Word in Action recap... part one!

Good morning! So my adventures in live-blogging didn't turn our as fruitful as I would have expected last week, but I attribute the lack in blogging on Saturday to the fact that we were all SO BUSY all day! By far, Saturday's Word in Action day was one of the most uplifting work camps I have been to- and I've been to my fair share of work camps. While it was a long day for many of us, being in Allentown with the generous people who came to participate really gave me some perspective on what I'm doing here at Christian Endeavor.

It has been really easy for me to get comfortable and almost lacksidasical, sitting in the office and doing work here. While I'm often logging 40-45 hours/ week of work, it's work that is in preparation for next year's events, or research for workshops, or even updating the blog. All REALLY good things for me to do (and things that I LOVE, because like I mentioned earlier, writing and talking are my THINGS!) but it is so easy to lose perspective on why Christian Endeavor is such a GREAT organization. Often, in the past week, I would find myself searching so much for something to say on this blog- not that there isn't tons of things coming up for CE that I could promote, but I had felt like I already had said everything that was needed. You can only promote something from one angle for so long; which is why EVEN when Colleen told me I'd have to be in Allentown by 7am on Saturday, I knew I had to be there. If not for my fellow co-workers, but so I could again understand what I was working so hard for in the office.

Today marks 6 weeks for me of being 'the intern,' and this past weekend was just the PUSH I needed to make me realize exactly why I need to continue working as hard as I do. It was such an encouragement to be able to see all three work sites on Saturday; I've never been in the position to see first-hand the work at more than one campsite go from start to finish, but what a unique and transforming experience. The three women whose houses we worked on--Rosa, Sharon, and Gina--were not only welcoming with such Christian love (and TONS of food!) but really upheld such gratitude for the teens and adults who were there to help them. God's love was so apparent in Allentown on Saturday- I'm so glad I didn't miss it.

I'll be updating this week with individual stories about what happened, but for now, check out some pictures I took with my phone throughout the day. I got to hang out and take video while my new friend Emily, from the Word FM's Morning Show took pictures- so for now these pictures will have to do until we get the rest! (PS: Can I tell you how awesome the people at the Word FM are? Seriously- so dedicated and genuine, and willing to help out anywhere when needed. We were so lucky to have them be co-sponsors, and I can't wait until the next time we do this! Check them out Emily & Dave's Morning Show, 6-9am on weekdays- I know I will!)

Assembling siding on the roof of Gina's porch.

More siding at Gina's.

Pulling weeds & painting @ Sharon's.