Alabama

Last week I had the privilage to go on a work team to help rebuild homes destroyed in the tornados last April.  It was a blessing to be able to be a part of God's work in AL, and to build and renew many relationships.  There's just something about going away for a week and giving to others that can renew a spirit.  It was much needed in my life and I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity. 

Our theme verse for the week was Psalms 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Our Group for the week.  Hope we didn't add too much spice to it!
Enjoyed getting to meet several new people, especially the older couples!

Saturday night the IL girls (minus Tess) spent the night in Athens...

At the camp Monday morn.  Every monring we had to pack our lunch for the day before breakfast.  Let's just say we never went hungry! (Even those who packed their lunch in the wrong cooler!)

Our first & second day adventure...Sanding drywall by hand!

Once sanding was done and the walls were wiped down we began the process of painting which took the rest of the week. 

I can assure you this was not the reason it took us all week to accoplish the painting! ;)

Funny how the men ate in the shade....

and the women, in the sun!

The destroyed home of the lady who's house I worked on all week.

Took a short hike through the woods to a cliff...the picture doesn't do justice!

Tuesday night we had the privilage to be a part of the dedication ceremony for all of the families whose homes we worked on.  It was a very emotional and enspiring evening.  God was definitely with us!

Sorry for the blurry pict, but I wanted to show you how good we ate...never went hungry thanks to Sparky's excellant wife!

Thursday the flooring crew came in and laid the floor...notice the completely painted walls! 
It was really neat to see the transformation we made inside the house in a few short days.  That's what I call--teamwork!

All us girls (Minus Steph and Rach...)


It's hard to completely capture the week and express it to others fully.  Pictures just don't do justice.  One thing I can say for sure is that it was a blessing for each one of us and a beautiful chance and reminder to let our lights shine for God.  To Him be the Glory and Praise!