The night lasted long as I had trouble sleeping.  As I lay awake in the bunk I heard other members of our team tossing and turning as well.  Someone who slept well last night thinks that one night's restlessness leads to the next night's restful sleep.

John Rock, our electrical team leader, made a supply run last night as well as consulted with another team on a homeowner's electrical needs.  John's knowledge of wiring, people skills and sense of humor make him a blessing to our team.

Although John is greatly experienced in wiring houses (he wired his own home) John's technical advisor has been our professional electrician, Doug Myers.  Doug has been ready and willing to be our long-distance resource person which has helped us do the work according to professional standards.  John did learn yesterday that only a registered electrician is able to call for an inspection.  We trust that a local electrician will be our advocate for the work our team has been doing.

Sherry Geis worked with John to develop a schematic of which outlets would be connected to which circuit breakers.  So, today's work included running the wires through the studs and into the boxes.  Jan Hepler was our Rosie the Riveter using a 90 degree drill to cut pathways for the wires.  Dale, a member of the Elfinwild team, was removing old boxes as well as helping when others of us were stuck.

Our other team, led by Cliff Schoff, finished sanding and priming the drywall in their home.  They had worked on the home as if it had been their own.  As his team was finishing its last tasks, I took Cliff to meet the homeowner of his next job.  It was a joy to see his compassion in action.  First, he asked Terrie and her husband Clay what they needed.  He listened patiently as we walked from room to room seeing major damage in each room in need of repair.  Then, after all the technical questions had been discussed, Cliff asked how the storm had affected them.  His quiet demeanor and his gentle sense of humor were a balm to their souls wearied by their seven-month wait for help with their repairs.

Given the nearly daily changes in our living arrangements, Jan has taken part in the daily discussion about the emerging housekeeping issues.  Of us all, she has needed the most patience.  Also, she has communicated with each day's cook/clean-up crew to orient them and support them in their tasks.

It seems that God has given each person a special role in the mission-work trip: Sherry Geis has been our "processor" thinking about various issues that have arisen and sharing her "we can do this" attitude; Dick Ayars has not only set a high standard for dedicated work, he has been a persistent encourager to our team; Dave Geis has carried precious gratitude for the people with whom he has worked and has shared his laughter which has been the right medicine for us in the easy and the challenging times.  Bobbie Lio, arriving two days after the rest of the team brought fresh energy and questions that gave the rest of our team a sense that we possessed significant knowledge of our surroundings and routines.  It has fallen to me to stir up some mischief from time to time.

Other people in the news include one of the Illinois team members who fell through the roof during his first day on the job.  Two of the young men on their team pulled him out and he was not injured.  Whether by his wife's intercession, who is also on their team, or some other authority, Bud has been relegated to ground work.

Also, a couple from the Elfinwild team celebrates their 53rd wedding anniversary today.  Bob took Bea a card to her room early this morning and we all enjoyed this special day for them.

As I finish this day's log, all the teams have returned from their jobs.  Some are showering off the day's grime.  Others have gathered to chat at the supper tables.

Mindful of today's events two Scriptures come to mind as powerfully true: "the Spirit has given to each one as a gift to be used for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12) and "as each part [of the Body of Christ] is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:16)

Even without much sleep, what I feel most is not fatigue, but gratitude for our team members, their faith that brings them here and their selfless work to bless others.  When people have asked how we are doing, I have playfully said "we still like each other" and we do.

Please join me in a prayer of gratitude for these blessings.

Steve