Time to get EXCITED!

Sadly, this will probably be one of the last posts during my summer internship. While house-sitting this week, my laptop passed away peacefully in its sleep.

On a happier note, the LUCHA youth are preparing for their week at Passport Camp in Wenham, Massachusetts. The camp, a place for Christian fellowship and community service, will be celebrating the theme of "Barefoot: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" I'm looking forward to an amazing week full of great things and wonderful people! Please make sure to keep us in your prayers as we travel on the 26th and 31st of this month.

"We're going to the mall?!"

"Let's go to the mall, guys!" This has been a confusing statement in the past, please let me clarify.

Last week the LUCHA youth and leaders spent an afternoon in Washington DC's National Holocaust Museum. The museum, which details the events leading up to the Holocaust and its devastating effects, contains both permanent exhibits and several rotating exhibits. The youth had a chance to visit the main exhibit and spend time in the Hall of Rememberance (the museum's memorial to the six million people affected by the Holocaust).

Following the museum visit, the youth spent some time at the National Mall during which stops were made at the Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. After walking the length of the Mall and back to the van, the group did get a chance to have dinner in Pentagon City and window shop at an actual mall.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
- Colossians 3:12

How does your garden grow?

The answer: only after months of planning and hard work. The community garden near Sylvania Heights Baptist Church is having a great summer season. Cucumbers, watermelon, jalapeños, green peppers, squash, onions, and tomatoes all have a home in the family-shared garden. From planting and trench-digging to weeding and watering, the Latino families in the area have kept a close watch over the garden during the last months, and they're finally reaping the benefits (quite literally) of their labors.

Proverbs 12:14 - From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

Proverbs 21:5 - Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Luke 10:2 - He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Achieving excellence one cupcake at a time...

What a wonderful day! After a doctor's appointment for pre-op registration and swimming pool shenanigans, Sue and Aida held a cupcake decorating class for the youth. Everyone had a wonderful time, and some interesting creations emerged from the chaos. From sea monsters to the flag of Italy, everyone turned their cupcakes into canvas and somehow managed to get them home unscathed.


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. -Philippians 4:8

Proverbs 28:10 He who leads the upright along an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.