What an incredible start to our trip! We’ve been having a blast, but we’ve also had to do a little bit of improvisation these last few days. Here’s a quick rundown:
But here’s the good news (despite the minor setbacks)! We were able to get everything packed despite the rain; we’re using the wireless internet at Kohl’s Resort this afternoon to compose this blog post and upload videos; and we’ve been using Jake’s and Erin’s iPhones to continue video recording.
Besides, the real reason we are here isn’t to make videos, it’s to serve the community of Red Lake. We’ve been hard at work building decks, painting houses, and doing various other construction projects at homes across the reservation. Sorry for the lack of updates and communication from up north, but we promise everything is going great and we can’t wait to share our experiences with our families and friends!
Enjoy the videos from our first few days!
Day 1
Day 2
P.S. We think we’ll be able to upload the last few videos late Saturday evening, which is the next time we’ll have internet access. Thanks for being patient with us!
Hey wonderful youth and giving leaders…just want u to know that I feel bad for your low-tech work week…but it will teach u to appreciate the finer things in life…like uninterrupted face -to face conversations…spending time with peeps and not machines that can’t show real love and the mystery of what you’re doing every day to us..its like you’re haviing a magical mystery tour and we wish we were on it with u!!
. I look at that pic of all of u and wonder where the time has gone and cherish every memory I have with u…seniors…I will miss u o so much!!! And everyone that’s about to be a senior the anticipation of u leaving brings me sorrow as well… I pray I have more time with all of u…to learn from u and to share stories…wishing all of u love from the bottom of my heart! Deb paul 
Glad everyone is doing well and we appreciate the videos!
Blake – you seemed to forgot to tell everyone that it was your wonderfull Mom that found you those Spongebob pajamas!
Brittney – I noticed you had a band-aid on your on your knee. Are you wounded?
Mom – Carol
Have a great rest of the week!
Mom,
Got to love starting the trip with an 8 hour van ride in wet clothes. It could only get better from there!
Glad to see everyone, including my “three” kids, talking about enjoying the hard work they’re putting in to help these families. I hope to extend the enjoyment at our own house when the kids return.
Blake, now that you’ve impressed them with the Sponge Bobs, show them the ones with the flames.
Love, Dad.
Hi everybody!!! (this is Siri, btw
)
You all look like you’re having a blast! we miss you all and it makes me a tiny bit jealous that i cant be there with you guys too!
Kara– I thought i should let you know that the house is EXTREMELY quiet w/out you here… i hope you are sharing your love of talking/singing/other miscellaneous noises with your friends! i miss it but please get it out before you come home
lol mom and dad, on the other hand, miss it a lot and are ready for all of your stories when you come home!
Mia– I’m soooooo proud that you knew where you were…. lol i have to ask tho… do you know where st. cloud is? or did you just happen to read the sign as you entered the city?! just kidding! i love and miss you both much! ALSOOoooo… mom wants to know if you have seen any bears yet… she requests that you keep your distance. but, i suggest you keep your eyes peeled for a Mrs. Ippi citing… i hear she’s looking for her long lost husband.
Keep up the good work! what you guys are doing means so much to those people and im sure you all are learning just as much from them!
What fun! These videos are bringing back such awesome memories from the NOLA trip last summer. Enjoy your time in Red Lake and know that what you are doing is making a great difference in God’s Kingdom. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to sharing His love. We are in prayer for all of you and all those you encounter this week. Blessings, Cynnamon and family
By the way, Blake – you now have a new five year old fan. Zach loves your SB pants! And Erin, that same five year old boy is missing your five year old girl!
Noah, your grandma Luetta loves the videos! what amazing work you are all doing. You are all so handy, these skills will come in “handy” later in life, maybe that’s why they call it handy. way to go!
Luetta, Noah’s grandma
it is pretty quiet here at home. Dad survived Mon. Night announcing the softball game. beat North 7 – 2 and 12 – 2 in 4 innings. He is now working on his song list for Fri. Kayla you got your official drivers license in the mail and Dad got you a new cell phone. Won!t cost you anything. Can’t wait to hear about the fort you built. We are sure you had lots of ideas after building one at your grandparents.
Andrew hope you are learning a lot this week. Have you missed tv? ESPN has not been on all week. Going to the popcorn pops concert tomorrow night. Are you getting enough sleep!!!!! St. Mark won softball game sun. 8 – 6 with lots of women subs. Kim Muller had to play and they ask girls from another team too.
See you guys sun.
Seeing the videos makes me miss you all so much more – all your bright, happy faces. And the eating contests. And Blake’s jammy pants. And Brody’s interesting wardrobe choice. It’s good to see Kelly and Janelle playing nicely together. And to see Mia’s internal compass functioning. You guys are living proof that the bigger you give the more it comes back to you. I mean who ever would have thought you would have such a wonderful time doing Andrew’s summer chores?! Be safe and enjoy the rest of your time together and with the people of Red Lake – I expect a full report on Erin’s singing when you get back! Deb.
I love the videos! The cereal eating contest was great! Too bad you lost Robert. I am glad to see the amazing work that you all are doing for God! What an awesome opportunity to help share the love of Jesus! I am glad that you all got dried off. I can just imagine what it must have been like to be soaking wet for hours. I was freezing just for the ride back home. Hey Robert I have been doing some painting as well, the deck is all finished! I am excited to see all the videos and pics for the rest of the trip.
Love, Mom
The videos are awesome! It is amazing to see what a great time you are all having working for other people. Imagine how much fun you could have doing the same work in your hometown! We know it would put smiles on both of our faces.
Wil, Buddy sure misses you. He is actually cuddling with mom while we watch t.v. You know he has lost all sense of reality.
We were very disappointed that you lost the breakfast cereal eating contest. Ask for a rematch! There is no way you would lose twice.
We are so proud of all of you for the hard work you are doing and we know that the people of Red Lake are very grateful. Stay cheerful – a smile is worth a thousand words! Cannot wait to see you all again on Sunday.
Love,
mom and dad