Walking through the doors of Pendleton this morning, we realized how at home we really feel here. Whether it's the warm morning greeting from Ms. Connie who opens the front door, or the glowing candy bowl Ms. Melody supplies, we've come to anticipate the small pleasantries of the kind staff (family) at Pendleton. After getting our fix of Snickers and Three Musketeers bars, the gang went straight to prepping the rooms for painting. The system's down pat: clean, spackle, paint, and paint some more! Today we conquered four rooms, bringing the total to seven this week. However, painting isn't everyone's forte, so a couple put their talents to use organizing the library and the large clothing closet for incoming girls.
The lunch break is always a welcome relief, and today we feasted on some leftover rice, peanut butter sandwiches, and barbeque chips — killer combination. In the afternoon the girls came back and set the Wii. Cici popped in Mario and went to town playing it with the girls. She reported a "headache" following the intense game. Poor Cici.
St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Greenville has welcomed us so graciously and tonight put their hospitality over the top with a feast of sweet tea and Shepard's pie. Sitting at the tables with the church members and hearing their stories was a great experience. Ben spoke with an elderly man who with Alzheimer's who has still managed to bike through the entire country twice. As if it weren't enough, Gary, the man who cooked the meal with his family, left us an entire pot of leftovers which served as an excellent "fourth meal" for some of us this evening.
The night ended with a trip to downtown Greenville (after a quick nap), where we made our second trip to Spill the Beans for some great ice cream and coffee, then traversed down to the falls, this time with a touch of moonlight. After we got our fill of the Greenville landmark, it was time to debrief, this time in the center of the park. Everyone had the opportunity to share the most uplifting person they've encountered on the trip. For some it was the girls at Pendleton and their individual stories. Others found inspiration in the staff of the shelter, and some even recognized the random strangers we've bumped into along the way. Our night in the city ended with a sad encounter of the indoor put-put golf course we visited the first night here. Sadly they went bankrupt in the few days since we played, but something tells us it will always remain a fun memory for all.
"Happy Birthday" rang through the halls here at St. Matthew tonight as we sang to Claire for her 19th birthday. Nothing quite as fun as an "ASBirthday," get it? A slight sorrow is setting in as we tuck into our sleeping bags in the Sunday School classroom and realize that tomorrow is our last day in this awesome place and with each other. However, the sorrow is quickly forgotten with the anticipation of a home-cooked meal from Ms. Ranzella for tomorrow's lunch!
Be nice to one another.
Peace and Love,
ASB Greenville
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