Almost done!

Our trip to Passport Camp in Wenham, Massachusetts, flew by at warp speed. The youth had a great time, and no one died (that's the most important thing). They worked at several different mission sites, held daily Bible study and worship, went to the 60's dance and participated in the HeeHaw talent show. On the way home, we accidently ended up in Manhattan, so we decided to visit the John Lennon Memorial in Central Park and Times Square. Overall, an amazing time.

This is my final full week in Fredericksburg, and it's going to be a busy one. On Monday we're taking everyone to the pool. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday we are distributing children's books and taking people to their doctor appointments. On Wednesday, Kyle and I are taking three of the older youth to the University of Maryland. And on Sunday three of us are driving to Alabama for the end of summer retreat. Should be a great time!

Pictures soon!

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.

What's a duck to do?

I've taken so many photos recently that choosing just one per day is a daunting task. However, I was driving around in one of the larger business districts today and spotted the perfect photo opportunity. I watched this little guy cross a busy two-way street, waddle past several onlookers, and head straight for the Target entrance. Seems he's more adept at maneuvering in the city than I am.