Mission Trip - Day 3

I don't know that we could have fit more into today if we had tried! We did get to sleep a little later - until 8:00 am - before beginning our work at the San Antonio Food Bank at 9:00. We worked for 3 hours salvaging and sorting food, and preparing food boxes for families in need. All of the potentially salvageable items are donated by HEB. They arrive in boxes on large pallets, and may have been sitting in warehouses for weeks prior to arriving at the Food Bank. To ensure the safety and quality of the food families receive, all items must be inspected for any kind of contamination before they can be placed in a food box.

We were warned that mice infestation is quite common in these boxes, and for our group this became a reality today! We encountered at least 3 mice, along with a small nest of babies as well. One mouse even hitched a ride on Fred's arm as he carried the box to the trash! The kids will no doubt look forward to telling you about this experience!

Though we will never see those on the receiving end of what we did today, we know that it was important work...God's work...and it made us thankful for the food we have to eat each day. We have told the kids repeatedly during our time here that they are being Jesus to others. One confirmand put it so well today. He said, "Being Jesus to other people feels really good. I just have a sense of peace in my heart and I feel very content." When I asked him why he thought that was, he replied "Because I know God has called me to serve in this time, and in this place." I smiled as tears welled up in my eyes, knowing that God is doing a mighty thing in our hearts this weekend.

After finishing our work we returned to the house for lunch and an hour of rest before donning our spiffy blue t-shirts and heading to Sea World! There were quite a few of the kids who had never experienced Sea World before, and it was fun to see their eyes light up when seeing the animals for the first time. It was quite warm when we arrived - right around 100 degrees - but the heat gradually diminished throughout the day.

We began by visiting the dolphins - some got to touch them! After stopping by the Clydesdales and an indoor aquarium with sharks, stingrays, and other fish, we headed to the rides. The kids chose to do Journey to Atlantis first, where they got thoroughly soaked! A few roller coasters and a log ride later, it was time for a BBQ dinner. We finished our evening with none other than...Shamu!! Dante, Fred, Jan, and I found comfortable seats at the top of the stadium, but the kids were on the bottom row in the splash zone! Shamu got them a few times with his tail, and they got a taste of 52-degree salt water. They even made it onto the "big screen" for everyone to see their smiling faces!

After closing down the park, and a stop at a gift shop for souvenirs, we headed to the parking lot and had our devotional there. We talked about God sightings - where we have seen God in our time here, and what we have learned from the experience. The last question was, "Are you satisfied with what we have done?" We were extremely proud to hear the kids say "No." When asked why, their response was "Because God's work is never done." Amen to that... David closed us in prayer, thanking God for the chance to serve His people.

It was another good day spent doing God's work and enjoying His creation. The bonding that has taken place among the kids is amazing. They were already close, but when you live together for 3 days you truly become family. We will attend a Mariachi Mass tomorrow at noon at San Jose Mission, and depart for home around 2:00 pm!