The Haven Church team is from Zeeland, Michigan. The team learns about perspective as they undertake construction projects and host a Galentines Day event. They share the ‘derailments’ and reminders from their day.
Most of the time, trains stay on their tracks. But, sometimes, trains unexpectedly derail, and it messes up the day.
Today, one of our plans was to replace a bathroom vanity in the Director of Impact, Laura’s, house. Laura and Erin had left in the morning to go get groceries for a food distribution that we planned to do on Sunday, and we planned to replace the vanity while she was gone. All was going well until an old water pipe behind the vanity unexpectedly burst, and water began to spray everywhere, hitting Dann square in the face. Chaos ensued as Olive, Laura’s cat, ran circles a million miles an hour around the room, severely displeased and in terror of the small flood beginning in her domain. Come to find out, Olive, the cat, is partially blind, which only added to the chaos. A distressed call to Laura was met with a calm and cool response; she was just glad the burst had happened while there were people around able to fix it. The team managed to get the project back on track and was able to soak up the water and get things cleaned up. Laura’s positive outlook on the situation added a good dose of perspective on the reality of reacting in the midst of chaos versus assessing a situation away from it.
Although we started off our day a little off the tracks, our group got lots done. We completed drywall work in the Camp Abaco Chapel, hung new lights in the dorms, toilet and septic repairs, and lots more. FIVE trips to the junkyard later, we called it an afternoon!
This evening, the females in the group helped host a “Galentine’s Day” event at the local church, Kirk of the Pines. Roughly 35 girls ages 11-18 gathered to enjoy crafts, cupcake decorating, nail painting/makeup, jewelry making, and a photo booth. A meal was provided, and the girls were able to take home all kinds of yummy leftovers! The Galentine’s evening ended with a devotional message about God’s unchanging true love for each one of us and His constant pursuit of our hearts.
A long, hard day’s work in the hot sun taught us a lot of lessons, and some moments tested our patience and perseverance. However, the change in schedule brought memorable moments to what, otherwise, may have been a commonplace day. We may have needed to get a bit off the track to appreciate God’s faithfulness in the completion of the day’s work.
Jeremiah 29:11 came up various times today. It reads: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
We learned today to trust what God has in store for us and not try to change His plan but, instead, to just let it keep rolling down the tracks day by day.
As we move into the second half of our week together, we ask that you pray for our team; that we will follow God’s leading and trust in His plans, whatever they may bring.
