First day at the women's shelter

Today was our first day working with the 12 women at the women's safe house. Meg and I and the team went in with a grand plan that we felt very blessed to have come by with lots of prayer and planning. We determined a day by day schedule that would incorporate both an interactive event with the women plus our testimonies. However, as it goes with being flexible and trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide us, our plan did not play out at all - but in turn we had an even more intimate setting than we could have ever imagined. In turn for planting a garden and doing light landscaping, we were greeted with homemade soup and a very tiny room filled with lots of people. But conversation was deep and meaningful, and a few of the ladies were excited to receive prayer. Excited for tomorrow.

First day of children's camp!!

Today was the first day of our neighborhood children's camp. It was awesome!! We had about 25 kids. We sang songs, played games, threw frisbees and taught the children about Jesus' love through the story of the shepherd leaving the 99 sheep to find the one. We made lots of new friends, and look forward to seeing them again tomorrow. I also want to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and financial support. I appreciate you all so much.

God bless you guys,
Jeff

First Outreach Day

For myself (Josh) and Ben we had our first day of outreach with the soccer tournament. Everyone else went to various other out reaches (women's home, orphanage, kids program, and practical team (clean, paint, repair, etc). It has been a great start to the week for the tournament. There are three separate fields being used with at least 4 teams competing at each location. We had five games today and then had some "friendly" games where those of us who came played with the kids for a while. After each game we shared a bit about who we were and why we had come to Poland. We are going to head back over at 3 and have some more games and drills with the kids. The pictures are of the soccer field where we were today and the pizzeria where we come to use the free wi-fi.

Sunday

We have to walk a couple blocks to a pizzeria to get wi-fi so there will be sporadic updates... We have been in worship and teaching for the first part of the day and the rest will be team planning, and worship again later tonight. Tomorrow starts our outreach at the women's home, orphanage, and soccer tournament, so please be in prayer for these. The picture is from a dance lesson Greg, Abi, and Hannah taught us today!

Sunday Worship

We are finally here in Ruda Slaska with every team having arrived safely ~ there were only a few close calls with ticket reservations and 2 lost suitcases. With roughly 70 of us here, we are sleeping and showering at a local school. The teams are compiled from 12 countries: United States, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Poland, Korea, England, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, France and Hungary! Here's a few pics from this morning's worship time.

On our Way!!

We've made it to DC and are in the middle of our first of two 5 hour layovers. We should be in Poland by 1:30 PM Saturday (6:30 AM Birmingham time). Please continue to pray for our safe travels and that all our luggage would make it.

And the fun begins. Super seriousness.