Midway

Cecilia Bronsberg - Today was another day at the sites. We started digging more and the pit. Then after lunch I helped on the roof with Ethan and James. After we were done showering at the YWCA we were all in the car saying how much we wanted ice cream so when we stopped at the ice cream place we were ecstatic. We quickly realized that only a few of us had brought money, but it didn’t matter because Mr. Quin said it was on him. It hit the spot and we were all very thankful.

Solomon Spangler - I had a good day today. We played twenty questions while digging a very large pit for the septic tanks.  After we got to three feet in the pit, I pretty much spent the rest of my time moving dirt in a wheel barrel. I had to stay a little later with 4 other people.  We had a very interesting conversation trying to remember what the seven sins were. All in all it was a good game.

 James Spangler  - Peacocks are pretty sweet creatures, their long train (technical term for the plumage males have) explode in exquisite color while reflecting in the sun. Their unfortunately are no peacocks on my site, or any of them for that matter, but we do have chickens! And let me tell you, these chickens are fearless. They, on several occasions today, charged into our group during lunch to grab a peck of food, sometimes right from the grasps of our hard workers. The work today was slightly slower but things are getting done. I got to go up on the roof today to do work and monkey around, it was a grand time. Even though there were only a few things to do up there they ended up taking most of the day to accomplish. The tiles inside are starting to be laid down, the pit outside (the fourth one now) is taking good shape. Although the rain washed off a good hours worth of work we all had a blast splashing around and playing in it back at the church. All in all it was a good day, and hopefully the streak will be able to continue. 

JT Mrozek - Today was a good day! But I will tell you one thing special! the food here is amazing! that might be that awesome cook we have though! hmm I don't know. Well anyways my group got a lot done today and I believe that we had a lot of fun at the same time! Laundry day is tomorrow and I cant wait for James's stinky socks to be more than 3 feet from my sleep cot and that they will be cleaned! I mean I am happy I get to clean my cloths but I don't believe that mine are the most stinky in our room. But anyways we put up more walls and almost have them finished! Cant wait till tomorrow! lets finish them up!!!!


Crystal Schupbach - Today was probably my favorite day so far. This was because I felt throughout the day I learned a lot and had a great day at the work site. I spoke to the owner of the house and she was a very nice lady who was very caring about our well being on the site. We learned that her great niece and nephew, tori and dominique, were hard working kids and they came out to hang out with us all day and kept us company while even helping too. Toward the end of our work day they came up and gave everyone a hug and we could tell they really enjoyed helping and we enjoyed having them there as well. Later on during spiritual life I really enjoyed the discussion questions we had. PJ spoke of a Pastor who is very popular yet teaches questionable doctrine which I thought was peculiar since so many people follow him. This pastor spoke of how we can help ourselves by fulfilling our own potential which is not at all what we should do. We should know that we by ourselves can not do anything and we must trust in God as our complete Savior. At the end of the day I felt very light hearted and enlightened

Trish Mrozek
I finally was able to get a few things for my Secret Servant person.  I bought a few things to divide up over the next few days, I spent way too much as I went ahead and bought a little something for everyone at our job site along with special goodies for the Team Tyler team we had going. Today we kinda got split up a bit, but that's okay.  I was the only one not working with Team Tyler today as they were all in the pit, my back was not going to let me work that portion today.  My back issue got a little worse today so I had to find work that wouldn't throw it out and take it easy a little bit so I can continue to work while I'm here.  I don't want to be sitting out of the work, I want to be helping.  We did get plenty done today.  Most of the septic hole is dug and only one section of dirt needs to be leveled where we were working today.  We will then be up to the two sections that we need to section off to connect the drainage area and then the drainage areas to the septic tanks themselves.  

Ms. James, the owner of the site we are working on is so sweet.  She made brownies for us yesterday and has bottle water ready for us, which has come in handy since we have run out of water every single day by 2pm.  She watches her niece and nephew who are around the ages of 11 and 8.  Both Tori (the girl, 11) and Dom (the boy, 8) were out there with us today helping us dig and they want to come and help some more tomorrow.  It is so nice to see the kids and them being willing to help when they don't have to.  Poor Tori only wore flip flops today so while she hugged me goodbye she said she would bring her tennis shoes tomorrow so she can work better.  I think Dom will help shovel but he will be on guard for the bugs out there. The two of them also seem to have a mission to attack Pastor Judd.  The kids really seem to like him and Pastor is such a great sport with those two, it's fun to see him horsing around with both of them.
  
