Day 4 started with Mary singing "Rise & Shine!" before breakfast. Then we had a nice spread including biscuits and gravy, courtesy of Mary & Marsha from the Brethren and Ralph & Sue. Afterwards, Joyce gave a beautiful and unifying devotion which everyone enjoyed. Then a team headed to Carl & Trish’s to finish some tasks and stain their new cabinets. Meanwhile, the rest of our team tackled the kitchen in our building. Just like the other kitchen next door, things were scattered without much rhyme or reason. This church is incredible, and has received so many donations, they just couldn’t keep up with stocking and organizing. Many church leaders and volunteers have made sure to tell us what a blessing our team has been for them.  

The church prayer list we got on Sunday is fairly lengthy and included people who have cancer or other health issues, serve in the military, need salvation, shut-ins or nursing home residents. We picked up some cards and wrote 48 notes of love and encouragement to each one on the list. Then later on, the church team headed over to say goodbye to Carl and Trish. We got stopped at some construction, facing the beautiful tree covered hills, and 'There was Jesus' was playing. It was such a beautiful moment. Even in all the destruction aftermath, there IS Jesus! 

The team at Carl and Trish’s fixed multiple broken windows (including an hour and a half round trip to get glass), finished installing cabinets, then sanded and painted the cabinets, put polyurethane on the new countertop, and installed insulation and paneling in the living room. Carl was able to come home on his lunch break, and we were all able to pray blessings over him & Trish. Some were also more than happy to love on their two sweet dogs.

Then we headed out on a scenic drive (and short hike) to Backbone Rock which was carved in the early 1900’s to accommodate train traffic. Fun fact: It’s the shortest tunnel in the world, only 12 feet long. We are blessed to be here to help before winter and it’s a bonus we’re here during peak leaf season; God’s creation is absolutely beautiful! 

We had to head back for the community dinner at the church. Cora had invited Carl & Trish and they did join us! We got to chat with many from the town and had some great food (including pork belly that Pastor made). In ONE day, our room was: cleaned and organized, hosted a food pantry, hosted a community dinner, and served as our living space. This church is busy! Three services a week, food pantry, community meals, Bible studies, hosting mission groups just about every week for the last year. After the storm, they opened to anyone, not just their members, and served 1500 meals a day! It has been a joy and an honor to serve both Carl and Trish (with Tyler from World Compassion Network & Curtis from Cross Roads) and also this generous and loving church. What an incredible group of people! We’re going to bed tonight with tired bodies and grateful hearts.