Saturday, June 28, 2008
Photos
Just a reminder that you can view photos from the trip at www.kodakgallery.com/bbruneau in the Jesus Trip 6 album. Feel free to download or order reprints of any photos that you would like.
Back Home - Safe and Sound
Friday was a long day of packing, cleaning up our campsite, tearful good-byes, traveling to the airport, flyng to Minneapolis, and traveling back to Madison by bus. We pulled into the church parking lot at 4AM to a warm greeting from families and friends.
In this blog, you have learned of some of our successes - burned barn and fences torn down, horse pens moved, the riding arena cleared of rocks, undergrowth cleared, and the wheelchair ramp sanded and painted. You've also learned of some of our struggles with camping conditions, injuries, 110-degree heat, sunburn, and illness. It has truly been our experience that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.
On the last day of our travels, I asked several of the youth and adults if they were glad they had come on the trip. Without a moment's hesitation, each of them said "Yes." During our final evening devotions, we were asked to reflect on what we had learned about ourselves over the two weeks. The reactions of members of the group included these:
In this blog, you have learned of some of our successes - burned barn and fences torn down, horse pens moved, the riding arena cleared of rocks, undergrowth cleared, and the wheelchair ramp sanded and painted. You've also learned of some of our struggles with camping conditions, injuries, 110-degree heat, sunburn, and illness. It has truly been our experience that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.
On the last day of our travels, I asked several of the youth and adults if they were glad they had come on the trip. Without a moment's hesitation, each of them said "Yes." During our final evening devotions, we were asked to reflect on what we had learned about ourselves over the two weeks. The reactions of members of the group included these:
- I realized that I am stronger than I believed.
- I realized that I can make do with much less than I thought I could.
- I learned that I have skills that I didn't know I had.
- I learned that I need to care for myself in order to care for others.
God has surely used this trip to teach us things about ourselves as well as to be instruments of God's love for those whose lives we were privileged to touch. May those bessings continue to grow in each of us as we continue to seek ways to serve others.
Friday, June 27, 2008
CORRECTION: Madison Arrival 4AM
I hope that you all have heard from your travelers by now with the news that the kids did NOT want to stop and eat on the way home. Instead, we will be driving straight through and arriving in Madison around 4AM.
We plan to wake the kids about half an hour before we arrive, so if you've asked them to call you when they're close to Madison, they can do that.
See you all in a few hours.
Pastor Barbara
We plan to wake the kids about half an hour before we arrive, so if you've asked them to call you when they're close to Madison, they can do that.
See you all in a few hours.
Pastor Barbara
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday Update
Just a word of assurance to parents who are concerned by all the blog entries about sickness. We still aren't sure what caused the upset stomachs... it doesn't seem like it was reaction to the sun, since it affected some who were not badly sunburned at all. We're suspecting that some sort of 24-hour "bug" started with one person and got passed around the group.
The good news is that everyone seems to be bouncing back. Most of the group was eager to be working on fences, caring for horses, and even riding horses in the arena yesterday. The memories of being sick are still vivid, though, and show up in a lot of yesterday's blog entries.
There are a lot of great photos still in the kids' cameras. Tonight I will try to get them all to share their memory cards with me so that I can upload the rest of the photos to the gallery (www.kodakgallery.com/bbruneau). When you view that gallery, you can download or order reprints of any of the photos.
Tonight in our devotions, we will continue to ask the kids to reflect on what they've learned or how they've changed in the last two weeks. I look forward to sharing some of their comments with you.
Depending on our schedule for Friday morning, I will try to post one more set of entries. Any that don't get posted on Friday morning will be posted on Saturday after we arrive home.
Thanks to all the parents and friends who posted comments. Please continue to do so, as I'm sure the students will come back to this blog to read it after they get home.
It has been a tremendous privilege to get to know each of these travelers as we have laughed and worked, suffered and celebrated together. They have all enriched my life and my ministry in more ways than I can even count right now.
Pastor Barbara
The good news is that everyone seems to be bouncing back. Most of the group was eager to be working on fences, caring for horses, and even riding horses in the arena yesterday. The memories of being sick are still vivid, though, and show up in a lot of yesterday's blog entries.
