The crew from Rochester, MN arrived in Sisseton, SD yesterday. After a year of planning by some of the leaders and months of prep with the group...the day was finally here. Our theme this year is Hands and Feet of Jesus...and we are playing this out in many different ways throughout our week. #Hishandsandfeet
I am always reminded by the lawn chairs under the tree that this trip is not about all the construction projects...or the number of kids that we might see...or the stuff that we give away...it is about the relationships with the people in this community.
We spent our first day building those relationships and honestly...the years of focusing on this aspect of the mission trip truly showed that it is important, because we had a full house at VBS today. First year we have had a crowd fill the room on the first day.
During VBS today, our CCC kids led music, put on a puppet show, played with kids and were part of the action during the lessons too. Some of our adults led the message part of VBS and did a great job for all the different age groups we see here in Sisseton. We also did our annual tie-dye with our shirts that we hand out to those who attend. *right now many of us have solid blue hands, red, streaks on our faces and legs and/or polka dotted socks as a result of this craft today.
The afternoon consisted of time spent by some in the kitchen prepping meals, the guys working on a ramp for the church and the kids getting some time "finding their voice". Letting the kids create and use their talents to express themselves was something that has worked well in the past with this group.
Our evenings usually consist of us sitting around a tree talking and finishing our night around a campfire. Some of the kids break out into a game and others try roasting marshmallows for the first time. One of our our most prized events is a JiffyPop challenge between someone from Sisseton and a participant from Rochester. Tonights challenge was the longest time it has ever taken to finish popping this truly amazing popcorn ;) - pretty sure it was over 20 minutes - and Rochester basically won by default since the Sisseton popcorn landed in the fire.
Lots of laughter. Talking. Hugs. Sharing. Introductions. Playing. Learning. Helping. Cleaning. Crafting. Listening. Honoring.
We go to bed this evening thankful for the day, thankful for the kids and families we saw today. We are thankful we were able to share our gifts and talents with the people in this community and that God has let this community be part of our church.
Enjoy the rest of the pictures...will post some more from today too!
*Jessica Williams
Beautiful! Thanks for posting!
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