Notes from Jordan Maure & Mattie

We know you all missed us, so we decided to update you. The trip down here was long and smelly. Once we got settled in we met a woman who called herself WalMart Wanda. She told us about her hard decision about whether she would come down this week. When she saw the verse Isaiah 6:8 on our shirts it solidified her decision that it was God's will for her to come this week. It was amazing to see God work from day one.

Today we split into two teams and were assigned our jobs. When we arrived at the first group's destination within twenty seconds of working, Alex picked up a board unaware that a nail was still attached.  It wasn't until he waved at Lauren and she saw the blood it was brought to Ingrid's attention. Ingrid wrapped it well and he's as fine as he normally is.

After that craziness, we headed out to our work site.  We went to the home of a man named Eugene. He had been raised in the house we are working on and has lived there all his life. We started by Jared, Jada, Brianna, Mattie, and Ingrid priming the outside of the house. Jordan and Jordan caulked with their bare hands. Let me tell you, that wasn't so easy... The group finished priming and started on painting the house red. We had long, fun day and accomplished a lot.

After we all got home, cleaned up, and ate dinner, we went to the neighbor's house and delivered food. They were ecstatic to receive ham loaf and homemade mac and cheese. They invited us into their home and we were able to sit and share stories. Mattie cried... Alex offered a tissue... she declined.

All in all, it was an amazing and productive day. Thank you for your prayers.

Love,
 Jordan Maure and Mattie (:

We are Here

Hello from very warm Alabama. Our trip down was quite long with a few adventures like traffic jam due to construction, the speedometer that stopped (phone apps are a wonderful thing) and started again, with a lot of laughter and smiles and sleeping. We are so thankful for a safe trip. Scott did an amazing job of driving and keeping a sense of humor along the way. The kids gave him huge thank yous.

Today we will be split into 2 groups. One will be roofing and one will be painting with some light construction. 

Keep us in our prayers.

What to Bring

You guys are leaving in just over a week from today! I am very excited for what God is going to do on this trip. I hope that you have been praying for God to prepare you and those that we serve. Here is a list of things to bring:

What to Bring

• Work Clothing-Something you don't mind ruining (all shirts must have sleeves, modest shorts)
• Tennis Shoes/Work Boots-Something you don't mind ruining.
• Work Gloves
• Casual Clothes-All shirts must have sleeves. Keep clothing extremely modest.
• Leisure Footwear-Sandals and flip-flops are acceptable at the camp.
• Shower Shoes-Sandals or flip-flops work great!
• Toiletries-Soap, shampoo, towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Sunscreen-This is not optional. Everybody will wear sunscreen. The sun in Alabama is more intense than the sun in Northern Indiana.
• Insect Repellent-You think they're bad here...
• Swimsuit-Not sure if we'll get to swim, but just in case (1-piece or 2-piece that covers the belly button)
• Water Bottle-Something with a wide mouth. 5 gallon drink coolers will be at each site.
• Bible, notebook, pen
• Extra money for souvenirs, snacks, etc...-Everything you need is already paid for

Optional

• Flashlight
• Camera
• Hat (to block the southern sun)
• Games (playing cards, etc...)
• Tools (if you have a few that you like better than loaners)

What NOT to Bring

• Cell Phone
• MP3 Player/iPod
• Other electronic devices

Please go over this list several times. If you need work clothes, Goodwill is a great place to get extra t-shirts and shorts on the cheap. Try to keep your luggage to one luggage bag and a carry on that you don't mind sitting with on a bus. I am waiting to hear back from the organization about whether we need bedding or not.

You guys will be leaving early Sunday morning, but I do not have the exact time yet. I will let you know as soon as I get that, but I would anticipate it being around 4-5 am slow. Comment on here if you have questions.

-Norm