Steph - Day 4

Day 4
Today was yet another great day! We got up at 630 and did the same routine (got ready, had some time of worship at the pavilion and went straight to the church). We got things ready, ate some breakfast and the day started once all the kids had arrived. We then had worship and had the bible story and crafts and then recreation. Wiffle ball was definatley a hit because all of them wanted to play again. They all seem to love being able to taunt eachother and give each other hard times. After that we came back for some worship and then it was done. One little girl that stuck out to me a lot today was Shevon. She was new but she was so eager to learn the bible verse and get a piece of candy. Every time she thought she had gotten it she’d come up to me and try to say it. You could tell once she said it in front of everyone that she felt so accomplished after saying it. Another thing that stuck out was Kenesia, Shawana, Kem-Kem, and Kevaughn. They’re the older ones and they kind of stick together. They have made up this game where they just try and tap you on the shoulder and hide and they just keep doing it and seem to get a real kick out of it. It doesn’t sound like much but considering the fact that they’re all quite shy, they’ve all really opened up a lot and are laughing and joking a lot more and it’s really fun seeing that. After VBS we got some lunch and most of us went to go start painting the rec center. Me Jared, Allie, Julie, and Kyle stayed back and put away a bunch of books in the pastor’s office. There were sooo many books, and one huge bible that had 2 locks and 2 machettees were there along with everything. We also found 3 iguanas which I thought was pretty cool haha. Rene came back and picked us up and we headed to go help paint. We got there and a lot had already been done. We’re painting it yellow and red. We actually got a lot done today and already have a second coat up on one side of the building. It was soo hot but it was great feeling like we were helping someone out and making the building more beautiful and inviting. After painting we headed back to take some quick showers before heading to Maho Bay to watch the sunset from the pavilion. We drove over and it was the bumpiest road I’ve ever been on. Once we got up there and we walked up the staircase to the pavilion, the view was absolutely beautiful. It looked out over the island into the bay and you could see St. Thomas across the ocean. Scott Drennan had made us burgers and hot dogs and this really good bean dip stuff. It was so yummy. We all watched the sunset while we ate and played some games and just chatted, it was great! After that we all headed back and we then had another meeting on the beach. I love the meetings because it’s such a great time to sit back and reflect on the day and just talk. After that the guys left and went to go help with the fans and wires and get that worked out while me Allie, Holly, and Anna sat out on the beach and talked for a while. The conversations were great and I really enjoyed talking and getting to know them a little bit better. Then Doug came out and started playing his guitar and we all just sat and listened and looked at everything around us. It was so perfect, I felt like I was in a dream watching all the stars, the sparkling water, and the beautiful landscape. I just caught myself thinking, I’m so lucky to have been a part of this great trip. After a while all the guys came out and we sat around and attempted to play this game where you make up a song about the day and we had to rhyme and it was just a mess. It was hysterical and we all could hardly do it haha. Tonight is probably one of my favorite parts of the trip so far. It’s been great, and relaxing, and overall just awesome. Now we’re off to bed and ready for another day just as good as this one.
Stephanie Tuttle