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Thanks for keeping up and praying for the mime team, 2011. We hope you enjoyed following us as much as we enjoyed the trip. God has showed each and everyone of us something different... and we pray that the next and upcoming years will get better and better. We are praying for the different seeds that were planted and pray that all the sets and different ministries that we did touched the people's lives, and brought someone closer to God. To family, we missed you and can't wait to see you!

Day 11 - On the Road Again!

Today had an easy going start. Most of us had packed the night before, so we wouldn't have to wake up early. Double check the room, triple check the room! We prayed one last time at "home" before saying our goodbyes to the Small family. They were going to Kansas for a family reunion, so they were leaving us. We hit up Starbucks one more time before setting out on the road.

David's car talked first about our favorite mission, favorite memories, and favorite performance. We weren't as energetic as David needed, and I"m sure he was falling asleep as we watched Swat Cats and deeply discussed what supplies would be needed in a Zombie apacalypse, and whether we would give up or not in an alien invasion.

Patty's Platoon kept entertained by drawing dogs on thier hands (poor Ben) and made stories about George (Ben's hand) Georgeina (yes, but this is the "European" spelling; Hannah's hand) and all the puppies, George JR, Billy the First, and Agnus (she is the mutant one) we couldn't stop laughing when they told us.

When we got a call for an emergency potty break from one of the back vans, we looked for somewhere to stop. No lie, we see a sign that says "Jerky: free samples" so we swerved off the road to stop. The salsa was fine (though not as hot as boasted), and the jerky was fantastic. After we got plenty of dried beef, we got back on the road.

The next stop was for lunch at Vernon. There was McDonalds, KFC and Subway... and Braums. (Some of us ate fresh just make the freaky sprint across a slow highway for icecream. After that stop, we loaded back up, and our van began STARWARS! (Return of the Jedi) Since most of us had seen spoofs of the movie, we joked about the movie almost the entire time. But after a while, we decided to play the game of Life on David's iPad. It was great fun, but before we could finish, we reached the hotel. We had 30 minutes of change/chill time, before we went to dinner.
Dinner was SOOOO fun! We went to a little Italian restaurant and met up with Chelsea Lemon from camp. We had to go sit in the patio area so there was enough room for all of us. While there, the boys once again posed for model pics (that we could send to Steph and Linda so they wouldn’t be left out) a band was there, setting up as we talked. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and was awesome about giving everyone suggestions. The house Italian was made at the restaurant and he recommended it highly. Ben trusted him and got it on his salad, and those around him dipped the bread. SO GOOD! While (random) joking about what Andy would be if he wasn't saved (the girls gave him Italian mobster job), the owner of the restaurant starts yelling at the band, telling them to hurry up already (all in a joking matter) He introduced himself (Eddie) and let us know if we didn't like the music, let him know and he'd break his legs (such perfect timing after the mob comment)

The Band started and the girls immediately started singing along. Rachael was right under the lead singer and was singing rather loudly, so the band leader (keyboards) invited her to come up! We all cheered and whooped as she harmonized with the lead. It was so awesome. After a huge round of applause from everyone, we had got our checks and waved as we left.

 

We finished the day off with relaxed time at the hotel and fellowship with each other and with Chelsea.

Day 10 - The Last Day; Addonai

Our chill-day was AWESOME... we didn't have to meet until 11. It was an awesome way to start the day. We headed out to Starbucks and got our fix while just fellowshipping. Afterward, we headed to our last performance, the Buckner Children's Center (different location.) On the way, Lynette's van took place in a slightly-violent game of banana, while listening to the Muppet's "Muhnun manum (do doo do dooo do), such a laid back and chill ride.

Once we arrived and surveyed the small space, we set up and ran the sets. The kids were already lined up outside, so Patty (of course) and I went to go say hi. They were older than the last kids we were with but just as sweet. We talked

about school, friends, and video games. Turns out Ke was a Modern Warfare gamer, along with Trent, so you know them, JD and I had tons to talk about. After a few minutes of conversation, Patty introduced the final set.

The kids were jittery (it may had something to do with all the sugary candy we had given them) and found it hard to stay still at first. One girl had to get up every few minutes and make as much noise as possible. But it didn't matter. A lot of the kids sat glued, and one girl, Laquesha, who Rachel smiled at during one of the songs, kept trying to catch her attention, but listened intently. The performance was small (we went back to younger/older teams to fit) but it was intimate and the team certainly poured thier everything into it.

 

 

We talked again with the kids and Rachael made great friends with Laquesha. She liked Addonai the best because of the reminder it had. Her daddy isn't around very much, and her step-father she doesn't really know. She misses her real dad, and loved Addonai because of the reminder. She was so precious; and wishes she could talk to God all the time. Rachael tried to explain that sometimes God speaks in a still voice, to which the little girl replied "but sometimes, I don't hear him" The girl is saved and very excitedly acknowledged Him as her daddy. Once the leader ordered the kids to take the chairs up, we had to say our goodbyes and packed up.

