June 28, 2014. Canyon Lake. The Mission.

Abigail was the only child at home all week while the other three went on a mission to Orlando, Florida. She was not totally happy being the only child. She did comment to Suzanne that you talk to me all the time. But this evening Suzanne and I picked the 3 girls up at church at 6:30 so by 7;30 the family was complete and once again, Abigail did not need to talk. Their trip was a great success. All the way home they regaled us with stories of what they ate and where they slept and what they did all day. I have no clue whether or not they helped anyone but they worked hard and they worked diligently and they met many new friends. While in Orlando, they stayed in a church and slept on the floor of the Sunday School rooms. The church was not a wealthy church. They showered in outside tents, with two tents for 45 girls, of course with no hot water. And as it was outside, they were forced to wear bathing suits and shoes in the shower. The group decision is to not move to Florida due to the heat and humidity. But one afternoon they all went to the beach, which they enjoyed. The girls were divided into work groups of six. Samantha spent her time working at a home for old folks with dementia. She actually enjoyed it. Allison spent her time serving breakfast and lunch to the homeless at a shelter while Sarah helped all week at the church Vacation Bible School. So each girl made their individual contribution. I did point out that they could have worked at the same places in San Antonio but Ken correctly pointed out to me that the girls travelled by van from Texas to Florida, thus seeing the country. Half the group from San Antonio were from a different church so they made new friends. Others on the mission were from North Carolina so they heard a different accent. And most importantly, they had a blast, so when you add it all up, for the girls it was a success and I should not rain on their parade. But I was pleased to have they home safe and sound and so were David and Suzanne.