Raul's Team (Upendo)
By Andrew Jacobson
7/19/16
Today, the Upendo group went to a place called Gingerbread Land for "neighborhood revitalization and beautification ." Gingerbread Land is a one block long street of houses and a central church, most of which are owned by the organization itself. Some of the houses were bought for the organization by others, including the Brewers, Pillsbury and even Paul Molitor. When we got to the main house, we met a woman who told us to call her 'Mother'. Mother was an amazing and spiritual woman who raised many kids on the block herself, and was a friend to everyone. Whenever anyone passed on the street, she would shout to greet and compliment them. She told us that to make friends, you had to first be friendly. Right away, half of us started repainting a fence, while the rest of us weeded, watered and gardened some of the community gardens there. Milwaukee has had a bit of a drought recently, so it was really important that all of the plants got enough water. After our lunch break, we got back to work painting, as well as doing some landscaping on a house down the street. After we had all finished our work for the day, we sat and talked with Mother for a while, before finally heading off for the rest of our day.
By Amber Page
Today group Dragoste (Stacey) went to St. Ann's Adult and Childcare facility. We first met with the volunteer coordinator lady, Delma, and she gave our crew a tour of the childcare side of the building. Here we decided which classrooms we wanted to help out in (Today and Thursday). Breanna went with the 0-6 month year old babies, Mya was with one year olds, Kelsey with four year olds, and myself with two year olds. As a group we seemed to agree that our favorite part of the morning was the innocence of these kids we met. Then we ate lunch around noon together, a bag lunch we made that morning, and then we got back to work. Before working with the older crowd, we were introduced to Sister Lucy who put us all to work, carrying donated furniture through the building for their future projects. After awhile, we finally made our way to the Disabled Adult aide of the campus and started to bond with them and help make them comfortable for movie time. When we come back Thursday we'll be split into their two gathering rooms, one for people with Dementia and Alzheimers, and the other with people who have a mental illness, Down syndrome, or schizophrenia.
Today I think our biggest take-away was that a simple smile may be small, but it can go a long way.
After the day we went and showered at the Beukah Community Center, came back home tonUnity to have dinner. Dinner was taco night!! Yum yum!! After dinner we went to a place called Life Changers in which we heard from a panel of 5 people which each have gone through some kind of ordeal in life from almost committing suicide, drug addiction, gang banging, and other tough things in life before straightening out living a Christ filled life. The students liked hearing their stories and were so engaged. I'm glad our students heard these people talk because they encouraged our students to keep what they are doing and that no matter what life throws at you. You always have your family and God to count on. What amazing faith lives that these panelist live now.
After Life changers we got back to our home Unity Luthwran and got ready for our large group worship and had a great time. Then we moved into our own church discussion and that is always a great time for our church to connect back with each other and tell each other about our day. Love our church time together.
We have such amazing students and I am in awe of every single one of them. They make me smile and excited about the amazing ministry we will have at Family of God. God is good. Thank you parents for your support and prayers. Please send emails if you want. Have a great day and blessings.
Peace and Love,
2016 Milwaukee Mission Trippers
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