Today our group got to do something a little different. After two days of canvassing neighborhoods, we jumped on the bus to head up to Crossroads Retreat Center and Camp (CRC) in Pleasant Grove, NJ. The trip took about 2.5 hours, including the time we spent recovering from a wrong turn, another detour required by a bridge that was too low for our bus, and a detour that turned into a stop when we stumbled upon a school in the middle of a fire drill and were asked to park while the students were gathering in the parking lot.

Once we finally arrived, we got right to work with various projects around the camp. Hurricane Sandy knocked down over 1,000 trees on the camp’s property, so a group of us spent time clearing downed limbs and trees, while taking breaks to rehydrate.

Other groups worked on painting and staining projects, moving rocks, and raking leaves. After grabbing sack lunches supplied to us by CRC and hastily changing in shifts on the bus, we headed back south to Seaside Heights, where all 315 of us showed our support for the citizens of New Jersey by singing “Lean on Me” flash-mob style. It was quite an experience for all of us!

Once we got back from the beach, we grabbed our last dinner in NJ and got try for closing worship. With music by singer Dez Childs, expressions of thanks from our partners in NJ, a great message from Bishop Brian Maas, stories shared by trip participants, and the chance to share the Lord’s Supper, it was a great evening.

Now we pack our things and prepare for our return to Falls City. Our time in New Jersey has been a blessing to us all, and we pray that we have been able to bless others in return. We look forward to sharing our stories with you soon. Thank you again for your generous support and your heartfelt prayers for all of us who made this Journey to Jersey.

Our journey continued this morning as we once again partnered with Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group. In addition to canvassing neighborhoods and gathering more information about the damage caused by the storm, we assembled hygiene kits to be distributed to folks in need around the Beachwood, New Jersey, area. We got to hear more stories from residents who described the impact the storm had on their homes and families. It is difficult to comprehend the different levels of damage that occurred on single streets: houses that sustained almost no damage sit alongside lots where houses no longer stand. Most people were appreciative of the information we provided, even when their house sustained little or no damage. One of our contacts with OCLTRG shared his story about communities coming together to support one another by establishing food pantries and other organizations to distribute aid.

Our productive workday was shorter than the last, because we needed to make preparations for this evening’s trip to New York City. Among the highlights of our visit were the following:

Seeing the 9/11 Memorial

Enjoying dinner at Pronto’s Pizza

Seeing the memorial at the NYC firehouse that stands directly across from the World Trade Center site for the brave souls who died trying to rescue their fellow citizens from the towers.

Seeing the Statue of Liberty and part of the NYC skyline

All in all, it was another great day. Tomorrow is our last service day, culminating with closing worship in the evening and preparations for our return trip home.

We look forward to sharing tomorrow’s experience with you.

After a mere four hours of sleep, our group was up and ready to go with our first day of service in New Jersey. Just check out the photographic evidence:

In all seriousness, these guys hit their marks all day long. They were ready, willing,  and able to roll up their sleeves at a moment’s notice, slowing down only when logistics got in the way.

Today’s work involved partnering with Ocean County Long Term Relief Group (OCLTRG), a network of organizations designed to help people access the resources required to recover from the storm. One of their biggest obstacles was the lack of data about how much has already been accomplished since Sandy. About 250 people from our Synod were involved in canvassing neighborhoods and collecting and distributing information. We left for hangers and cards with a number to reach OCLTRG, and did our best to determine which houses remain in need of assistance. We were divided into “mission districts”, and our group of about 45 volunteers- Mission District 3 – was able to supply information to 777 homes! It wasn’t always easy to see that our work made a difference, but we’re trying to keep in mind that all of the work we have been called to do is significant because it signals our love for and commitment to our brothers and sisters in NJ.

Following our work day, we grabbed dinner and prepared for tonight’s activity: an evening along the boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach. During dinner, we surprised Dayton with a cake for his birthday, and he was just thrilled:

Dylan and Ryan got up close and personal with the waves.

We also spent some time walking the boardwalk and checking out the shops. Our last large group activity was a devotional worship service on the beach. Gathered around the cross, we prayed for our joys and sorrows, reflected on the gift of Holy Baptism, and pondered the important truth that the Spirit of God is able to bring life and newness out of brokenness and pain.

After our group devotions, we headed to bed, resting to prepare for another day of service in Christ’s name, and praying that God would use us to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). May it be so among us as our journey continues into Day Five!