There are a lot of great photos still in the kids' cameras. Tonight I will try to get them all to share their memory cards with me so that I can upload the rest of the photos to the gallery (www.kodakgallery.com/bbruneau). When you view that gallery, you can download or order reprints of any of the photos.
Tonight in our devotions, we will continue to ask the kids to reflect on what they've learned or how they've changed in the last two weeks. I look forward to sharing some of their comments with you.
Depending on our schedule for Friday morning, I will try to post one more set of entries. Any that don't get posted on Friday morning will be posted on Saturday after we arrive home.
Thanks to all the parents and friends who posted comments. Please continue to do so, as I'm sure the students will come back to this blog to read it after they get home.
It has been a tremendous privilege to get to know each of these travelers as we have laughed and worked, suffered and celebrated together. They have all enriched my life and my ministry in more ways than I can even count right now.
Pastor Barbara
Time Change: Arrival in Madison
Parents and Families--
We have made a slight change in the plans for our return trip. Our flight is due in to Minneapolis-St. Paul just before midnight on Friday. Instead of driving straight through to Madison (arriving around 4AM), we have decided to make a meal stop on the way. That means that we will arrive at a (slightly) more reasonable 6AM. We'll let the kids know when we are about an hour out of Madison, in case you have asked them to call you.
Please pass the word, especially to parents who might not have Internet access to get this update. We would hate for anyone to get to church at 4AM and have to wait for two hours.
Pastor Barbara
We have made a slight change in the plans for our return trip. Our flight is due in to Minneapolis-St. Paul just before midnight on Friday. Instead of driving straight through to Madison (arriving around 4AM), we have decided to make a meal stop on the way. That means that we will arrive at a (slightly) more reasonable 6AM. We'll let the kids know when we are about an hour out of Madison, in case you have asked them to call you.
Please pass the word, especially to parents who might not have Internet access to get this update. We would hate for anyone to get to church at 4AM and have to wait for two hours.
Pastor Barbara
Wednesday and Thursday - Thoughts Turning Toward Home
Several of our travelers have offered contributions for the last couple of days. Ryan O wrote this post on Tuesday evening:
Today we ate breakfast. Some of us did work, some of us sat in the medical area. Some of us want our home early. But I don’t think we are going to get that. I think we all can’t wait to get on the airplane. Kirk is starting to get back into the car way. All of us our temperature (anger) is starting to rise. The chaperones are taking it hard. Three of six are taking it slow. Most of us are either sick, bored, or in pain. As we people at this trip are starting to know about each other, some of us are willing to get dirty with dirt to do something, such as Tiff, Ryan, Carly, Marissa, Trisha, Dan, Whitney, Lukas, and others.
The rest of the posts are from Wednesday. We’ll start with one from Dean:
I have learned a lot on this trip. I learned it doesn’t take a lot to make a person happy and to do a good thing. It is even great to give a person a water without them asking, or picking up trash in the camp. I also learned to apply lots of sunscreen all the time. A big lesson I learned myself is to always get a cut checked out before it gets infected and you must go to the hospital. Biut the trip was a great time. I had lots of fun and learned much.
Boe offered this thought:
I have learned that the sun can be deadly. So don’t mess with it. And I do know that gas is a lot more down here, way more.
Ryan O and Joel had this to say:
Some of us are busy playing cards. Some are starting on the fence. Most of the people went to the fences on the other side of the ranch, but the people left behind have to write these blogs. Some of us are trying to get back to full health. Kirk is the best early morning person I think I know. Jacob is in the shade a long with Tiffany, Ryan and Carly. Before some people went to the fence, a handful of people climbed up one of the hills.
Here are a few comments from Lukas:
Monday night was terrible for many and me. I think about eight people got sick. Tuesday morning I heard people say it sounded like the night of the living dead. For the rest of the day I felt so sick I laid around with the other sick people. We talked about many thingks but I can’t remember what we talked about. I think I fell asleep for who knows how long. I didn’t eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I went to bed befor most people. Well that’s all I have to say and no more. See all of you on Saturday.
