Its hard to believe but one week from today we will load the truck. Two weeks from today we'll be finished with VBS and will have delivered 600 backpacks with school supplies to villages on the Reservation. A lot of work has been done but there is much, much more to go.This coming week we'll wait to hear about when the food donation is ready for pick up. Friday, Fred, Brian and I will go pick up the 26' Ryder truck, pick up the steel I beams, pick up the auger, and maybe pick up the food, pick up dry ice and then pack the food into coolers. Friday evening the whole crew will be here to load up all of our supplies.
We've had 4 people drop out and 4 people take their place. Brian Whitlock had to drop out because of work. John Lansdale took his place as the kitchen manager. Mark Bastin had to drop out because of work. Matthew Lansdale took his place. Bonnie Williams had to drop out for health reasons and Chrissie Smith took her place. And Jenny Porter (Brian Buriff's sister) who went with us last year, had to drop out due to a family need and Bub Whitaker took her place.
All together, we have 22 people going.
And we have a tough week ahead. We'll be building an amphitheater, feeding up to 150 kids a meal every day, doing a VBS, giving out 600 backpacks, and probably any number of other odd jobs. We'll have long days and short nights.
And we'll be tested. Not so much by the kids, although that's a possibility, but by ourselves. Most people worry about the dangers out there - the wildlife and safety issues. But I've found that the enemy is far more effective at distracting and destroying God's work when he rides along with us and causes friction between the various personalities that go on the trip. Things can unravel a lot faster when Satan attacks from within.
I hope we'll all keep that in mind as we prepare to leave. The most important tool to pack is Grace, and a lot of it.
