Imagine 80+ adults and 50+ kids … descending upon the CCE at 8:30am for a half day of volunteering. Imagine the organization is takes to keep 85+ adults BUSY for 4 hours. Imagine the collaboration between Slovaks and Americans in doing our best at completing our morning projects. The CCE grounds were weeded, composted and planted. The roof flashing on two buildings was painted. The fence behind the church got a fresh coat for ‘Slovak Green’ paint (along with a few kids getting green paint on their hands and hair!) and brick fascia removed from the bottom of 2 buildings. And there was a number of other projects to numerous to mention that were accomplished much in part to Slávka’s organizational skills in getting a ‘task board’ and the supplies already available and onsite. The CCE grounds were A-BUZZ with activity, including the kids pitching in where they could. This event was ‘under estimated’ from the 40-50 parents that signed up. Homemade sausage soup, bread and beer was everyone’s reward for a job well done.

The Builders Group retreated to their dorm rooms about 2pm to rest and cleanup for the evening’s event hosted by Tomáš and Slávka at their home in Mošovce. After a 30 minute bus ride, Tomáš and Miško (Tomáš’ son) met us at the busstop in Mošovce, and from there we walked through a park to their house. Their backyard overlooks gorgeous mountains, unimpeded by any other structure. Barbequed sausage, hotdogs, and Bob’s favorite … Slovak Bacon for dessert. Sitting ’round a backyard fire to end our first week of this mission trip.

Steve is recovering from his cold, but now David is down in bed today. We pray for his speedy recovery.

Many of us who have been on a Builders Group trip in the past few years are amazed and appreciative of the improvement of organization that is very apparent this year. Many thanks to Slávka and the rest of the CCE staff that helps manage the details and projects for our group.

Tomorrow is Sunday… a day of rest… and we are in need of a day of R&R. We continue to ask for your prayers and support as we only have a little less than 2 work days left before heading to Nice, France. We thank GOD for putting us in this HOLY PLACE!!

KJ Bach