Our next stop was the Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall... yes, we girls had serious conniptions...AND (at risk of sounding like a commercial) “the direct prices were not only affordable, they were outstanding!” (no, I hadn't been to an outlet mall before and yes, I was overly excited) Caroline got into her shopping mode and bolted off like a bullet towards the stores. The older girls got together and went shopping at a more leisurely pace.


After doing a full lap around the mall, we met to dress up for dinner. The fiesta tonight was El Fenix, a classy Mexican Restaurant with delicious food. We only had half an hour, but miraculously, us girls managed to get ready in time. The younger girls threw the older girls a fashion show of their many dresses, which was awesome! They would run back and forth between their room and ours, asking which dress we liked best. So cute and so awesome.

Our van got left behind from the group, but only Lynnette and Stephie noticed...the backseat were having fun playing banana, SRC, singing old choir tour songs, and practicing our model poses (well, Michael & James were practicing, the girls were directing) Once we got to the crazy loops of the Texas highways, we all had to silence and help Lynette out. We wove in and out of the lanes, through the exits and cheered when we reached El Phenix “all by ourselves!” We were feeling quite triumphant was we walked in.

Dinner was delicious and hillarious. The right end of the table had Lisa's father & step-mom visiting, and behaved themselves in the restaurant. The left end of the table laughed the entire time (about what, I cannot even remember) but we were trying to behave. Words just got misheard until they became rumors, and suddenly we had a whole random soap-opera where Lynette had “all My children” which included James, Michael, Hannah, Kirsten, and myself. We laughed the entire time as Hannah gave Lynnette sass, James was being sly, I was taking things, Kirsten was smiling & Michael was ratting everyone out (really hard to describe, but let me tell you, it was hillarious. It also didn't help our hysterics when Chris, Ben and Michael continuously went to the bathroom, together while strutting their model walks. Dinner was the best.

When we returned “home” to change and make one more quick stop at the mall. David and some of the olders wanted Toms, so we made a quick run back to Mills. I had to hit up JCP, and JD wanted to get James a shirt. When we got back, they got into the pool and dunked each other (no one yet has been able to get Michael) It was hilarious when Lynnette snuck up and dunked both Rachael and Hannah. David and JD got some good talking in the hottub, while Zach and I got some while rating splashes, belly-flops and other random things the kids did. A great end to a great trip. 

Day 9 - 12 Pallets & East to West

Today was a great sleep-in day (met at 8:20) and we gathered, all wearing our WHOLLY - DNOW shirts. It was time for the Food bank. This food bank was a central food hub that reaches out to several outreaches... food banks, senior food stations, family food stations, and homes. The bank is part of the Feed America network that is trying to end hunger around the country. We were there with another group. Thier job was goods inspection and we had the fun job...

packing the boxes of food. The assembly line started with creating boxes, then adding juices, various canned goods, rice and other dried goods and then finishing it by taping close the box, and putting it on a pallet. When we went in, our goal was 200 boxes of food. When we reached 93, we knew we needed to up our goals. New goal, 1000. We were at pallet 4, with 48 boxes/pallet... yes, maybe our goals were a touch ambitious, but we were pumpining out about a box a minute. We sadly had to take a break, and were jumpy from anticipation the entire time.

  

 

Production was interrupted with a scream when Marcie stumbled upon Jimmy...our beloved, 1inch cockroach. It was definately the biggest cockroach I had ever seen. We had reached leaving-time, and only 11 pallets done. We brought the pain on packing those boxes, and pumped out another pallet in only ten minutes. Our numbers were 12 pallets, 576 boxes, 16,000lbs of food & 13,125 meals. so awesome.

After a quick hand-wash break, we headed to the Hulen Mall. It wasn't as big as the first mall, but there was a Forever 21 so you know Hannah and I were happy. Lunch was relaxed, and some of the college kids went out to the seminary the Zach will be attending in the fall. Once back, we went to the Union Gospel Mission. We were doing full sets in a huge space, so we set up for everything. While crew worked out the kins, mimes discussed the flow of the sets.

The first set was women. I knew we were about to have some church; one woman came in praising, "thank you Lord, praise you Jesus." We had planned for women AND children, but we only had children... so the set changed last minute. They began and the women was truely, honestly worshipping. One swayed back and forth, one nodded her head while crying and one shouted praises after songs. During you were there, they started clapping long before the song was over.