Here is a reflection from Carly:
First off, I want to say to my family that I’m doing all right. I haven’t been able to call since Saturday night, so you probably haven’t heard too much about how I’m doing. Sunday we went to the beach and yes, Mom, I put on sunscreen, but I don’t think I put on as much as I was supposed to. The whole back of my legs are burnt and it hurts to move. So I literally slept all day Monday and Tuesday. But today I’m sitting up and not feeling as sick as those other days. So hopefully I’ll be all better by the time it’s time to come home!
Anyway, we have learned that God has really blessed us on this trip (as hard as that is to
believe) like if we were going to sleep in a church the whole time we were here then we would be sitting out on this ranch with pretty much nothing all day. So God has blessed us with chairs, shade, and cots. We’ve also realized how thankful we are to have the things we have now because we’ve seen people on the streets who don’t even have a home.
The first few days we all kind of looked around and just saw dirt and brown dry grass until some of us climbed the mountain/hill. We then realized that God’s creation is really beautiful no matter how dull or colorful. We miss you all! Please keep us in your prayers. God bless!
Marissa has this to say about our sunburn epidemic:
Burn baby burn! Our legs are burned, our faces are burned, everything is burnt to a crisp. These last few days have been quite tough. We’ve gone through extreme sunburn, yucky porta-potties and getting sick. Hospital visits have also been a factor here. I think we all have a new sense of hospitality for the thing we have and we will never take Minnesota weather for granted again! Our two days we had off were great, especially SeaWorld. I went on a roller coaster for the very first time, and we all got to eat junk food that we truly needed! On Sunday we spent our day at the ocean. This was a great experience for most of us as some had never been to the ocean before. Even though this was a great day, we all realized the next day was going to hurt because we had all gotten sunburned. The best part about Sunday to me was the fact that my feet were finally clean, compared to being full of dirt! Sunday came and went and the next day was Monday. This was a slow day as many of us were sick and throwing up throughout Sunday night. We aren’t sure what caused this sickness, but we all agreed it was not a fun thing to go through. As our days here at Cornerstone are dwindling down, thoughts of home are starting to set in. We are doing such great things here and we know in the long run our efforts will pay off not only to us, but also all the great people here at Cornerstone.
As we finish off our last days here, we all ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as some days we truly need them! I hope you all respond to our blog because it’s a great feeling to hear from home. Hopefully our travel home goes smoothly and we can’t wait to see you all!
A man of few words, Brandon had this to say:
Hi, I’m Brandon, and I found out that there is a name brand of bread named Weber’s Enriched Bread. And I am bringing two bags home.
Jenna and Lindsay titled this post “Just Another Work Day!”:
Today, Wed. the 25th is like any other work day. In the morning it was a little chilly. Mostly everyone sleeps outside at night. We had a very good breakfast today! It was different than a regular one. We had pancakes with bacon. After that a couple of us went on a hike up a hill with Pastor Kirk. Once we got back we just sat around until lunch. For lunch we had the usual, sandwiches with fruit and chips. After that half of us went to work on a fence at Chris’s house, then the other half went and picked rocks out of the arena. We are not quite sure what will happen after supper. We usually get ready for bed and do devotions. After today we only have ONE MORE DAY TO WORK!
Today we ate breakfast. Some of us did work, some of us sat in the medical area. Some of us want our home early. But I don’t think we are going to get that. I think we all can’t wait to get on the airplane. Kirk is starting to get back into the car way. All of us our temperature (anger) is starting to rise. The chaperones are taking it hard. Three of six are taking it slow. Most of us are either sick, bored, or in pain. As we people at this trip are starting to know about each other, some of us are willing to get dirty with dirt to do something, such as Tiff, Ryan, Carly, Marissa, Trisha, Dan, Whitney, Lukas, and others.