Today we had interrupted section of work at about 2:00.  The forecast had said that we would have a 50% chance of rain by noon and higher after that.  The Lord blessed our work as we did not receive any rain until after 2:00.  We probably would have continued to work but it was lightening out and we had to get out of the danger and wait to see if the storm would pass. We also may have completed more work if the 4 kids that jumped into my van didn't fall asleep during that 20 minutes lightening break...haha!!  If it was only raining we would have pushed through and continued to work.  We did get a little relief from some light rain yesterday and today while we were working.  It has been very hot, sunny, and muggy so the little bit of rain we got was refreshing while we worked. 

So....we played this Trash can game last night.  For the sake of not having a hugungo circle, two teams were set up; you hold hands in a circle around a garbage can, then you move the circle around to get people to touch the garbage can.  If you touch it, your out.  If someone lets go to avoid touching it, you and the person you let go of is out.  I decided to play it, Nikki said I would love it, it was fun, so I said "what the heck, I'm up for a fun game".  JT was on the one team, I was on the other.  Now I don't know how JT finished his his fist round, but I was one of four left and Dennis let go of my hand to avoid the can, so we were both out.  So both teams decided to do a second round.  Second game was kinda interesting.  Turns out JT was one left and I was one left on my team.  Poor JT just about got thrown in the trash can, they went at it for a while and this kid was pretty big against JT, couldn't believe he held this guy off for so long.  Me and my opponent kept taking breaks to catch our breath and we paused so I could watch JT.  When we resumed I had good momentum but Matt had enough on me (and the grass was wet) that I slid and landed on my rear and our hands came unclasped from the sweat.  We decided to call it a draw. Matt and I both said that we weren't looking to win, it's just that neither of us was going down without a fight.  LOL.

Now I don't know if this has anything to do with the game or work, but for the first time since I have been here I was able to sleep through the entire night (But I am still taking the Melatonin every night).  I'm hoping to do the same tonight as I'm exhausted tonight already but have a few things I have to get finished up before I hit the bed.  Looking forward to have some clean, fresh, clothes tomorrow.  (I even stuck some of my dryer sheets in the van I'm driving around cause it is starting to stink from all this work and stuff....LOL)

Well here it is now at 11:35 pm and I'm just finishing this blog.  I was pretty tired earlier but now seem to have a second wind going.  I need to save some of this energy for tomorrow and get myself to bed.  Blessings all, I look forward to my report tomorrow.

Nikki - Sooo tired.  heading off to bed.  More tomorrow.  Blessings all!

Getting it done

Trish Mrozek  - I'm getting a chance to write my post a little early today.  We are still waiting for Nikki's group to return from their site and it is already 7:25 and they still aren't back yet.  They were trying to get their trenches filled before the rain hit today. Unfortunately, there was a horrible accident on the road this evening as a semi truck overturned right in the road.  All three groups were behind because of this but I think Nikki's group was really stuck in the muck on that one. I'm sure she'll blog about it.  

Late yesterday, me and three of the youth teamed together to get the one trench perfect.  I nicknamed us Team Tyler (hoping to get pictures.)  Today we added Ben as he was great with the rake to get everything leveled with it so he was our newest team member.  The five us us ended up finishing the detail work on trench 2 and 3 today.  We left trench 4 to everyone else. We got all four of our trenches dug, leveled and the drainage system in and then were were able to get it covered just as the rain hit. It was a very hot and muggy day working in the heat and sun with very little relief.  Tomorrow we have to dig the two tank holes and the 18 inch line to the drainage spot.  

We have our secret servant stuff to do and I just wish I could do a little something for everyone.  I know it will all work out and I want to make sure that Team Tyler knows that they are a really good group of hard workers that set a very good example and are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

James Spangler  - Today was a long day of work. We were worried about the rain the rest of the week preventing us from completing our trench...so we decided we'd just go ahead and finish today! We ended yesterday with only a small portion of it actually dug down to depth and only about half of the width to start, but today everyone pulled off an amazing feat, not only digging the rest, but also all the shaving, measuring, leveling, laying the tubing, and burying it. Inside the old floor was torn up, all the extra "stuff" was cleaned out or organized, and the main portion of the new sub floor has been nailed down. The wake up tomorrow will be a little harder than today but I can't wait to go back and see what we will be able to accomplish tomorrow. It's about time to turn in for the night so hope everyone has a great one! Adios

Crystal Schupbach -Today, we had a very productive day on the work site. It was very long and exhausting, and we had to finish our trenches. It was probably the hottest day here so far and also the sunniest which shows in my weird sunburn design on my back. We had to race against time to bury the pipes in our trenches because a storm started brewing near us. We finished just in the nick of time and then headed back. Later on we had community life, spiritual life, and I had my prayer time discussion with J.T and Pastor Hayter, which I felt was very beneficial to me.