None of us realized that Caroline's family had snuck until the sets were finished. We only had a few minutes to reset before until the next group came
in...the male residents. Theses guys came in all tough and rough. Tatt'ed up, joking and walking with thier chests puffed out, I really wasn't sure what we'd be dealing with. But as time went, the facades melted... they worshipped just as much - if not more than the the women. The mimes had picked songs that went so perfectly with what the situation was. One man lifted his hand in worship during Hold my Heart. Others finally silenced and watched so intently.

Afterwards, two men stayed to speak with David and another spoke with Ben.

It was another quick break. Ten minutes between until the final set, the general public. These were people straight off the street. We didn't know who was going to show, bdeleivers, non- beleievers, those with mental issues, addicts, drunks, what? We knew another person that showed up Lynna, who used to be part of our youth group.

These people were focused. Though not as vocal. You could tell some didn't want to hear it, they turned away (but kept turning back) others watched unblinking, and after every song, he stood to applaud. We didn't reach everyone; one man was actually reading a newspaper, but it didn't matter, as long as we reached one. Really with the lack of time we had, there is no way to tell. A lot of the mime's thought it was harder..they had to really dig. But they felt it was a better one than others.

We packed up quickly as the misson staff were on a tight schedule and needed to get the people out. We packed up (while joking about how the mimes are taking the roadies jobs) then after a quick fill up, we headed for dinner at Jason's Deli. Early night, lots of time for chill

Day 8 - Addonai, Alzheimer’s, & Redemption

When I reread what I have been writing, I realize how bad our Starbucks addiction is. After stopping there for some coffee, we went into the Parkwood Retirement facility. We were early, so we hung out in the library (or the holding tank :) When they were ready, we set up and began. This performance was awesome. There was a lady that sat in the front row and cried the entire set. She was a believer and I know she was touched. She nodded during the short messages between sets.

Another lady, Betty, was sitting next to It was difficult to do pay attention while trying not cry myself. We lost the whole front row to tears during Addonai, so they were still teary-eyed when the boys did I Am. The boys deny being emotional, but they TOTALLY looked like they were trying not to cry. The residents loved it and loved the kids even more. As they built new connections, the crew did a quick tear down before heading to the next section, the Alzheimer’s unit.

The team was warned about how the unit maybe before we went in. While it maybe was difficult, it wasn't nearly what I expected. I met a lady named Louise. She told me about how Colorado was her and her husband's play-place (actually a couple of times) and then leaned to the women next to me, telling her, "I made a friend!" "You what?" "She's my new friend!" To which the other woman (whose name was Wanda) turned to me and said, "And you admit it?" We laughed so hard. They enjoyed it.

Lunch was provided for by the home. Pam was so excited that we came "I've got Goosebumps!" And loved what we were doing here and at the missions. It was sandwiches from subway, chips and cookies. So light and so delicious. There was a substantial break between the performances, (and at the same center) so we got to play cards together, snack and sleep. A nice time to just be comfortable and slow down.

When it was time to start, we set up in the dining facility and like 2nd nature, the mimes went to work, mixing and brightening lives. I also noticed that this set would be before the nurses station. I know their lives must be stressful and I wondered if they would get any message out of it.

The residents were loving it. Betty came and again sat watching the whole performance so intently and in tears. The nurses stopped and peeked over their station while pretending to still work. You could easily tell who had seniority... whenever the phone rang, a select few would snap their fingers at the other nurses to hurry and answer. One nurse stood at the edge of the station, completely immobile and beamed the whole time.

 

Afterward, we tore down and the team went to work. Poor Betty broke.  She didn't know her father and couldn't look at God that way. She didn't want anything to do with 'father' Lindsey stayed with her the rest of the time we were there.

An emergency within our team sprang up, distracting us from Betty when Kirstin's eye (that had been bothering her all morning) got worse. Some of the roadies and Lynette gathered Kirstin up and took her to the urgent care while the rest of the team went to Sonic. Kirstin was a toughy; apparently she had scratched her eye days before and didn't think it too serious. While in the room, and the doctor asked what we were here for, Kirstin explained we were here on a mime trip. The

doctor simply nodded before going out. Lynette and Kirstin were flabbergasted; maybe he didn't want to talk about it, maybe he was offended. When he returned, he explained to the two that when he was fourteen, he was saved when a mime team performed for him. Totally floored them, and the rest of the team when we heard. Praise God; that was such an encouragement, and a reminder on why we are really here.

We meet up with the rest of the team at the Presbyterian Night Shelter. (No pictures to protect the residents) This shelter is gated, guarded and strict. This particular shelter was the last chance for the women - they mess up, they are gone. No tolerance policy. This included chores and serving. There was nothing for our team to do. We couldn't help the women, and unlike the past years, we couldn't serve dinner. The place was at capacity; they now had a waiting list and now had to turn people away. Since we couldn't serve, we hung out in the courtyard. The mimes talked about the set and how to change it to meet their needs, while Patty made friends and James and I played with the little ones. After an hour or so, we were able to go in and set up.

