Hands-On from Day One: Arrival Days in Action

Since our report one week ago, the team has been doing very well!They worked hard on our arrival days to pick up, greet, and assist moving in the team members. These two days were busy for our team, especially as we were divided into two separate groups. However, they worked hard and it was so fun to see them "in action". After orientation day, the team has been settling in to some different work jobs and also helping to serve in the kitchen for breakfasts while the other teams are running the Obstacle Course. They also help keep the bathrooms cleaned up and trash taken out around Boot Camp property. Our team is small, but mighty! Praise the Lord! We have one portion of our team (Mr. Mattias, Obadiah, Jack, Wesley, and Micah) who are responsible for mortar mixing. This is for our different classes which teach block-laying to the teams, but also for some different ongoing projects we have around property. This is a hard job, but they have been doing such a wonderful job! The others have helped in so many different ways, it would be hard to list them! Beginning next week on Monday, several of the team will help to assist with our drama training classes (Katelyn, Wesley, Moriah, and Allison), one will help with our puppet training classes (Micah), and one will continue to help with our Sunday School ministry classes and balloons (Abby). The team has definitely stayed busy. We have experienced some tiredness and at times some discouragement with the tasks ahead of us. However, this has taught the team that our dependence must be on the Lord, and we must turn to Him for help. We've also been talking to the team about serving with joy and excellence! The team is looking forward to continuing to help serve Boot Camp, and before too long helping to serve the Boot Camp in Italy as well! We appreciate your prayers for the following things: 1. Good health, strength in the work, and good hydration! 2. That we may be an encouragement to all those around us. That we may speak life, have joy, and be a listening ear. 3. That the team would get good and sufficient rest in the evenings. 4. For the team to have servant hearts, and be willing to work hard and go above and beyond to serve. 5. That the team will grow in their walks with the Lord, that they won't be so focused on the work or Boot Camp that they neglect their time with Jesus. 6. Lastly, that we may glorify the Lord in all our words and actions.

"Hey family! We've been working very hard this week helping with pretty much everything possible. It's been hard but definitely worth it! It's great seeing new people and old friends under the Big Top and just hanging out with my team." Moriah B

Boot Camp has been pretty great! I'm pretty tired, but I like what we're doing. Yesterday, some of us got to help tear down a wall and smash it with sledgehammers-which was pretty fun. Love you guys!" Allison Y