Monday August 9, Day One in Neon KY

The landscaping group rocked today (Monday August 9). No really. We had several large rocks that need removal. In order to remove them, we have to make them smaller... with sledgehammers & pickaxes. We have some crew members with sore arms and blistered hands. While some were beating on large rocks, the remainder of the crew was removing rock from the area to be landscaped. Every time we thought we'd gotten most of the rocks out, the long-term volunteer working with us brought in more dirt - and a lot more rocks. On Tuesday we Rock again!

Our small roofing crew removed and replaced a tin roof. It was hot hard work, but they finished their chore today and will rejoin the larger crews tomorrow.

Our largest group spent time sitting on the fence and eating bon-bons, which they told the group several times tonight. However, we have it on good authority, that once the backhoe driver finished digging the ditches and preparing the area, every crew member worked very very hard preparing the rebar, finishing the footers, digging postholes for the deck, and pouring the first round of concrete.

All mission trippers returned tired, sore and pleased with the work of the day. We have met the families at both locations, which has been a good experience too. Our food has been wonderful, and we are enjoying many games of eucher, pingpong, and making friends with the groups from New Jersey and Iowa (2 adults, 5 youth in each of those mission teams).