The rest of the posts are from Wednesday. We’ll start with one from Dean:
I have learned a lot on this trip. I learned it doesn’t take a lot to make a person happy and to do a good thing. It is even great to give a person a water without them asking, or picking up trash in the camp. I also learned to apply lots of sunscreen all the time. A big lesson I learned myself is to always get a cut checked out before it gets infected and you must go to the hospital. Biut the trip was a great time. I had lots of fun and learned much.
Boe offered this thought:
I have learned that the sun can be deadly. So don’t mess with it. And I do know that gas is a lot more down here, way more.
Ryan O and Joel had this to say:
Some of us are busy playing cards. Some are starting on the fence. Most of the people went to the fences on the other side of the ranch, but the people left behind have to write these blogs. Some of us are trying to get back to full health. Kirk is the best early morning person I think I know. Jacob is in the shade a long with Tiffany, Ryan and Carly. Before some people went to the fence, a handful of people climbed up one of the hills.
Here are a few comments from Lukas:
Monday night was terrible for many and me. I think about eight people got sick. Tuesday morning I heard people say it sounded like the night of the living dead. For the rest of the day I felt so sick I laid around with the other sick people. We talked about many thingks but I can’t remember what we talked about. I think I fell asleep for who knows how long. I didn’t eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I went to bed befor most people. Well that’s all I have to say and no more. See all of you on Saturday.
Here is a reflection from Carly:
First off, I want to say to my family that I’m doing all right. I haven’t been able to call since Saturday night, so you probably haven’t heard too much about how I’m doing. Sunday we went to the beach and yes, Mom, I put on sunscreen, but I don’t think I put on as much as I was supposed to. The whole back of my legs are burnt and it hurts to move. So I literally slept all day Monday and Tuesday. But today I’m sitting up and not feeling as sick as those other days. So hopefully I’ll be all better by the time it’s time to come home!
Anyway, we have learned that God has really blessed us on this trip (as hard as that is to
believe) like if we were going to sleep in a church the whole time we were here then we would be sitting out on this ranch with pretty much nothing all day. So God has blessed us with chairs, shade, and cots. We’ve also realized how thankful we are to have the things we have now because we’ve seen people on the streets who don’t even have a home.
The first few days we all kind of looked around and just saw dirt and brown dry grass until some of us climbed the mountain/hill. We then realized that God’s creation is really beautiful no matter how dull or colorful. We miss you all! Please keep us in your prayers. God bless!
Marissa has this to say about our sunburn epidemic:
Burn baby burn! Our legs are burned, our faces are burned, everything is burnt to a crisp. These last few days have been quite tough. We’ve gone through extreme sunburn, yucky porta-potties and getting sick. Hospital visits have also been a factor here. I think we all have a new sense of hospitality for the thing we have and we will never take Minnesota weather for granted again! Our two days we had off were great, especially SeaWorld. I went on a roller coaster for the very first time, and we all got to eat junk food that we truly needed! On Sunday we spent our day at the ocean. This was a great experience for most of us as some had never been to the ocean before. Even though this was a great day, we all realized the next day was going to hurt because we had all gotten sunburned. The best part about Sunday to me was the fact that my feet were finally clean, compared to being full of dirt! Sunday came and went and the next day was Monday. This was a slow day as many of us were sick and throwing up throughout Sunday night. We aren’t sure what caused this sickness, but we all agreed it was not a fun thing to go through. As our days here at Cornerstone are dwindling down, thoughts of home are starting to set in. We are doing such great things here and we know in the long run our efforts will pay off not only to us, but also all the great people here at Cornerstone.
As we finish off our last days here, we all ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as some days we truly need them! I hope you all respond to our blog because it’s a great feeling to hear from home. Hopefully our travel home goes smoothly and we can’t wait to see you all!
A man of few words, Brandon had this to say:
Hi, I’m Brandon, and I found out that there is a name brand of bread named Weber’s Enriched Bread. And I am bringing two bags home.
