Day 1!

We made it! Once we got to Ward Haven, we went toHopeTree Family Services, a troubled youth and special needs adults ministry partly sponsored by Roanoke Valley Baptist Association, and had hot dogs and bbq for dinner. We played cornhole and walked around the campus. We got back to Ward Haven, finished unloading, had meetings for the next day, and threw Will Gardner a surprise birthday party!

Both construction crews before work!

What a great first day! We have divided into four groups: two groups at the Baptist Friendship House and two at the Baptist Community Center; one construction group and one children's recreation group at each site!

At the Friendship House, 5 children showed up.

We also had some of the children from

Broadus playing, too! First, we had a devotion with the kids and a little snack. We decorated the front porch with sidewalk chalk and played a bunch of fun games! After games, the Friendship House had a block party with a moon bounce for the kids. They LOVED it! They were all so excited watching the moon bounce go up and couldn't wait to play inside! For lunch, the other children's rec group came and ate pizza with the Friendship House groups and played with the children. It was so fun! The children are so sweet and loving already!

The construction team at the Friendship House is fixing up the playground! They are having an "awesome!" time (in the words of Nicklaus Frame) and think that it is a true blessing to be working and watching the kids have such a fun time playing games and jumping in the moon bounce!

At the Baptist Community Center, over 20 kids showed! They had poptarts, one child had 4!

They split up and played games. Some of the kids get pretty rowdy, but are having a great time!

The construction team is replacing 21 windows in the Center (pictured below), many of which are difficult to remove. Of course, gaining experience is proving to help!

It was VERY HOT today. However, it's looking like the weather will be cooling down this week!

Cindy Overton and the kitchen crew continue to provide us with fabulous meals. Jean Loving remembered the PEANUT BUTTER!

Please, continue to pray for safety and God's love to be known by the adults and children in the Roanoke community.

We love you all! (: