Day three of the Charleston mission trip is coming to an end. Today was our first day at our track sites. I have been asssigned to the children's ministry (surprise, surprise!) that is located in an apartment complex about an hour outside of Charleston.
Today I got to send quite a bit of time getting to know Cleo. Cleo is about 5 years old and loves to hunt for crickets, grasshoppers, little frogs and other creepy crawlies. When found, the insects are captured and examined closely by Cleo and anyone who will listen. Unfortunately for the bug, the examination usually end with its death. Cleo picked me to be his assistant on his quest and we set out about the yard to find our test subjects. One problem, Cleo forgot to mention that he was deathly afraid of crickets, grasshoppers, and other creepy crawlies (but not the frogs). Our first encounter went something like this:
Me: Oh look over there, I saw a grasshopper!
Cleo: Where?
Me: Over there! (I sweep my foot over the area that the grasshopper landed in, causing the grasshopper to jump. Cleo spots the grasshopper and begins to scream bloody murder, much to my surprise and displeasure.)
Each encounter was the same without variation. We I caught about 20 little hopping creatures and endured about 1,983 screams.
Later Cleo saw my shirt, which had a frog on it and soon his attention was drawn to the power cross that I was wearing around my neck. He asked me what it was and I told him that it was a cross and each color stood for something different. He asked me about each color and I explained the meaning behind each. He had the colors and meanings down pretty well when I left, though the concept of sin is still a question mark for him.
The weather has been hot and muggy with occasion rain storms. Tropical Storm Bill is causing the frequent rainfall but so far it has not interfered with any ministry track.
I also have three more pictures posted for you to view.
That's all from Charleston for right now.
We have arrived safely in Charleston, SC after the leisurely 16 hour drive over the past two days.
We have internet access here at Charleston Southern University, so hopefully we will be able to keep you updated on a semi-regular basis on our activities and upload some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Here are four pictures posted, more to come.
For all of you youth going on the mission trip (or not going on the trip) we have decided to have a barbeque and fireworks show soon after we get back from the trip to make up for what was lost while serving God in Charleston. The date, time, and place are not for certain yet but keep your calendar clear so you can come join us for food, fun, and fellowship.