Building Stairs & New Friends

Today we were able to continue our work project at Jacob's Ladder. We began the day with daily devotion. It's beautiful to see the residents, staff, and volunteers starting the day off right with devotion and these amazing positive affirmations. A lively resident, Peta-Gaye, lead our group in song and prayer as we sang along to "God is a Good God." After we finished with morning devotion, it was time to work!

We continued our work project on the new stone stairs leading to the farm. After yesterday's much-needed rain, we had some difficulty navigating the soil, but we were able to overcome it. We quickly got back into the swing of things while the Mustard Seed workers, Jordan, Iryna, and I were able to dig out more stairs, while Andrew and Jess filled them with stones so that the workers could later fill each stair with cement. I then learned how to make cement (yes, from scratch--take that NYC!) and we then filled the blocks and holes to create the foundation for the steps. It was pretty amazing to  see what was a barren pile of dirt just 24-hours previously, turn into a cement gravel-paved walkway that can assist Mustard Seed staff and residents to and from the farm area. After our hard work, lunch was much deserved and needed!

We entered the Care Plus Center that was created for the Mustard Seed residents for daily devotion, movie nights, and other activities. Similar to yesterday, the devotion quickly transformed into a dance party. Voices rejoiced, while bongos were played and the residents danced about. It's amazing to see the little amount of effort that brings so much joy to their faces. Jason (one of the residents) and I were dipping and twirling, while Iryna was doing some ballroom dancing and Jordan got a lesson on the bongos.

After lunch, we returned to our work and another project was on the way. Andrew, Jess, Lindsay, Iryna, and Jordan were able to jump right in. Their task was to remove the debris from a new building that is being created for new residents of Jacob's Ladder.  Lastly, we had to put new doors on some of the resident cottages for the residents and the staff.After the projects were completed, we were able to return to our residents for some end-of-day fun. Mustard seed workers and staff played an intense game of soccer (football) in a field while the residents eagerly looked on, cheered, listened to music and danced. What a great way to end the day!

Being a rookie on this trip, I expected a week of hard labor, challenging experiences, and an upset stomach. However, I'm walking away with new friends, a fresh outlook, and an appreciation for every single thing in my life. Even though we just built stairs today, we never know where those stairs can lead and what can come of it.


Jen (Rookie)
http://www.mustardseed.com/goto/NYC