Disaster Response Trip : Winamac, Ind.

PleasantDale's Spring Break disaster response trip was March 21 through March 26. We were asked to bring a small group this year because the site had just reopened, so we sent six with three coming from other places. Bill drove in from Indy and David and Troy from New Orleans.We brought Brooke, Zach, David, George, Penny, and Me.
Steve, the director, outlined the work we were to do. By Tuesday he knew he had to scramble to find work for our group, plus the three arriving on Thursday. Steve was very joyful at our work ethic, although maybe he had had his fill of teenagers as a high school teacher.
The week went far too fast and getting to know Brooke and Zach was the best part. This was the third trip Penny and I went with David and it was as good as any.
Getting to know the homeowners was wonderful, and I know they were so pleased with us. They tried to give us gifts, but we refused.
Brooke and Zach shared the week's events back at PleasantDale and we were all pleased that we stepped out of our comfort zone for a bit to do the Lords work.

Thanks to Lancaster Chapel!!!

On Jan. 10, 2010 Terri invited Penny and I to share about our Garden Project to the youth at Lancaster. The afternoon was wonderful with meaningful questions and good fellowship. We were invited back to share with the entire congregation because the youth wanted to put on a breakfast to support us. On April 10, the youth at Lancaster Chapel worked so hard to show they wanted to be apart of this act of love. I will never forget the time with so many that morning, God was so present flowing through us. I LOOK FORWARD to doing the Lords work with that group for years to come. MAN, that was such a great time.
Then Penny handed me a card, I said the money is an extension of themselves, like an arm to help us. WOW!! I couldn't believe! Thank you so much to the youth of all ages at Lancaster.

FT.Wayne Rescue Mission: Pastor Jay

As I spoke to several youth Pastor Jay appeared out of nowhere as part of the group, it took my breath away. I said, " him, that man there, he's the reason I'm here", and repeated words I'd spoke minutes before. Wow! I knew Jay was coming yet, as it played out it was clear that this was no accident, or coincidence but planned. Hearing Pastor Jays voice as part of the homeless made the morning more spiritual. No great meaningful moment jumps out at me, just being with Jay surrounded by people with such a need for love. How several expressed that has carried over to this week. Pastor Jays presence added validity to my words and actions as I show them I care enough to show I care on a daily basis. Thank you Pastor Jay!

Arctic Village 2010

Well, I guess we will spend the summer in Arctic Village after all. Heidi Rader ask us to please spend one more growing season (at least) in the village before moving on to other villages. Telling us that so many people are watching this effort from so many villages saying "if they can succeed in Arctic Village, we can do this". So we will spend another summer with our friends in this spectacular place.
Things are pretty good locally right now. It would be easy to say " I do enough" I don't need to put my life and callings on hold to travel so far and live so harshly. It's not about me, it's what I'm to do right now to fulfill God's plan for me. If I do that everything else will fall into place.

Garden Project in Circle, Alaska

Penny and I are busy making plans for the Summer in Arctic Village, while friends from Circle are making plans for our arrival. The amazing part of this effort is playing out, they have heard of the life lessons coming with us. The seeds we were sent there to plant are much more important than the planting of the seeds for the gardens. We just might have a home in Circle for the Summer.

Pitfall to avoid: Bill

It's amazing how doing a good deed can bring misunderstandings. Even in the best of circumstances, you can find yourself in bad situations, as I did this morning. I feel I handled myself well and avoided a confrontation without appearing weak. Minutes later, I over heard several black guys speaking of a white volunteer who didn't handle his situation well, and he did show weakness. He lost their respect forever while becoming prey to the stronger, if he ever returns, hopefully he won't.
A couple of the same black guys uplifted me for the extra work I did to make their job easier in the name of team work. They know I'm there to work and will stand up for myself. I made a couple more friends in a place where opening yourself up is so difficult to do.

Arctic Village: Gardening Project 2010

The ripple effect of the 2009 project has been amazing. We have had visits to our blog from folks living around the globe. They flew to Arctic Village to be flown to different points in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. They were told not to walk into the village unless invited so the only way to meet and speak to them was to walk to the runway. Occasionally we would walk out and we were so surprised at the number of people that would say " Bill and Penny, We have heard of you two and your garden project". Then they would say when and where in Alaska they had heard of us.
This project now has a life of it's own and we now must try and keep up. The grant money is going to produce jobs in the village like we had only dreamed of, many jobs! More money will go towards this effort than we even prayed for and Penny knows that I will not let this opportunity pass us by. Even if it means we must move to Alaska we will. How often does one have a chance to be a part of history. We have sacrificed so much time, and money, and more. Now we are seeing why we were called to this mission. Three years ago Penny asked "out of six billion people, why you, why us"? Because they trust and believe and care for us. Penny and I are, and will always be a part of the people of Arctic Village.