Sisseton Recap Day 2 & 3

Our past two days have been full of sunshine and people.  Our group of 10 adults and 10 kids have worked very hard the last few days.  We were dragging a bit as we woke up and started our day today...but we had a very full day and many were at the Dakota Alliance Church from 8:30am until 10:45pm.

Here is a brief update of our days:
We have finished up our VBS program at the Dakota Alliance Church...with our VBS program that was held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning from 9:30am - noon.  The theme was "The hand and feet of Jesus" and we used this lesson plan throughout the planning process.  The kids from our group put on some great puppet shows, the kids helped lead worship time and our adults shared some wonderful stories and message to the kids of all ages.

One thing that is truly different about VBS in Sisseton vs. Rochester is this; the time frame really doesn't matter.  We have no check-in system.  We don't have nametags.  We don't even know who will be showing up or how many.  AND...we feed everyone lunch.  Everyone.  If they show up, they can eat.  *for those planning the meals and how much food to bring, that makes the organization and shopping process even more exciting.  ;)

We have also had time to visit a local nursing home.  We had some really good conversations with a few of the residents and also attending their church service that they have during the week.  We sang songs, listened to the message and the kids from CCC also put on a skit.  The bonus though...one of the kids in our group wrote the skit.  It was very cute to see them shine God's light in the preparations for this and while they were performing.  (all of the kids doing the skit were ages 10 and under)

Each night we have spent time around a campfire.  Honestly, the flies are obnoxious, even during the day, but the time spent around talking and socializing are special moments.  We had our biggest campfire gathering on Thursday night and it was just great to see people gathered and joining together for this.  Having a "campfire" may not sound like is should be missions related but this truly is one of the activities that our group is known for...and we let the kids play together, the adults talk and our group even gets to know each other better too.  You can't make these connections and plan them out on paper.

The guys have been working on a ramp for the church...and they are almost finished!  They have had lots of little helpers and some pretty high temps to work in as well.  They have done a great job working as a team and getting this project finished.

Women's spa day is another annual tradition...and today we washed feet, painted toes and a few hands.  A few women and girls even got a foot or hand massage.  Spending time with individuals at their feet level is not only humbling but is something that Jesus did for others.  Today we painted an array of colors that are shining bright and pretty throughout Sisseton...and also had conversations while enhancing the beauty of these individuals.  Some of the conversations and attitudes were tough to crack while others flowed freely.  I personally saw a lot of dynamics in the group and a lot of hurt in some of the eyes as they were speaking or being talked to by others.  One of the conversations that I had with a child went a little something like this:

Me:  I see you have nail polish on your hands.  Can I take that off so we can put new colors on?

Child:  Yes
Me:  Do you like to paint your nails?
Child:  Yes
Me:  Does someone help you paint them or do you do them yourself?
Child:  My dad and his girlfriend do, but they are both in jail now.

This child was about the same age as my boys...who are 7 and 10.  I never would have known this bit of info if I didn't wash her feet or paint her fingers and toes.

Please keep our group in your prayers...

• Health and safety for the group.  We have at least one child diagnosed with strep today in our group.  A few others are run down and just not feeling great either.  
• That we will say the right words and be in the places we should on Saturday...and be open to using our talents and gifts with those we meet.

*Jessica Williams

Sisseton, SD 2015...Day #1

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