Last Day – Community Picnic and Long Goodbyes

We woke early to pack and clean the school as well as get ready for the community picnic starting at 11:00 am.  Several Southend kids set their alarms and came early at 8:30 to help us.  Before we put them to work, they enjoyed sitting down with the team and eating breakfast. 

Preparing hotdogs for the community picnic.

Members of our team also went to the grave of Brandi, a girl the team met the first year going to Southend.  Brandi took her life about 1 and 1/2 years ago.  This was the first time we were able to visit her grave site.  Our team made a rock for her and placed it on the grave with Brandi's sister, Serena.  Serena has had a tough time since Brandi died and our team has been providing her with support and encouragement.

 
The Southend Health Services contributed hotdogs, fruit, drinks and freezie pops and we enjoyed working together to set up and prepare the food.  The picnic was well attended by kids, teens and several adults.  

  

 

 

We took a group photo of everyone and there was much hugging and tears….so many tears. 

Mary Thomas, a member of the community (and now a dear friend), presented the team with a beautiful box filled with personal letters and pictures from several kids, teens and adults thanking our team for coming and teaching about Jesus.  One boy said he wanted to pray that there wouldn’t be a fire next year so we’ll be able to come back

Mary Thomas and the gift of thank you letters & pictures.



We’re so thankful for the opportunity to share God’s promise of salvation through Jesus with the wonderful people in Southend and we can’t wait to be with them again next year.

Peter Geddes, manager of the Northern Store, and his wife, Betty.  They have helped our team for several years by providing food and drinks for our team and community events.  This year they provided food & water for us upon our arrival and also with food & drinks for the ride home.