sunburn on my shoulders

... doesn't make me happy, really, but the DAY sure did.

Having survived Hump Day, we hit our last full day of work (tomorrow is work til midday, travel afternoon/eve) a little (okay, more than a little) bleary-eyed ... but WOW, it was a day of progress and spirit like you wouldn't believe.

On Lee Street, with John and mom Barbara off to work for the day, our team of five (leading our charge in the siding project all week has been 80year old Gayle Barb, joining the effort from Florida, who RVs full time, has ridden 4000+ miles on a BIKE and who put us all to shame with his energy, his knowledge, his precision, and that wry little smile) finished the front siding, even up into the gables, which required no less than acrobatics. A cheer went up from the crowd -- okay, from the five of us -- and we celebrated ... by moving around and working on the back gable. That will be finished in the morning before departure. A whole house sided in a week - by people who even look like they know what they're doing!

Over in St. Bernard's Parish (and yes, the stewardship question of a group working a four-hour commute (two hours each way) from where they're staying HAS been a conversation over the last three days), the other foursome of our GCC Eight finished their work with the Carmel crew, roofing Ronnie and Janet's place. What a task -- but would ya LOOK at the shingles on this baby. Nicely done, don'tcha think?!

Gathering for dinner tonight, we were quiet as usual when food is in front of us (a dynamic that our entire group AND OTHERS have noticed about us!), and I had to smile, thinking how familial we've become. Not just familiar, but familial ... like family. A few of us with tasks in the kitchen ... a few gathering the whole group to the table ... holding hands to pray for food and for the gathered ... a few cleaning up, telling stories ... and lots of laughter and encouragement and compassion (and comparing of war wounds from the week!).

We spent a lot of time in the context of our devotional tonight talking about encouragement, persuasion, community, empowerment, advocacy ...

Let me just say, y'all better buckle up. 'Cause this group is ON. FIRE. to make this Partners in Comfort not only a 15-trips-in-2-years reality ... but to do it RIGHT, and WELL, and to the incredible glory of the God we serve together.

When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (Acts 4: 31 - 35)

People, get ready ...