Day 8 | Andrew McCallister

Yesterday was pretty good we went to yellow stone at 5 in the morning we were really tired but we saw a lot of animals and the trip was 20 hours today we had indian tacos which was really good. We saw old faithful yesterday to it was cool.

Day 8 | Jordan Skidmore

To start my day off yesterday I was up at 4:00am to arrive at Yellowstone. I have never been there so it’s a day I’ll remember. I have had so many new opportunities to make several memories and I have made sure to soak in all of them. This evening before bible study I was in my cabin talking to all my girls about how much we have enjoyed everyone’s company and everything new we have all learned about each one of us. Preston is my cousin, but I don’t think I have spent as much time with him before as I have this week. As much as I wouldn’t want to admit it, I have enjoyed hanging with him too as I watch us both work for Christ (he said I’m the one being mean but don’t let him fool you). It’s almost to the end of our trip, but I will make sure to take the time to keep up with everyone even once we are back in Braxton.

Day 8 | Preston Allison

Well well well…these past two days have been so crazy, exciting, and mesmerizing! Yesterday we awoke at 4:00a.m and left by 5:00a.m. We drove 6 hours to Yellowstone and drove another 5 hours across the park itself. I was hoping to see a wolf but unfortunately it didn’t happen, but I did see loads and loads of buffaloes. The park is so amazing, the land is so untouched that it’s hard to believe that it’s real! On the way home we stopped at this cool little french town that was super pretty! We made it home at 1:00…a.m. Today we woke up at 6:00…a.m ( only got 5 hours of sleep ). I went to the painting project, trying to climb up a 40 foot ladder with no sleep was pretty fun…and we finished it! Tonight we had Navaho bread.( a puffy tortilla shell ) it was great!! Momma I got the recipe! Tomorrow we are having a carnival after VBS and I am so excited! Hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day of full work, I am so sad. P.S. Momma be prepared for laundry…leaving for cowen the day I get back..lol AND ALSO….JORDAN IS BEINING MEAN! So uncle jeff if you are reading this tell her to be nice!

Day 8 | Logan Gibson

Yesterday we went to Yellowstone National Park. Even though it was my fourth trip, I was still amazed at all the beautiful scenery and landscapes. Bill nicknamed me “hawkeyes” as a joke because I couldn’t spot any of the wildlife until we stopped the vans and got out to look for it. We were in the vans for over 20 hours, but it was an awesome trip! Today we had VBS again and several of our regular kiddos brought their siblings or friends which was great! At the end of the morning, none of them wanted us to leave. We can’t wait to go back tomorrow morning and in the evening for the carnival. After VBS, we went to Kenny’s house to screw down his flooring. We knocked the job out in just over an hour. Jerusha, Kenny’s wife, came out while we were working and told us it was 109 degrees! We were all pretty toasty! Once we finished the flooring, we came back to camp and scrubbed down the bathrooms. They are probably as clean as they have ever been! Everyone pitched in and we also got all the VBS and carnival goodies sorted. Around 4:30 pm, Bill told me that Kenny’s sister was coming to make us Indian Tacos. When we got here, she showed us how to make the Navaho dough and let us roll it into balls. Then, I helped her daughter fry up the dough. I tried to write down all the steps and ingredients. I can’t wait to try and make the recipe when I get home. Someone is going to have to eat some of it though because the recipe is for 40 servings!

Day 8 | Jasmine Leake

Yellowstone had some amazing scenery. We got to feed some chipmunks on the way and saw buffalo, elk, deer, and so much more. The van ride was so much fun. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in my entire life than when Vicki saw elk and started yelling at tapping the window saying “elk, elk, elk” over and over. I was laughing so hard at how excited Vicki was that I barely even got to see the elk. Today I went to VBS and then went and worked on Kenny’s house. It was 110 degrees today and we had no shade, but working was still so much fun as always. Tomorrow is our last full day here and it is so hard to believe. I’ve gotten to know some wonderful people and I am looking forward to getting to know them better throughout the rest of our trip.

Day 8 | Wendy Summers

110 degrees and no shade! But our crew working on a floor for a house did their work without complaint and with cheerful hearts, ‘as unto the Lord’. It was a joy for me to work with them! A few of us learned to make Indian Tacos this evening. Kenny’s sister taught us. Of course, she does not need a recipe. That was so much fun and ‘many hands make lite work’. The tacos were delicious, but I would not make them too often…think funnel cake without the sugar. I think if there are many leftovers, Bill has plans for breakfast… Yellowstone was amazing, beyond words! And I am sure my photos will not do it justice. So our mission trip has been all about people, and all about God’s absolutely breath taking creation. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to serve!

