Nap time!

I must say that although we have only been home for a few hours now, and I am already missing everyone! I must say that I continue to see God blessing the people working at Mission Waco and everyone that, in return, that gets to experience one of the many programs that they have for the homeless population. I am so thankful that we were able to experience life with the Mission Waco staff and community even if it was only for a few days. They are doing some amazing things!

Here is a group picture from this morning with our new Mission Waco t-shirts!

This morning we had a chance to attend Church Under the Bridge. It is held under an over pass under I-35 between 4th and 5th street. The community at this church is unlike any other. To look over a crowd to see the rich sitting with the poor, the Baylor students sitting with businessmen, and with people of all colors and sizes all worshiping the One True God was breath taking. It truly is a wonderful experience. We sang songs, enjoyed some fellowship, and even had communion. It is humbling to see so many people with so little be so generous. To see how they love each other and welcomed us really makes me think about how I treat others. They don't care how much I make in a year, or what clothes I'm wearing, or even the people I know. They saw us for who are- fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. Something I could learn to do better. I'm sure that is something that a lot of us could work on. Here are a few pictures from church this morning!

 

This trip was an amazing experience. Thank you to the parents that trusted us with your children this week. To have 45 4th and 5th graders give up part of their spring break to give back and serve strangers in Waco, Tx in the name of our God is such a great thing to see! God has some amazing things in store for those kids and our church because of them. I've already heard them talking about going on more mission trips. It was a true witness that you can never be to young to make a difference in this world! 

Also, a major thank you ALL of the adult leaders that made this trip a success. Thank you so much for your support and love for these kids and our God. Also, with your patience every time I lost my car keys :)

And I see with such joy in my heart that now it is finally...nap time! 

-Angela Platt

ETA

We are running a little behind schedule. We should be in Rockwall around 3:25!

Let's the games begin!

I can't believe our last night is already here. We spent the entire day running around doing different projects that is didn't hit me till tonight that tomorrow we leave to go home! Here are a few things that we did today.

First thing this morning we went and had some breakfast at the ROCK and wasted no time getting started with activities. We 1 group inside playing a board game that simulated the choices a homeless person has to face each day. They had to figure out how they would get food, shelter, stay out of prision, and money. The group that got the chance to play the board games loved it and really said that it helped them see each decision a person would face each day in order to stay alive on the streets. Here is a picture of a few people playing the games.

Outside while some were playing the board game we have some large group games going on. They were hilarious to watch. Enjoy a few pictures :)

After the fun of games we split up into 3 teams to go to our different locations for the morning service projects. We had one group head to Ma Belle's were they did crafts and played a few board games with some of the residents. Ma Belle's houses 13 mentally handicapped folks. It was cool to see how well our group of 22 jumped right in and started hanging out with the residents. You could tell that they loved having the company! 

Another group went on a prayer walk around the neighborhood praying for the buildings that Mission Waco has programs in. They had the opportunity to hear a little about some of the buildings and all of the different activities that take place in each one.

The final group was in the Meyer Center. We played board games with some of the homeless in the area. We also had some door prizes for the homeless that showed up. We had all sorts of goodies for them to win from new shoes, to a new watch, to McDonald's gift cards, and tons more. It was humbling to hear so many people say that we made their day because they received a $5 McDonald's gift card.

After all that- we had all groups meet at the Meyer Center for some pizza for lunch.

Here are a few pictures of our afternoon activities.

 Before spraying them with water.

 And after! You can see their body poses!

 After a few hard days of work we took the group to go see Gnomeo and Juliet in 3D! It was so much fun! Here is a quick picture I took with my phone before we went into our theater.

After the movie we went back to the ROCK to enjoy some taco salad and then some ice cream sundaes! Soon after we had one of the best games of kickball possible. We have some major athletes on our trip!

 The picture below is taken a second after Jessica Clements dumped a put bucket of ice on Trent. Seriously hilarious! Poor Trent was focused on a game of four square and didn't see it coming.

After a few long and busy days we read a verse that we can all relate to at the moment. We talked about how we may sometimes feel physically weak, but also sometimes we can feel emotionally weak. In all circumstances we need to find our streangth in the Lord. Here is the verse we focused on- 

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

Please keep us in your prayers tomorrow as we attend Church Under the Bridge and head back home. I'm sure most of people on this trip will spend their afternoon taking a much needed nap tomorrow! 

-Angela Platt