Day Two & Three!

Hello Everyone!

Today is day three. We're exhausted, but we're having fun! We've made a lot of progress on all of our projects. We are almost finished: painting, putting shingles on the roof, and cleaning the inside of one of the houses. Yesterday, we took a trip to Wal-Mart. We also had a fun time at an evening picnic located on Lake Tygart where we got to spend more time with the families that we're working with. Tonight, we're going to an evening prayer service at a local church which should be new and exciting.

Even though everyone is so tired, we're still looking for Friday when we can get even more done.

Check out yesterday's and today's pictures and videos:

Day One!

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, that a person took and sowed in a field..."

-Matthew 13:31

Today was our first day, and it was very successful. Ten out of the twenty-seven kids went to Vacation Bible Camp. We put on a skit that depicted the beginnings of Joseph's life. The kids loved it and we had a lot of fun.

Then, the bible camp people joined the work already in progress at the two house projects. Work on the White house included: removing and replacing of the roof shingles; removing clutter of their front yard; and working to do massive amounts of cleaning inside the house. We bonded quickly with three year old Nevi and got an insight to the difficulties of Traci's home life. Nevi's three brothers are away at camp, so sadly we didn't get the opportunity to meet them yet.

Work at the Toph's house included: entirely gutting the first floor bathroom (and finding a few surprises on the way); scraping off loose paint from all sides of the house in preparation for priming and painting tomorrow. We met the family and felt very comfortable with them. We particularly came close with fifteen year old Aaron who helped us working around his house.

We already feel the impact we're making through this experience, so we can't wait for tomorrow!

Packing List!

Hey Everybody!

Six days to Appalachia! If possible, pack in a duffle bag! PACK LIGHT!

Here is the packing list:

Clothing-

• sleeved T-shirts (no tank tops)
• shorts (watch the length)
• old jeans
• pajamas
• underwear
• sneakers/work boots
• flip flops for shower
• socks
• nice outfit for Wednesday evening
• swimsuit (no bikinis)

Bed and Bath-

• Linens for twin beds
• pillow
• towels
• beach towel for pool

Toiletries

• face wash
• shampoo
• conditioner
• lotion
• deodorant
• toothpaste
• toothbrush
• sunscreen
• bug spray

Other-

• alarm clock
• money- no more than 100$
• snacks
• sunglasses
• hand sanitizer
• medications- let Sue know what your bringing including OTC and asthma medications
• props for skits
• prayer for service items
• disposable camera
• bring down games to leave and play with children (optional)

Car ride (put in rooms when in Appalachia and leave them in the room!) -

• iPod
• cards
• games
• cell phone

Wednesday Evening-nice clothes

Thursday ( day off)-water slides

2 days- in the car

4 days- working

Departure: be at the church at 5:15am on July 25th!

- we will celebrate mass and have breakfast.

Return: be back at St. Leo Parish on Saturday, July 31!

- we will have pizza, process the trip, and attend 5pm mass.

We're staying at AB College

Grafton, WVA

cell phone: (203)940-3217

email: stleoyouthgroup@yahoo.com

** PACK LIGHT! **

Countdown!

Hey Everyone!

Not too much going on, considering out trip hasn't even started yet! It will SOON though and I'm very excited. Today, Thursday July 15, which means *drum roll* 10 DAYS till we leave. I'll put a packing list up soon and hopefully I can get this blog out to everyone before APPALACHIA.

Also, don't worry there will be updates everyday and new pictures/ videos!

10 days!

more soon,

Erin