Day 8 | Paul Summers

Yellowstone was neat, although Old Faithful was a little overrated. The sights I saw on the way was what I enjoyed most. You’re driving along a grassland, and suddenly you see a tree… and then another one… and another one. Soon, you are tired of seeing trees. Same deal with the buffalo… unless the thirty-eighth happens to be running two feet from your window. Today was hot. In the morning, I was on the crew that cleaned the church. In the afternoon, I was sent to weed-eat a field with a push weed-eater. No, I didn’t make a mistake typing that. I could have gone faster with a pair of scissors. It was slow, but neither me nor Logan dehydrated or ran into a rattlesnake, so it was a very good time.

Day 8 | Jack Friend

Hot and dry in montana, on the way to work this morning I saw a bull frog with chap lips. It did sprinkle one evening but not enough to settle the dust. Someone said it was 109 but after 100 who’s counting.Everyone is drinking a lot of water which is good. I had a short day, we had finished up some work at the church and we brought the equipment back to the camp area.Enjoying meeting all the new people and beginning able to share Christ with some of them. Still cant wait to get back home, missing someone very much.

Day 8 | Trey Jack

Yesterday was a long day. We all woke up to turn around and sleep on our way to Yellowstone. Nana (Vickie) traded spots with Eladio then with me. Every time she saw an animal she and Hannah would scream at Lloyd to stop but he'd keep on going. After a few teases of the geyser, we finally got to see Old Faithful erupt. On the way home, I spotted a heard of elk and Nana screams “Elk elk elk elk elk!” and we all were dying in laughter. Today, most of us started at the church. Everyone picked up and moved the chairs, while Emily and I vacuumed the first floor and balcony. The same group headed to Kenny’s house to drill nails in to plywood to secure the flooring. Hannah, Tess, and I got into a system where Hannah would give the nail to Tess where she hammers it in a little and I’d follow behind drilling. We got it done in just a little over an hour which was great. Tomorrow is the last day of work so we will see what’s next!

Day 8 | Lori Dittman

I was in complete awe of the beauty of Yellowstone! I think I may have taken 300 plus pictures! Mom and Dad, if you are reading this, you will have to make the trip! Our van would get a bit excited and exclaim rather loudly when we saw an animal or if we thought we saw an animal! I felt like a kid sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what wonderful sight I would see around each turn. I was never disappointed! The trip was long…really long, but so worth it! We finished the job painting the house! Again I am so thankful to work with a crew that sings worship songs and other creatively written songs about painting. One funny thing that happened after we finished painting, Preston and I decided to get a toy that was stuck in a tree for one of the kids. After a few failed attempts, Preston finally got it down! I told Colleen that she has spoiled us with her watermelon, popsicles, and she insisted that we take something from her Mary Kay bag. We go to be a blessing to someone, but we receive a blessing! Love to you all and as always thank you for praying for us!

Day 8 | Megan Frame

Yesterday was 19 hours in a vehicle! I’m exhausted but made so many memories and got to see so many things at yellowstone! God’s handiwork was incredible and I was just in awe. Today I got to work VBS for the first time. I had a ton of fun playing with the kids and sharing the lesson. I got to meet a Native American girl my age named Zhane. She was very sweet and asked a lot of questions so we got to know each other better. I’m excited to see her again tomorrow. I cannot believe that our week is almost over.. It flew by so fast! I talked to mom today and she asked whether I was hooked on mission trips now. I say absolutely! I hope I get to do another one soon. Today we also nailed down the plywood floor in Kenny’s house. We knocked it out in 45 minutes! However it was hot! I think someone said 102?! I’m sad to leave but also can’t wait to get home. It’s been such a blessing to be a part of this trip. I’ve learned so many things about so many people. :)

Day 8 | Eladio Mazon

We got to Yellowstone We were all excited to see some wild life. Saw a lot of buffalos ( they make 2 of our cows). the view was something that only God could make. I enjoyed the views more than seeing the animals . We were there all day. We cut it short because Riley got sicker and we had to find her a hospital because everything else was already closed. When we got to the end of the park, we were able to see all kinds of elk all over the small town that we were in. Everybody got lots of great pics. We have one more good day on Friday; hope that God blesses what we do for His glory .

Day 8 | Tim Frame

Yesterday we got more of God’s beautiful creation. Those that believe that beauty came from a big bang don't think things through. Thank you Lord for allowing me to see it.

Day 8 | Riley Skeens

Yesterday we went to Yellowstone, and the trip was very interesting for me. I have been sick since we left on Thursday and it gets better and worse on different days. Yesterday my fever spiked and my cough worsened, and it just wasn't a good trip. I ended up going to the hospital and found out I just have a virus and that it should go away in a couple days. Today was kind of an easy day for our group. We swept the church sanctuary and cleaned the bathroom. Then, we ate lunch and rested at the church until Kenny told us what to do. I went back to the cabins though to sleep because I did not feel good.