Jenna and Lindsay titled this post “Just Another Work Day!”:
Today, Wed. the 25th is like any other work day. In the morning it was a little chilly. Mostly everyone sleeps outside at night. We had a very good breakfast today! It was different than a regular one. We had pancakes with bacon. After that a couple of us went on a hike up a hill with Pastor Kirk. Once we got back we just sat around until lunch. For lunch we had the usual, sandwiches with fruit and chips. After that half of us went to work on a fence at Chris’s house, then the other half went and picked rocks out of the arena. We are not quite sure what will happen after supper. We usually get ready for bed and do devotions. After today we only have ONE MORE DAY TO WORK!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday and Tuesday - Recovery Time
On Monday and Tuesday, our group was still showing the after-effects of too much sun. In spite of that, we got quite a bit of work done on Tuesday. Here’s a post from Sandi that gives you a glimpse:
Mondays on this Jesus Trip 6 have not been good. Today is another nightmare. There are sick people all over the place. Carmen and I now know the reason we came on this trip. We have that “mommy instinct” to sit upright in the middle of the night and bolt out to the sound of kids throwing up. Lots of our kids and half the adults are very miserable. Pray for them. Our days here are coming close to the end. Praise the Lord! We are all ready for home.
By last night, the count for sleeping outside was up to 18. Those that decided to sleep outside last night for their first time was a poor example. It was a very damp night, and also chilly.
Today the few that are healthy have sanded the wheelchair accessible ramp and will be painting it this afternoon. Others have been cutting down more branches and loading them up and hauling them away.
Sounds like Friday will consist of folding up our tents and putting everything away, showering, then loading up our bus around 1PM and heading to San Diego. Then HOMEWARD BOUND! Our flight will be in the dark, and I’m anxious to experience that. The flight here was awesome!
Well, time to go paint now, so I just want you parents to know your children are being taken care of well and are getting lots of lovin’! This has been very rewarding to get to know all of these kids in a way that I didn’t know them before. They’re great kids. Oh… the meowing has really gotten quiet. The must be wore out!!
Cindy, thanks so much for treating my family! It was hard to hear of their poor living conditions back home. (They’ll never let me leave again! Or will they beg me to go?!!!)
Hi back at you, Tam! I’m keeping Boe in line!!! I’ve only had to beat him a couple times! No, he’s been fun!
Okay, gotta go – it’s 2PM and no new people sick since this morning. :) Will be home soon, everyone!
Hi Dad, Dari and Carson. You better save me a Special K bar! And remember Dad, I better get to enjoy a meal out when I get home, too! Love you Carson and Dari – lots! Dad too!
Mondays on this Jesus Trip 6 have not been good. Today is another nightmare. There are sick people all over the place. Carmen and I now know the reason we came on this trip. We have that “mommy instinct” to sit upright in the middle of the night and bolt out to the sound of kids throwing up. Lots of our kids and half the adults are very miserable. Pray for them. Our days here are coming close to the end. Praise the Lord! We are all ready for home.
By last night, the count for sleeping outside was up to 18. Those that decided to sleep outside last night for their first time was a poor example. It was a very damp night, and also chilly.
Today the few that are healthy have sanded the wheelchair accessible ramp and will be painting it this afternoon. Others have been cutting down more branches and loading them up and hauling them away.
Sounds like Friday will consist of folding up our tents and putting everything away, showering, then loading up our bus around 1PM and heading to San Diego. Then HOMEWARD BOUND! Our flight will be in the dark, and I’m anxious to experience that. The flight here was awesome!
Well, time to go paint now, so I just want you parents to know your children are being taken care of well and are getting lots of lovin’! This has been very rewarding to get to know all of these kids in a way that I didn’t know them before. They’re great kids. Oh… the meowing has really gotten quiet. The must be wore out!!
Cindy, thanks so much for treating my family! It was hard to hear of their poor living conditions back home. (They’ll never let me leave again! Or will they beg me to go?!!!)
Hi back at you, Tam! I’m keeping Boe in line!!! I’ve only had to beat him a couple times! No, he’s been fun!
Okay, gotta go – it’s 2PM and no new people sick since this morning. :) Will be home soon, everyone!
Hi Dad, Dari and Carson. You better save me a Special K bar! And remember Dad, I better get to enjoy a meal out when I get home, too! Love you Carson and Dari – lots! Dad too!
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