The Team is Here!by Amanda Mataczynski | March 17, 2014 1:08 AM
The team made it yesterday evening after three days of traveling. When they arrived at the hotel, we got them to their rooms and then headed to the pool! After dinner, we had our orientation meeting them headed to bed so we’d be ready for the big day ahead of us.
Today, the team was awesome and sat through 4 hours of church services. Brooklyn participated by helping reading scripture for the pastor during our evening service. The kids got to experience a service taught not only in English but Spanish as well.
They made their way to San Xavier Mission where they explored this amazing building and hiked up the hill to the outlook. Many of the student enjoyed slushies as well!
For dinner, we went to a fun restaurant called Time Market. The boys ate pizza and tried various types of soda. Everyone was stuffed as they left to take a walk up 4th Avenue. The guys had a blast!
Looking forward to a busy day tomorrow as we begin our projects at the church where will be doing various yard work projects and well as indoor projects such as fixing pews, building cupboards, and making shelves.
Day 1 of Projectsby Sarah Atkins | March 18, 2014 12:13 AM
The team got up bright and early today to begin their work projects at Redentor Baptist church! These tasks included cutting down a massive tree, clearing the children’s playground of endless weeds, organizing rooms, raking the yard, mending fences and swing sets as well as preparing for the next projects that need to be completed in the coming days.
The team enjoyed wonderful, home cooked, meals throughout the day made for them by some of the precious church members. We had plenty of hot sauce and second helpings! Getting back to work with full bellies the team battled the Arizona heat and kept up positive attitudes through it all!
Then it was time for some much deserved rest and milkshakes before heading back to the church for an evening of VBS with the kids. The evening consisted of snacks, games, crafts and a wonderful time of teaching the children. Our team is focusing on the fruits of the spirit! The guys were full of energy for some soccer with the kids and even enjoyed helping out the younger ones at coloring time!
The team finally made it to the hotel tonight after a full day. As they reminisced many agreed their favorite part of the day was the pleasure of seeing the look on the Pastor’s face knowing they were making a difference for him and his church!
Projectsby Amanda Mataczynski | March 18, 2014 12:16 AM
Cutting down trees behind Pastor Cortez's church.
What a View!by Amanda Mataczynski | March 18, 2014 12:18 AM
The view in Tucson always consists of mountains!
Gates Pass & VBSby Amanda Mataczynski | March 18, 2014 11:21 PM
After a long hunt for a van, the team finally stumbled across a 15 passenger van to take up the mountain to Gates Pass! Once there, the team hiked for an hour. They experienced the great Tucson heat and ventured past the various cacti and plants. The guys had a blast exploring and hanging out.
After Gates Pass, the boys headed to the church for a tasty lunch and relaxation. They enjoyed homemade Mexican food and soda.
There was plenty of free time at the hotel after lunch for the boys to enjoy a dip in the pool, rest time in their rooms, and time with each other.
Dinner was once again homemade, and seconds were in order! The church is spoiling us with so much food and sweets! The VBS took place after dinner where we talked about Kindness within the Fruit of the Spirit. The kids took part in great conversation about how we can be kind and why Jesus wants us to treat others nicely. There were snacks after and more play time!
Gates Pass by Amanda Mataczynski | March 18, 2014 11:22 PM
View from Gates Pass!
Gates Pass by Amanda Mataczynski | March 18, 2014 11:23 PM
Gates Pass by Amanda Mataczynski | March 18, 2014 11:24 PM
Helping Pastor Cortez by Amanda Mataczynski | March 19, 2014 11:34 PM
The boys helped Pastor Cortez paint the beams outside of his house!
Painting! by Amanda Mataczynski | March 19, 2014 11:35 PM
Just Hangin' Out!by Amanda Mataczynski | March 19, 2014 11:36 PM