The crew had to work around the awkward doors and awkward tables ( tables were huge and had chairs attached) but they managed as the staff tried to get the attention of the kids. We passed out candy after set-up but I still didn't think that was going to work. Lindsey introduced the mimes and they began. The kids were still rather talkative; while Steph talked to transition, she nearly had to shout to talk over the noise. But as the set continued, the kids became quieter and the moms became more attentive.

David opened “Praise you in the Storm” with a testimony of his own life. These women knew pain, and there were several nods and “Amens” Once they started, a lady in front of me had tears pouring down her face. She knew to praise. For one moment, the whining babies and whispering children and were focused. The woman nodded and whispered “Amen” for the next song, “Feels like redemption” knowing about the redemption.

The take down was quick for the crew. David was playing with the kids, showing them “magic” but really just messing with the boy who wasn't paying attention to the cracker he already had in his hand. Caroline wasn't feeling well, and sat with a little girl on her lap for the entirety of the set. The kids were so willing and loving all of the attention they were getting. Trust me, it was a great experience for them.

After we packed up, it was time for dinner at Fuddruckers. There was a soda machine that Hannah could only describe as magical. A digital machine where you pressed the touch-screen on the soda brand of your choice, which would open a menu with all of the varieties. The kids were mesmerized and were more focused on the soda than their food. Dinner was a great fellowship (JD was so excited to try Bison) and after food, some great Blue Bell ice cream (really, not as exciting now that we have some in the Springs) The night was late, but we've been feeling your prayers and were all united and peaceful.

Day 7 - Baby Clothes, Retirement & God's GPS

Another early morning. After meeting in the foyer at 7:20, we ran through what the plan was for the day, split into vans and headed to the Union Gospel Mission. Our contact was a bit late, but we didn't mind. Sitting in the chapel while fellowshipping was a great way to reunite. After about half an hour or so, our contact, Mallory arrived.

She took us to orientation and we watched a video about the place. The mission was opened in the late 1800's and different from the other missions in the fact that they tried to keep the families together. They not only housed the people, fed them; they also taught them how to apply for jobs, resumes and cover sheets. They housed roughly 300 people, broken to three main categories... women's, men's and families. It was cool because though the men weren't allowed to stay with the women and children, they were allowed to stay on the premises to see thier families, and eat lunch with them. ..a service a lot of shelters don't do.

 The place was beautiful too, not what you'd imagine. It was more like a retirement home. After a quick tour of some of the different facilities, we  went to the warehouse. Unlike other "thrift stores" this facility only sold to the general public once a week. Everything else is saved for the residents.

  

The furniture and other household items were saved for when the people were back on thier feet and with thier own place. Once we were in, our job was to sort the donations. Everything from baby cl othes to hats, to cool 80's gear and blankets, we sorted it all. When we had finished several bags of donations, we headed out to lunch.

  

 We had CiCi's underneath the shadow of the Cowboys stadium (I know, Bronco fans, I know) and then started off to our next destination...Buckner's children. So we headed out and ended up at a recycling plant. We looked up the address now on someone else's GPS, which led to a random church. Now three of us pulled out our GPS'. Where is this place? It took to an address with an empty lot.  ??? So we tried to go the  other way down the street. No luck. Finally David gets out of the car to ask directions. They tell us to keep going. We do, actually for twenty minutes and still didn't find anything. Meanwhile, Steph is calling the home every few minutes, trying to get a hold of someone. This venue was just not supposed to happen.

So we went to Starbucks to reconviene (and we MAY be addicted) before heading out to The Buckner Retirement Village. We talked that perhaps we weren't supposed to be there for that day. There had been some joking that went too far; perhaps we wouldn't have conveyed the message like we could have in that spirit.

The people were super friendly. While the crew set up, the mimes quickly changed and went to mingle as the residents came in. It's always so cool to see how different people react.  Some sit quietly, some nodded thier heads in affirmation, other sit teary-eyed and others still whisper quietly. But all said they loved it and slowly went to dinner as we quickly tore down.

We would be serving the dinner that night...pizza & salad (Bill was somehow guessing that those weren't normal menu items :) But the residents didnt' mind. after we served them, we served ourselves and went to mix with them as we ate.  It was great to see all the smiles and all the connections. 

 

Steph met a man named Charles who was 83. The man had several stories of  WWII, work and the home. The man had lost his wife, family, and nearly himself. It was hard and he didn't know why everyone was gone and he was still there, but he knew it was a reason. I think both of them needed to just sit and talk. What a blessing for both.