It's almost like a dance, the way all the people move abut the vast rail terminal at Penn Station in New York.  So many individuals. All ages, all races, all backgrounds.  The random choreography is almost hypnotic to watch. Then you find yourself on the "dance floor".

It is amazing to watch these wonderful kids ... they are so open to everything! They make us so proud as they connect with people every where. It began on the train with a tired mom of 2 (who is pregnant with twins!) and continued in ways too numerous to count right now...we can't wait to see what this week will bring!

During the Rev. Terry's sermon at St. Anna's church, he walked from the alter over to the pews in front of where our group of kids were sitting. He thanked them for coming down to help, not just for sheet rocking or painting, but "for helping to give our lives value," and helping us to feel like what happened here maters. The silence was profound throughout the sanctuary as he spoke.

An incredible few days with an incredible group of kids and adults...truly an honor and privilege to serve alongside all of them.  So fun to watch these kids as they have interacted with each other and all those with whom they have come into contact.  Such giving hearts and so open to everything and everyone.

Who in there right mind would want to spend 37 hours on a train with 30 teenage kids?  It's a crazy answer, but Me. Watching the relationships build each minute, mile and munchies consumed was amazing. Friendships and memories are made that will last a life time.  I feel fortunate to be a part of this and to get the opportunity to get to know these kids in such an honest and meaningful way.

At our meeting tonight we asked three questions: What was the best part of today?  What was difficult about today?  Where did you see God today? The answers and discussions around these three simple questions where thoughtful, emotional and just amazing! Meeting the young children at St. Anna's was one of the best parts. Reading the names on the murder board and hearing Father Terry read the names and ages of those killed in New Orleans last week was difficult and sad...a fifteen year old boy had been shot and killed. And God, well He is everywhere..in the young boy who randomly walked up to the girls and gave them hugs and in the child who said thank you for coming to help us.
I am so proud of these kids for openly sharing with us and each other what they have felt and seen so far on this trip.

Tomorrow we will find out where and how we will spend our week helping the people of New Orleans. Tomorrow, we begin to add more to our story here.

Goodnight!
Heidi, David, Doug, Jonathan, Meg, Roy and Sue