Cecilia Bronsberg - Today we worked more at the worksite and focused on the trench more today to put packing peanuts in the trenches before it rains because it is supposed to rain the rest of the week. We ended up staying later to finish and had dinner. Made a trip to KMart to find stuff for our secret servants. Then we ran around trash cans .

JT Mrozek - So today was probably the most fun day I will have this week! I don't want to say why but the people here will understand that joke! We started the day with supplies so we were able to actually do stuff. I helped put up walls all day, and surprisingly we got farther than I thought we would get. We had great team work, and I believe that the Hailey that I work with (because there are two Hailey's here) is starting to actually like me lol! She is a very hard worker. We got a lot done today! The chicken for dinner was great! Like I saw it on James' plate and then I swear I saw like a dust cloud and then it was gone! OHHH you know what! That dust cloud was probably all the dirt from his sight flying out of his hair when his face hit the plate! anyway I am going to bed. Good night!

Nikki Spangler -  So on a septic site there is work you can do in the rain and work you can not do in the rain.  Certainly you CAN dig in the rain.  You can not lay EZlay in the drainage field if the drainage field is wet.  There are thunderstorms in the forecast for the next three days.  Now that does  not necessarily mean that we will get thunderstorms in our precise locations the way storms chase mountain ridges around here.  Why test it?  SO, both septic sites worked extra hard and extra long today to get our trenches covered.  That doesn't really mean that the trenches are COMPLETED.  There is still work to do on them.  It does mean that we don't have to be quite as concerned about the rain.  Mrs. Arrowood's site is blessed with good soil.  I think we had one stray root that we had to chop off and no significant rocks.  This site has been particularly interesting and challenging for me.  Anyone who knows me well knows that I like structure.  Even though this is a new septic system on a home that is straight piping into the creek, it is for some reason or another classified as a repair.  The trenches were not flagged in advance for us.  There was no perk test.  We were instructed by the inspector to put the drainage field 'right about here' and given dimensions.  Yesterday when she came back out after our tank pit was taking on water she talked about a few options and asked "what do you think?"  (Remember this is an inspector we are talking about!)  This morning we let her know we were hoping to finish the trench today.  She stopped out about noon, let us know that was the only time she could get out that day, checked our progress, and said "Wow, you folks have made really good progress.  It looks like you know what you are doing.   If you get it leveled go ahead and cover it."  We stopped working (with the trench covered) at 5:30!  It was no where near completed when she came out.  This is so foreign compared to my previous experience on septic sites and definitely out of my comfort zone of 'you tell me what you need and I'll do it.'  We have been given an extraordinary amount of autonomy and latitude on this particular project.  I have now missed my midnight and need to turn in.  It was a fulfilling and fun day.  Blessings to all!

Sunshine, water, mud, & tears

Cecilia Bronsberg - Today we had an early start for the first day of work on our sites. We had some hot breakfast and filled up our water bottles before we left. We made our way to the sites and met the people who we would be helping. We started to dig a hole for the septic tank and then we decided it needed to be in a different area. So we started digging a hole and then shortly found out that that spot wouldn’t work because water started to fill it up from underground. So some people started to make another hole, the 3rd try, to place the septic tank into while others started digging a trench. When we were done for the day we heading to the YWCA for our showers and headed home after a good day of work.

Solomon Spangler - Today was the first day actually on the site.  We woke up early and headed off.  Then we played Charades until the trenches were marked out.  After we started digging things went pretty smoothly apart from some confusing puzzle mind games.  I also learned how to use a laser level.

James Spangler - Today we started work at our sites. We quickly ran into a dilemma with our septic pit. The first spot that they began digging was the incorrect location and had to be moved over several feet in order to continue. After that great progress was made on the second pit.....until they hit the water table at about 2ft, the pit is suppose to be 6ft deep. Luckily the inspector was not far away and came back out to survey the situation and instruct us on how to proceed. Once again the pit was moved, this time for good (hopefully) and we were able to make good progress on it before finishing for the day, we were also able to make great headway on the trench and tearing up the flooring inside, we should be able to start laying new a floor soon.