Day 8 | Vern Frame

Since we didn't blog yesterday I will talk a little bit about our trip to yellowstone. Lets just say the 19 hour drive was worth every second of it. From the excitement of seeing our first animal to the beautiful landscape that God created. Being Old Faithful erupt was neat and brought up conversations in the van on the ride home on what blocks it and just happens to let loose at around the same time. Today we finished Colleens house. She was so pleased with it and very thankful. I cannot say enough about the crew I got to work with. We all engaged in singing and conversation as well as helping each other. We prayed with Colleen and some of her grandkids before we left. She asked for prayer for her grandson who was burnt when he was younger and has to have releases every so often as he grows. Something my family knows some about. She is the kind of women and is always helping others so before I left i wiped out a few odd and ends that she needed done like putting up her cloths line and putting in the window she needed. It has been a great week serving God.

Day 8 | Amber Frame

Yesterday we made our way to Yellowstone bright and early in the morning. It was a long trip but it was well worth it. We were so excited when we saw our first buffalo but then we saw herds and herds of them and it got less exciting until the buffalo was walking right on the road. That buffalo acted like he owned the road he knew everyone was watching him and he had traffic backed up forever. After we waited 15 minutes for the buffalo we made our way to Old Faithful. It was a hour and 30 minute wait for a 2 minute thing but it was worth it. after that we made our way back to camp another long trip but we played cars for most of the time I won three of the four games. Today was also great we finished up the house we were painting after three days. The owner of the house was so happy with our work she kept bringing out watermelon and she also gave us a bag full of Mary Kay stuff. That was her way to thank us even though we didn't need anything from her. You could feel the joy from her she has had a rough life and she needed some help. We also fixed her clothes line because it had been tore down. Then we screwed in a window that had been broke. We also got a toy out of a tree for the little girl for the second time. It was a great time serving the Lord and I'm so glad i could make someone happy.

Day 8 | Bill Morlan

Well it’s been a few days since I’ve done this so I thought I better write before Eric catches me. It’s as hot as I remember! It’s either I’m getting older or it’s getting hotter. The team has done a great job and at this time we have completed all of our jobs. We will be looking at putting up walls and the rafters at Kenny’s house tomorrow. Like always, it’s hard to believe that we are on our last day of work and then the journey home. We finished the rocks on Tuesday and some of those rocks we moved 4 times. As you know by now, we went to Yellowstone yesterday. Started at 5am and got back at 1am. Long day but a fun day. To me, the one of the best parts of the day was when we got stopped by a buffalo for about 30 min because he was in the road. By the time he finally gave us room to pass I could of touched him. The team has worked well together and I am very proud of them for what they have done. Being that this is my 4th time here I have a lot of memories of this place and the people that we have helped. Some of the people remember us. One of the cool things was that Jarren was playing basketball with a young man who remembered us and coming to VBS when we had it. To all who have been here before, Neil and his wife bought an RV and are traveling the country. Kenny Sr. and his wife are doing fine and he is getting ready to retire. Kenny Jr. and his wife are building a new house. Russel, if you are reading this, tonight we are having Indian Tacos and the lady that is making them remembers you. She remembers that you ate 7 of them and she has never seen anyone do that. You have made a lasting impression. Tomorrow is our last day and like always it will be bitter sweet. Love you Bro, boys and my girls.

Day 8 | Brent Dittman

We went to Yellowstone yesterday which was fun but also kinda boring because there wasn't much to do once we got there. We did get to see Old Faithful go off though so it was a total waste. We also stopped at some of the Hot Springs along the road on the way home. Today we finished up three jobs and got smoothies from the church truck again which I got strawberry again. We also started another job but I don’t think we’re gonna go back to it but we might so it’s a Mystery in Montana. Kenny’s wife is making our dinner tonight, she’s making Indian Tacos which i’ve heard are really good. Kenny is also gonna play and sing more songs tonight like he did Tuesday. I hope we get to have a campfire tonight will Kenny sings and plays. Tomorrow is the last day we’re here then we start the long 3 day journey back to WV. I love and miss everyone at home and can’t wait to see everyone.

Day 8 | William Forbush

i had a good day at yellowstone my favorite part was when i got to take pictures of elks from like five feet away . today we pretty much got all our work wrapped up.

Day 8 | Michelle Shaver

Yesterday was our day off. It was fun but long. We went to Yellowstone National Park. I would have to say my favorite thing about the whole trip was looking at the mountains. I know we have mountains at home but the view is definitely not the same. Today was my first day at VBS. Andrew and I were in charge of games today. They really like duck, duck, goose so we played that one and simon says. We also were able to teach them a new game which they enjoyed too. After that one of the ladies from the church who sells breakfast and lunch at the church lot made lunch for all of us and tonight there is a relative of Kenny’s coming to made dinner. On the way back from VBS we stopped by Kenny’s house and nailed down the floor to his new house he is building. Kenny’s relative is here now and has brought her family, so many of the kids are playing with her children. And some of the ladies are in the kitchen helping make dinner with her. Tomorrow is our last full day here. Not sure what we will be doing tomorrow the two jobs we have been working on are complete. I have enjoyed my time here and the people that I have meet. Can’t wait to see what we get into tomorrow.