Good morning, friends and family! Today was an awesome final day of serving in Eastern Baltimore! We began the morning with our final debrief where Lex wrapped up with a talk on the idea of committing not just our hearts, but our lives and our actions to Christ. The students then broke into small groups and were challenged with questions such as 'what did you learn about God's character that surprised you?' and 'how can we continue to live weak in Williamsburg?'.
After our time of processing, the students began their different service projects in the community. Partnering with a local church and missions organization, the team spread out around the neighborhood to take on various projects. Two groups worked at a local park, clearing a tree line that is habitually used as a convient spot for drug deals. As a result of your children's hard work, criminals will no longer have a place to hide, and the community will be safer due to their efforts. Another group went to the police station to tidy up the grounds for an upcoming community event. The last group went to another part of town, venturing door-to-door passing out flyers for a children's camp and neighborhood block party. Both events are free, and will offer food, medical examinations, a job fair, and entertainment. Around 5 o'clock, all groups reconvened at the park to hear from Major Russell, sheriff of the local precinct. He vulnerably shared the struggles of the community, but shed light on the hope to come through the support of our mission team and, ultimately, through the love of Christ. All of these service opportunities were a great way to give back to the men and women putting their lives on the line for the betterment of the area.
To celebrate the end of such an awesome week, the team headed to Camden Yards to enjoy an Orioles' baseball game. The weather was perfect, the seats were excellent, and the fellowship could not have been beat. Despite the home team's loss, our kids had fun attempting to start 'the Wave' around the stadium, and they even made an appearance on the jumbotron!
While we hope this blog has kept you informed, we can't wait to return to Williamsburg where your kids can share their specific stories of special times and transformation. Our estimated return time for today (7/14) is approximately 2:30pm. We will be sending text updates throughout our travels to keep you up to date regarding our ETA. If you are not already on the texting list, please sign up by texting DCPARENT to 41411. Please pray for safe travels as we journey home. See you all very soon!
God Bless,
The SM Staff
