Today was our last day of VBS. The kids did all their normal VBS activities including songs, craft, bible story, and science experiment, but the final activity was really what they were all waiting for - SPLASH DAY! We set up pools, slip and slides, and filled water balloons. Everybody had a great time getting wet, even a few of us who didn't plan on participating! The cool water certainly was welcome relief from the 105 degree temperature. After VBS, the whole team enjoyed a lunch of pizza and spaghetti provided by the ladies of the church.
The landscaping project was completed today, and the roofing and kitchen projects continued to make progress, but the team decided last night that one more day of work would be necessary to get the roof decked and the kitchen completed. Each of the men discussed with their family, and each made the decision to stay one extra day, which meant we would finish up tomorrow (Friday) and leave Saturday.
The kids and some of the women made their way back to tent city, and spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning up, playing games and resting. The kids have had a great time playing games, watching movies, helping out with VBS, and cleaning up around the conference center. It has been such a blessing to watch the kids as their relationships with each other and the Indian kids have continued to strengthen each day. The older kids have enjoyed providing entertainment and guidance for the younger kids, and the younger children have had fun getting attention from the older kids. As a parent bringing children on this trip, one key outcome I have prayed for is for them to understand the importance of developing relationships in sharing Christ's love with others. I was totally overwhelmed when I realized they 'got it'.
The remainder of the team came back to camp right before dinner, and we loaded up and drove to Meers Restaurant, home of the 'Best Burger in Oklahoma'. The historical restaurant has been serving food since 1901 when Meers was a bustling mining town. The food was outstanding, and at least one of us managed to down a 'Seismic Meersburger', a pound of hamburger on a huge bun. After the main course, many of us ordered homemade ice cream for dessert. The bowl was actually the size of small serving bowl, but amazingly all the ice cream quickly disappeared. Wow, it was good.
After dinner, we drove a few miles down the road, intending to see the Holy City, but unfortunately they had closed at 7pm, and it was now 8. We decided to take our chances and go to Mt. Scott , which was only a few miles in the other direction. We drove up to the peak, and got to enjoy about 30 minutes of climbing on rocks and seeing the sun set before we had to leave the park which closed at 9. The kids were sad we didn't have more time, but we were very thankful we all got to climb some and see the amazing views. We drove back to the camp and went to bed so we could rise early in the morning to finish our work.