Arrived!by Emma Peterson | June 29, 2024 9:37 PM
We made it to the church in New London! After settling in, we had an orientation. Pastor Rocky joined us and shared some of his story and the history of the church. They are in the middle of a name change and lots of other changes within the church. We get to be part of doing some outreaches and helping to beautify the church this week. We are excited! After the orientation, we celebrated Miq’s birthday with some strawberry shortcake cupcakes!
![Arrived!](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131814.jpg)
Sunday Morning Pancakesby Emma Peterson | June 30, 2024 9:49 AM
Starting off the day with some pancakes. We are ready for Sunday service in our Pelican shirts. David is playing an instrumental and some on the team will share about the mission during service.
![Sunday Morning Pancakes](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131838.jpg)
Architecture by Emma Peterson | June 30, 2024 9:51 AM
This church was built in 1843, so we had to definitely get a photo in front. The area of the church we are staying in is a bit newer, but the building is amazing! We are grateful to stay in and serve here.
![Architecture](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131839.jpg)
Music Giftsby Emma Peterson | June 30, 2024 8:08 PM
David playing his guitar and singing! It was such a blessing.
![Music Gifts](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131879.jpg)
What is the mission?by Emma Peterson | June 30, 2024 8:11 PM
During service Pelican staff, Pastor Jim, and Caleb shared about the heart of the mission. Caleb prayed for us. The sermon, given by Pastor Rocky was impactful and left an impression on us. He spoke about the importance of fellowship with other believers. After service ended, we did just that, we enjoyed food with other church members and talked with them.
![What is the mission?](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131880.jpg)
Unexpected Watersby Emma Peterson | June 30, 2024 8:12 PM
Right after this picture was taken, heavy rains came in. We had the chance to give out some church invites for awhile after the lunch gathering. Unfortunately, the rain that came in, came in strong and we had to finish early.
![Unexpected Waters](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131881.jpg)
Grill Assemblyby Emma Peterson | June 30, 2024 8:14 PM
For lunch, the plan was for Pastor Rocky to grill burgers and hotdogs. But sadly, the grill they had stopped working. They ended up buying a new one and during the rain, the team had the chance to assemble the new grill. Well done to Jose and Lyric for sticking with the job and finishing it.
![Grill Assembly](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131882.jpg)
Team Building Funby Emma Peterson | June 30, 2024 8:16 PM
We ended the night with debrief (high low buffalo), devotional time, and team building activities. During one of the team building activities, we had to undue the human knot. It was a challenge, but we did it!
![Team Building Fun](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131883.jpg)
Morning Devoby Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 10:10 AM
We started the morning with Pastor Rocky sharing a devotion through 1 Corinthians 13. We talked about what it means to love as a believer in Christ, specifically when it comes to patience and kindness. It was a great way to start off the day!
![Morning Devo](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131921.jpg)
Ready to Work!by Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 10:12 AM
We are ready to serve! Trish (the church secretary) shared the different ministry projects of the day which range from installing toilets, dumpster diving, primer for painting, calendar work, and filing. We are excited to be part of the vision of what the church is building!
![Ready to Work!](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131922.jpg)
Clean Clean Cleanby Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 10:13 AM
Ethan by far has the coolest tool of the day. He’s doing an amazing job with David cleaning out the sanctuary!
![Clean Clean Clean](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131923.jpg)
Office Funby Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 10:15 AM
These two are working in the office organizing important papers. They have smiles on their face and positive attitudes. It is a joy to serve.
![Office Fun](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131924.jpg)
Is it already July?by Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 10:17 AM
Time goes by fast and it’s that time to change the calendar. Shoutout to Ebony and Rebekah for their creative skills and teamwork. After this, they plan to join the painting crew!
![Is it already July?](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131925.jpg)
Prepare the Wallsby Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 10:19 AM
Lots to be done in the basement. We will paint all four walls, but first, the walls need to be prepped. Jenn is working on getting some of the tape off and then we will begin the primer.
![Prepare the Walls](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131926.jpg)
Future Plumbers?by Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 10:22 AM
Another shoutout to Caleb, Lyric, Shawn, and Trish for working on the toilet / sink installations. It’s may not be the prettiest job to do, but it is definitely a necessary one! Good work everyone!
![Future Plumbers?](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131927.jpg)
Out with the Old, In with the Newby Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 10:25 AM
Getting rid of things to help beautify the church and organize through everything. It’s a lot of heavy lifting, good thing Tobin, Jose, and Pastor Rocky are on the case!
![Out with the Old, In with the New](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131928.jpg)
Primer Checkby Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 9:44 PM
We finished the first part, primer. We did all four walls and it took most of the day but tomorrow we paint!
![Primer Check](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131989.jpg)
Burgers, Hot dogs, & a new grillby Emma Peterson | July 1, 2024 9:45 PM
For dinner, Pastor Rocky (using the new grill that we assembled) made us some burgers and hotdogs. It was soooo good!
![Burgers, Hot dogs, & a new grill](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/131990.jpg)
Knocking on Heavens Doorby Emma Peterson | July 2, 2024 7:39 AM
Started the morning with some stretches. Now to have some cinnamon rolls! And then devotional time with Pastor Rocky, and lastly painting! Today we also chose a team name, “Knocking on Heavens Door”!
![Knocking on Heavens Door](https://trip-journals.storage.googleapis.com/19403/132035.jpg)