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Work Hard, Play Hard, and Pray Hard.” Our hard work came in the form of our work projects: a host of painting jobs, both indoor and out; major clean up; maintenance; repair work; outdoor yard work; spending time with children at daycare centers for low-income families; and work at homeless shelters, food distribution centers and outreach centers. We played hard with daily live music, dancing, games and skits. And we prayed hard at opening and closing Masses, daily liturgies and through meaningful dramas and prayer experiences.
July 24 - Sat
Due to all the flooding, we got stuck in two hours of traffic!!! If you think that is bad just wait. . . more traffic and then the storm of death. They shut down the road to one lane, and while we were sitting there for an hour, we watched the huge thunder storm we were about to enter. On the bright side of things, we found out our car has a black light – perfect for DANCE PARTIES! But the major high point of the trip today was the magnificent double rainbow! Tonight we are staying at a hotel, and we are all getting really anxious for tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day we will see the school, meet our group/family for the week, and have the first evening program. We are all getting really excited for this wonderful adventure.
Hope you all had a great day
Car 4: Megan Keller, Elizabeth Hassett, Mary Beth Xenakis and Maureen Ofiara.
Car 8: Hanna, Jillian, and Maggie
July 25 - Sun
 
Going into the mission trip, we all had our own ideas of what this experience would be like but nothing was like what we imagined. When we first got to the school, everyone noticed that it was nice school. The rooms are very big, so the girls have one room and the guys have another. No one is sure how this will work out because the air conditioning is not as cool as we expected in the girls room. The program was really energizing and got everyone pumped to get to work. We met with the small groups and are very excited to get to work tomorrow.
~Courtney, Alissa, Alyssa, Connor and Nick
July 26 - Mon
 
After the program that welcomed us yesterday afternoon, anticipation was built not only to find out who we would be working with for the rest of the week, but also what would be the tasks that would set our hands at work.
Once arrived at our worksites today, we were able to fully analyze the total extremeness of our projects. Some didn’t seem as daunting as they had the other day and actually seemed manageable for the week we had ahead – I mean getting rid of overgrown ivy off a side of a house can’t be that hard – right?
Today was a really fun day because we got to meet our resident for the first time. She was so nice and incredibly appreciative and was really enjoyable to work with. We had fun working with our group, even though it was the first day; we bonded through our work and talking with each other.
 
 
It was difficult to sleep amid the snoring serenade from the elder section of the boys room on July 26, 2010. The drastically shifting temperature of many of the rooms created an atmospheres that rendered many campers tired for much of the next day.
However, I was still able to wake up in time for a 6:00 AM shower followed by a delicious breakfast of fruits, Danish pastries , and hard boiled eggs. Breakfast started the day off right and led into a fun and invigorating morning program. After program we met up with our work groups and shipped out to our sites for the first time (the benefit to having Jim as your group leader is that he drives like a racecar driver). At the sites we began work and had a great time bonding with our new friends.
Upon returning to camp we filed paper work with the camp staff regarding tools and any problems we encountered during our first day. My group had to filed for a troubleshooter to help us fill the gaping hole in the stairway house at our site. Hopefully, we get Phil!
After a quick to trip to Dollar Tree with helpful adult chaperone Mr. Haight, I had soap and shampoo enough to shower (everyone in my room was very happy). After my shower I moseyed on down to the cafeteria for the first dinner shift. And now… FREE TIME!
Car 2: Ryan, DZ (the slacker), Adam (the meanie), Brian Barrett (The cute one)
 
July 27 - Tues
Even if I slept pretty much (only) six hours, my working day was fun. I met new people from other countries, I also met a genius that knows how to build a time machine. I had fun Jesus is the man.
~Vincent
During the past four years, I have never worked for a resident I didn't like. They have always been so kind and the amount never fails to surprise me. Currently, Mrs. Brown is no exception. Every day she alsoways tries to help in some way, like bringing fans to the room we're working in that has not air conditioning. She is friendly and open and we have talked with her about her life and family, of which she even has Great-Great Grand Children! Im all I've seen, It has been one of my most pleasent years at CHWC.
~Spencer Alexander
 
 
Today was our second day at our worksites. All of the teams have been bonding more and more with each other and our residents. Jess’s resident was so thankful that she made her team cookies. Everyone agreed that they were delicious!
No matter how much we scrubbed in the showers the proof of our hard work is still visible through much splatter of paint! Parents get excited for laundry!
And everyone’s favorite TACO TUESDAY! The whole camp gets so excited for the scrumptious “gourmet” tacos.
Our successful theme nights have set us apart from all the other churches! Last night we wore Chicago sports clothing. Most of the teens were wearing Blackhawks gear. It was crazy to find out that people here didn’t actually know who they were. They are really missing out! Tonight’s theme is neon! You can really spot us in the crowd!
Well it’s time for program! Thanks for the love and support! God Bless!
Erin, Lydia, Jess, Julie and Sarah
 
July 28 - Wed
We experienced a very busy day from working with our residence to program to four corners. It was a very valuable experience that took up much time that left no time for a update. Our deepest aplogizies.
July 29 - Thurs
 
Dear Parishioners,
Hello! I am Margaret Barrett and I have completed my final day at my worksite. Yes, not only have I willingly painted church doors and organized food in a food pantry, I was even allowed to use some minor power tools. In all honesty, I am really taking all I can from this mission trip. I ate a whole slice of pineapple pizza. . . with Canadian bacon. . . and it miraculously came from a good ol’ St. Louis dominos.
My group is amazing and we all work phenomenally together. We have enough inside jokes to write fifteen blogs. . .or at least through 259 worksites. So far, none of us have even it way too far. This experience has taken me to a level of service beyond my expectations however.
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