Crystal Schupbach - Today was an exciting day full of new things. We awoke bright and early so that we could get a start on our work sites. Our work site consisted of digging trenches for the septic tank that would be placed there. Throughout the time that we were digging we  talked  to each other, and we played with brain riddles which were difficult and frustrating for some of us. Nonetheless, we all had fun laughing at the fact that we were having a hard time solving them. After we had done a bit of digging we met some of the owner’s relatives (grandchildren perhaps?) who were named Tori and Dominique. They had very much character and gave us a laugh by telling us of some of their escapades. The girl even told us she’d make us pies tomorrow which I thought was very kind and adorable. After we got off the sites, “The Y” allowed us to shower at their facilities which we were all grateful for. Later on, we had community life, spiritual life, and worship as usual which was a nice close to our day.

JT Mrozek - Today was a great day. Although we did not get any supplies on our site today. I made sure to stay busy anyways. For example, I helped measure out lengths to make sure wiring will be easier tomorrow and no one gets hurt! Then I helped discuss what we should do the next couple of days and helped make a list of supplies that we will need to help Mr. Goldsmith. We helped cut down two trees so that he didn't have to do it himself. After that we made our selves a tad bit useful and went to the creek and explored instead of sitting around waiting for supplies to show up, which they didn't till we were leaving, we could be enjoying the three mountains surrounding us. Today was still fun! so I think I need a bit of sleep just a wee bit tired today.

Trish Mrozek

I forgot to mention that last night we played another name game to get to know people's names from the group.  All of you who know me know how bad I can be at names.  Well this game involved stickers on your face for not saying the phrase properly or pausing before choosing a person.  I had three on my face.  JT ended up with at lease five....woohoo, I didn't lose that game to him.  LOL

Today was our first day at our work sites.  What an adventure it turned out to be, at least for our site.  We arrived at the site a little on the late side because the inspector wasn't going to be there for a bit and we needed his instruction on where we needed to dig and  how big the holes needed to be (This all reminded me of the Disney movie "Holes").  Anyway, the kids pretty much spend their time playing charades which I just watched for entertainment. So this was the first part of our adventure today.   They found ways to stay entertained while we waited on instructions for digging.  We have two septics we are putting in.  We have to dig the field and then four 40 feet long ditches for the drainage portion.  

Our second part of this adventure came when we went to check our Gatorade cooler; only to find some ice in there.  Turns out the cooler was busted and now we had Gatorade all over the van floor.  With that and being just about out of water in our water cooler one, me and my new friend, Jeanette, headed to the local grocery store Ingles and purchased some
Gatorade.  We left our mark of red mud, not a lot just a popcorn trail kind....two actually, she left one trail and I left a trail, but the kids were properly hydrated.

It was hot and muggy.   We did get some breezes and shade from time to time to cool off.  We drank plenty of water to keep hydrated and the kids worked extremely hard today.  The UPS man noticed us and wished us well on our digging.  Another neighbor yelled out great job keep up the good work.  The last one that made a comment drove by and saw us all working so hard and offered a case of Dr. Pepper to the kids to which our "resident nurse" Jeanette replied thank you but no, that isn't a good way to hydrate.  We all got a good chuckle out of it and the woman was so happy and proud to see us working and was very  moved and touch by saying what a great thing it was that were were doing, holding her hand on her heart and getting teary eyed.  This wasn't even for her but it made her feel so good that people out there still do good things.  As a Christian serving in this capacity it is very humbling and feels great to serve others in this way.

Our goal is to have the field and four ditches completely dug out by tomorrow.  We did stay late at our site today and plan to do the same for tomorrow.  They are forecasting rain and this needs to be filled in before the rain comes.  

So to finish my day, I sprayed the inside of the van down with a hose to get the Gatorade smell out of there.  PM (Pastor Matt) helped me squeegee out the excess water from the carpet in there and find a fan that we could leave running all night.  It's going to take a couple days to completely dry out because it is so humid; but I'm hoping it will keep the smell to a minimum.

I forgot to mention that we all got our Secret Servant person to write notes to and such.  You can write them to anyone but this person is someone in the group you focus most on.  Still have to make my Kmart trip to pick her up something special (She's from Ohio).  Kinda excited to try and put something in everyone's bag.

So this that, I bid you a blessed evening (or day - depending on when you are reading this).  Also please make sure you can send an email message to every one in our group by just sending an email to oursaviorASE@gmail.com.  We'd all love to hear from you all back home.  You can send it to the entire group which Nikki will share at our state group meetings, or just in the subject put the individual you wish to communicate with and Nikki will share those privately.

I'm looking forward to another blessed day.  I hope I can write just as much tomorrow as I have tonight.

