Good evening,
We made it safe and sound after a very smooth train ride. The kids did well with the ride and we made it to DeSales Service Works around 1:00. We had a brief orientation and then right to work. We split into three groups: one group went with Kenny, one of the workers at DSW who was formerly homeless, to clean up the local park a little bit, the second group worked on salvaging plants from a garden to move to another garden within the DSW back yard, and the last group traveled to a local church that is no longer being used to remove a statue of Mary to be placed within the garden. After this service time, we went to the local grade school, Holy Name, to help work with the after school program. Our kids did an outstanding job of being present to these kids who are starting for attention. They played games with kids, helped them with their homework, and most importantly simply spent time with them. When we returned to the house a group cooked dinner while the others settled in, played basketball, and relaxed a bit. After dinner, Fr. mike McCue said mass for us in the small chapel and in his homily he challenged the kids to live in the moment and be moved by the little things in live. He said that often times we do things that do not change culture or society, but they can push things in the right direction. As long as we keep pushing and helping others see the good in things than we are truly being present and human toward one another. At the end of long, simple day this was a good message to hear. The reflections about the day were thoughtful and meaningful for our kids. You can see that they are taking things seriously and living in the moment which we often do not get to do.
Off to bed now with pictures and more to follow in the morning.
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