The Legend of Brad

Every night before lights out a member of the Youthworks staff would read us a "bedtime story" with a considerable amount of cheek. On the night I sustained my injury Reuben created this poem that he read to us. It is a rather accurate description of what happened with some epic embellishment thrown in.

The Legend of Brad

I've come, I've come, to tell you a tale

that will make your young pleasant faces go pale

the story is sappy, gut wrenching, and sad

the story is about a youth leader named Brad

He went on a trip led by him, Kim, and James

some other guys went-I know not their names

they went to the Restore, the Habitat place

smashed t.v.'s with toilets, oh yeah, in your face!

the crew ripped up furniture, couches and chairs

the young folks worked hard, they all did their shares

when suddenly, no! A big spike! A nail!

and into Brad's arm the nail was impaled!

but he was so strong, so rugged, so tough

that he didn't notice, though the job, it got rough

Brad suddenly noticed that his arm was all red

he reeled; with blood loss...he'd soon be dead

but then Dr. James, with a hearty guffaw

said, "That's a two-stitcher!" and that, that was all

so off to the the hospital Kim drove our hero

she pulled into ER, from 60 to zero

Brad put his name into wait, what a guy!

and then about six hundred hours went by

Reuben and Erin, they stopped by to see him

but they were sure glad they didn't have to be him

so soon a few stitches were put in Brad's arm

and he returned to the site, kept the kiddies from harm

Saved the guys, kissed the ladies, punished the bad

that's the tale of our hero, our hero named Brad

Annie and Kea share some time on the trip.

Thursday Morning

Well our last day of work has arrived. The kids are understandably tired and our seniors are realizing that this is it...so they are a tad emotional. The group I shepherd will head to parts unknown this morning for a "special project" and then on to kids club at 1:00PM. Our kids were very moved by what they encountered yesterday, whether it was the kids or the elderly. Last night we talked about the depth and strength of God's love as we read the parable of the loving father (which you know as the prodigal son).

Tonight we will go to a cabin on Lake Superior and have a chance to swim in very cold water! Other activities will be available as well, including kayaking. A camp far with the obligatory s'mores will finish our day. Tomorrow we pack it up and head south after breakfast. Tabby and I will be up very early so she can catch her flight home (which leaves at 6:35 AM). It is about a 30 minute drive to the airport.

I will try to post again tonight. Keep praying - and we will be glad to see all of you before noon on Saturday.

Wednesday Night from Ellie

This trip has been my annual wake up call. It puts me back into reality. It has been amazing! I’ve gotten to paint a whole hallway in a historic theater, spend a day with three elderly women with memory loss, and work with incredible children. The variety of work has been wonderful, and I just thank God for giving me the experience. I hope I can come home and do the same work that I have been doing.

Wednesday Night - from Kaitlyn

Hey everyone! So far this trip has changed my life. I think today was the hardest day yet. I worked at the children’s club today and all I have to say is wow! My little buddy really showed me a different way to life and not a good one at that. She showed me that when I was little I had it good. The little kids there needed so much attention that it wasn’t even funny. At one point when I was playing with my buddy she told me something and I about broke down in tears. But then she said to me promise me you won’t tell. I told here it would never leave my lips. At the end of the day she gave me the biggest hug anyone has ever given me. And she said “will you be back tomorrow?” . Well it is almost time for lights out! So I just want to say “I love you mom, dad, and all my friends! I can’t wait till I get back! And I might be a different person, but just in a good way! LOVE YOU ALL!!!!”
Love to all my family and friends,
Kaitlyn <3

Tonight we took ambulatory patients from the War Memorial Hospital to a concert at the Soo Lock Park. The entertainment featured two Irish folk singers.

We pack our own lunches everyday. The whole community has abstained from peanut butter. Justin has done very well - with some help from his friends (new and old).