all of ours as we reflect on the past week.
From there Monty spoke up and began to tell us a few stories and speak of his gratitude for all of us being there and continuing to come back. Now, Monty on the outside seems to a be this tough and reserved guy, but in reality, he is a very compassionate and passionate man. As Monty began to tell a story of money running short on a project, dipping into his families pocket to pay for some paint, and later in the day someone giving him the exact amount as a donation due to be more than needed for their project totally anonymous. He told story after story of God's continued blessings on those that give more than they receive. As he told his stories, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. The Holy Spirit moved through the room softening every one's hearts. We finished praying for the house and for Hope City and Steve Binkley spoke up and mentioned that we should pray for me as I begin my new role at Neighborlink and continued this spirit of servant hood and missional living at home. This was a very humbling moment for me that I won't soon forget.
We all hit the road that evening. Some chose to drive straight through, some stopped, and some decided to sit down for a dinner prior to the trip. We chose to the hit road running and get home. We made excellent time and made it home safely by around 8:30am on Saturday morning. If I had to sum up the trip with one word it would be, beautiful. Everything about how people meshed together, projects were completed, relationships built, weather, etc. Everything was beautiful.
As a short journey ends it only fuels the bigger journey. I am inspired.
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