HONORING WEEKEND

Dear Friends
Just to bring you up to date: a small contingent of representatives from the Adult Mission Trip headed back out to South Dakota last weekend (Nov 7, 8 and 9th) to attend a banquet for all state wide chapters of Humanity for Humanity.

We were proud to represent our group which was nominated by the Sicangu Tikaga Okiciyapi affiliate as their 2009 Supporter of the Year.

We shared a table with Brian, Lacosta and her husband, Greg, and Greg's brother and sister in law. It was wonderful to catch up; they're all doing well and Lacosta even won the drawing of a silent auction for a sewing machine she'd had her eye on!

It was a lovely evening with entertainment, good food and a moving reflection from the very first Habitat family in South Dakota (the Black Hills Chapter) who just had the privilege of burning their mortgage to celebrate full ownership of their home. (It was fun to think of going out for the burning of Harold and Stacys mortgage - assuming all our walkers can fit in the van!)

Glenn volunteered to do the invocation and exceeded expectations with a marvelous message.
So much so that I'm thinking he should be in charge of putting together next years prayer booklet!
I've included his remarks below.

God we invoke your presence at this gathering tonight, knowing full well that you are already here in the hearts of each of us who have been touched by Habitat for Humanity. We ask your blessings on this celebration as we join in honoring the work of Habitat for Humanity here in South Dakota.

We thank you for the opportunity, the ability and the privilege of serving as Habitat workers secure in the knowledge, and in the inherent satisfaction, that we are building homes for your people in need.

We ask your blessings on all Habitat workers throughout the world.

May we continue to work in safety with good skills and good humor.

Bless all the kinds of tools you have given us: phones, filing cabinets, computers and paper; saws, shovels, wheelbarrows and lumber; bobcats, cranes and trucks; committees, family trainers and Habitat partner families.

Bless all Habitat families and families-to-be throughout the world.

Bless our families.

Bless the food we are about to eat to our nourishment and us to your service.

Keep us ever mindful of the needs and the hunger of others.

We pray all these things in the name of the Carpenter who teaches us how to use a hammer to Your glory, and who has taught us how to live and how to love our neighbors.

AMEN

If this lighting thing doesn't work out with the Rep, he should mosey over to the seminary across the street, right?

Did a little retail therapy on behalf of all my girls.
After all, what would a Mission trip be without pumping up the local economy a little?

And had a wonderful time walking and exploring the town. I had never been to Sioux Falls before and was amazed to find a series of gorgeous waterfalls, created by the Big Sioux River, right in the middle of town, complete with a river walk and wonderful system of trails.

We made the loop several times, even taking a night excursion after the banquet. All the walking helped with the 22+ hrs of drive time!

Every time we visit South Dakota, it becomes more dear to us.

It is truly a remarkable state.

Only 6 more months before we go back!!

We're doing our presentation back to the parish tomorrow, 11/15, during Adult Education; try to be there.

Andy and Glenn are putting together a terrific video presentation that will raise the bar for future productions! Oh the pressure!

Have more thoughts after hearing Dans wonderful reflections about "Mission" at the MOE dinner on Thursday, but will save them for another time.

Please know that last Saturday night, we were very aware of the presence of ALL who have ever participated in the Mission Trips; we felt your support and love and knew you were all there with us when we accepted the plaque.

Get your deposits in to the Church office to reserve a spot for next summers trip; seats are going fast!!