Sorry everyone! Life here in Houston has been a bit more hectic as this is the first week of ministry. Yesterday I was quite exhausted! So here's a recap of yesterday: After arriving at the center at about 8:30 AM I teamed up with one of the other missionaries to sort out bread that was donated by a local bakery. When I say bread I mean lots of bread! (Boxes and boxes and garbage bags full of bread.) After that our entire team had bathroom duty. I had the grand honor of cleaning urinals for the first time in my life. I'm so thankful though for the positive attitude that our entire team brings to the tasks. Even though we might have to do what seem to be menial tasks this summer, we do them with the awareness that it's all part of a big picture. In realizing that a clean facility effects the entire ministry, I can clean with JOY in my heart! :)
After cleaning, we sorted and hung up clothes in the clothing closet in preparation for today. Kids club started at 3:00 in the afternoon, so I also spent some time preparing crafts and a Bible story. When the kids started to show up, it was awesome! The entire gym was a frenzy of jump-ropes, basketball, random games of tag, and smiling kids. It was so fun to love on the kids. I was overwhelmed at first to have 5 girls all fighting for my attention. :) It was good though...After kids club and a quick sack dinner, teen club started. The teens LOVE to play basketball. How awesome is that. I joined a team with 2 of our other missionaries to play 3 on 3 with some boys. I feel SO at home on the court! Even though I am in "retirement" as I haven't played since middle school, I had a great time. It was a great time to meet the teen guys and hang out. All in all it was an exhausting day....

Today I worked in the food pantry. I basically just made piles of food that had been preselected...it was neat though! Kids club is Mon-Thur., so today was another fun-filled day with the kids. They are so awesome! I helped Cody out with the middle age kids today. The lesson went great and I was relieved when we reviewed yesterday's lesson that they remembered! We also worked on the memory verse: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

Overall, it has been a good couple of days. I am SO grateful for our team. God has totally brought together 18 individuals with unique strengths, talents, and gifts, to create a team that will impact Houston this summer. I love all of you! I'll try not to get behind again if possible...

To God Be The Glory!
-Kieley Best