God's Blessings

Trish

PS - Pastor Thoma, if you are reading this....it's about 11:30pm on our first work night....guess what?  I'm not sleepy.

Nikki Spangler 
For those of you following along at home, here is a VERY brief description of the work sites and who from Our Savior is on which site.  Site #1 Mrs. James - septic site - Trish, Crystal, Solomon; Site #2 Mrs. Arrowood - combo septic & home repair - Nikki & Cecelia are assigned to the septic and James is assigned inside - as you will note from the journals, some rotating goes on; Site #3 Mr. Goldsmith - home repair year 2 - JT.

The highlight of my work day was witnessing a chicken eat a frog (while on the phone with church).  I was able to get a photo and share it here for your edification.  I had no idea that a chicken would eat a frog and was quite startled to see her pull it up off the ground!

Here at Servant Event the folks of Emmanuel Lutheran Church sign up to cook for this big crew while we are here.  There is a gentleman, Mike Bruckner, who for many years served ASE roast beef dinner.  He lost his battle with cancer this past year.  Tonight's roast beef dinner was in his honor AND Darcy's, two losses this year for the servant event family.  I was not expecting that at all and was humbled to have her remembered.  Darcy came to ASE the first two years that a group from Our Savior participated in the event - 2006 & 2007.  Journal booklets & Small Group Study booklets usually feature photos from previous years and Darcy's picture from Servant Event 2006 is in this year's Study booklet also.

What a blessing for my boys & I to have the opportunity to spend 10 days fully immersed in God's Word and christian fellowship so close to her passing.  To be able to that with people who know & remember her is an added blessing.  My time at ASE is always an emotional and spiritual journey.  How much more so this year!  I pray that I continue to be an effective leader, even in the midst of my own journey. 

Rain, rain, go away!

Cecilia Bronsberg - Woke up early to get ready for church and had a muffin for breakfast while lounging around waiting for service to start. After we ate lunch and left to go tour the work sites we would be working which took up a large chunk of time. When we got back we had dinner and had state meetings to see how things have been going so far.

Solomon Spangler - Today, after the morning routine, I attended the Emmanuel church service which is similar to ours. After that it was a pretty uneventful day, most of which was spent either eating or in the car.

Crystal Schupbach - Today we attended church here at Emmanuel. Beforehand, we had a bible study and spoke together about the parable of the Good Samaritan. The church body was very inviting towards us, and I really enjoyed the service. Later on, we toured the work sites and met the people we would be serving there. The drive to the sites was very adventurous!

Nikki Spangler -  North Carolina has had a lot of rain the last three weeks.  Rain does exciting things to the mountains, like mudslides and wash outs.  Imagine you are used to driving a mid-sized vehicle on relatively flat, straight roads.  Now you are driving a 15-passenger van full of youth.  Takes a little adjustment, but nothing too difficult.  Now drive it into the mountains, with winding narrow roads.  Throw in a few hairpin turns.  Turn up the music and the chatter.  The conversation and music are enjoyable and everyone is having a great time. Participate while keeping primary focus on the road.  No phone calls happening here!  Now let it rain, not just rain - sideways rain.  Wait, why are there orange cones scattered along the edges of the road?  On both sides?  Just a few washouts.  Nothing to worry about.  So long as there is no oncoming traffic and you can drive toward center.  How do you feel?  A little nervous?  Don't worry folks - I have practice!  We all arrived at our final destination for the day safely.  I think I rest well tonight after that drive.  Fortunately no one has to do all that driving in one day again.  It took us about four and a half hours (mostly driving) to visit all of the work sites.  We have three good sites this year - one construction, one septic, and one septic/construction combo.  Everyone is excited to finally get to work tomorrow.  Monday is always a slow day of sorting out tools for the work sites and getting organized.  We pray for dry weather.  We will work in whatever God provides, excepting lightening.

Trish Mrozek

What a blessed day to start off today in worship; this is my first time attending a different MS Lutheran Church.  It is much different than what we have at home but all the same God's word and sacrament comes to us no matter where God puts his people.  

We were able to visit our three sites today.  I will be assigned to the site that needs a septic field dug.  No construction for me this time, which is fine with me.  The Lord put me where he needs me to work and I am happy for that.  This will be short as our day went a little long and I want to make sure I get a good night's rest before our day tomorrowI am excited to get started but also realize I am going to get very dirty and very stinky.

Hopefully I will be back early enough tomorrow to write and submit before all the evening activities to fill you all in our first work day.  God Bless All - Will report back in tomorrow.