DAY 9: The Last Day :(

Today was our last day of service in Marvell. Ryan, Mike and I got up early on breakfast duty which included Mike's all time favorite food: tater tots. Since Riley and I finished our painting project early, our group joined Mack, Ryan, and Mike's group at C3 for the sports camp. We spent the morning talking to kids, playing games, and some of us for our nails done again by the kids. After lunch, the group headed out to the baseball field to play a community game of kickball. While the heat was borderline bearable, it didn't stop our group from enjoying our last afternoon together. Ryan and Mack's team dominated and beat Mike's team, but the match was well fought. Riley and I sat out and watched the game, eating snow cones and pickles that a community member had made. It was fun to watch because the two teams were a mix of Youthworks staff, youth, and community members, representing the tight bond we had formed over the past few days. 

As we returned to the school, we saw kids playing dancing and playing in the water from the fire hydrant for water day. Water day happens at the end of each week, when a community member turns on the fire hydrant for an hour. After water day, Mike, Riley, and I drove home a few wet kids and said our goodbyes. 

That night, we went to the local United Methodist Church for a delicious spaghetti dinner. One of the people at the dinner named DR gave Mike some cotton seeds that he promised to give him at the culture museum the other night. After dinner, the group headed outside into the humidity to talk, play basketball, and enjoy our last moments with the community. It was difficult to say goodbye, as we had all grown so close to the people of Marvell. 

Our bittersweet goodbyes ended and we headed back to the school for our last last Large Group Gathering. We sang our last songs together and did our final YEAAAAAA GOD, and closed the LGG with a foot washing. This was a very emotional ceremony, and needless to say everyone in our group cried as we prayed together in appreciation for the time we had together. The evening ended with our last reflection together as a church, as we sadly had to face the fact that we we're leaving Marvell the next morning. We gave each other appreciations, and Mack, Ryan and I were given awards for our hard work throughout the week. That night we all packed as much as we could and mingled with the other groups, exchanging phone numbers, Snapchats, and Instagram's. 

I think Mack has summarized this trip the best "I feel like I have changed more in the last 4 days than in the past 14 years of my life". I have never met such motivated, energetic, and kind kids like the ones at Marvell. They each have so much to give to this world, and have strong heads on their shoulders. These kids don't care about the situation they are in, but rather see how bright their future is, and that is truly inspirational. As we head back to the city, I know that I return a very different person, and  can only hope that one day I'll have the opportunity to go back to Marvell one day. 

Lizzy 

Heading home!

We arrived safely in Charlotte and are starting our final leg home. See you soon!

"Lizzy did you eat Shifty's cup?"

This morning I did something very hard, which is sleeping through the breakfast prep group waking up. But then I kept sleeping and kinda had to run to breakfast. At c3 today Mack joined me and Michael, while Lizzy and Riley were painting houses. I got yet another hairdo from Nautica (so far May, Makayla, Skylar have also done it). Makayla also did my nails (but got angry later when I took off the polish). I also talked to Tudda for a while and learned he wants to be a corn farmer when he grows up. Then I ran the court with Juice for a little while and showed these Tennessee boys how to play basketball. After I had gotten sufficiently hot and sweaty for the day at 11 am I came back in. Around noon we ate lunch and went to the field for capture the flag and ultimate frisbee. My team won the first round and after an unreasonably long time without anyone getting another flag the game ended (bear in mind it's 85 degrees and people really enjoy guarding the flag very close). Then we moved on to ultimate frisbee where Mike (who is widely known as Old School now) taught and then schooled us (It's funny because he's a teacher). When we came back we played cards and then went to dinner at the Baptist church just down the street. It was amazing, the food was great and the pastor and his family were so nice. After that we came home and our group had a great Church Group discussion and went to the Double-Quick. When we got back, we heard music and walked in to a fully raging dance party in the main hall, which of course we immediately joined. After having a great time bonding with the others through dancing and party music, we finally went to sleep. In excited for the community kick ball game and continuing talking to and bonding with the Marvell kids. 

Snow Cones at the Kickball Game

Hanging Out at Bear Creek Beach

Fire Starting

An evening activity included fire starting techniques at a local state. Forest fires don't seem to be a big concern here. Somehow SMV won the competition, probably due to Shifty lighting about 25 matches. (Most of the group is sporting our Memphis matching t-shirts.)

Serving Marvell

Mack & Lizzy paint houses

Sad Note

Many of our avid Blog readers might have noticed that Elsa has not been in our pictures or stories. While we were still in Memphis we learned of the sudden death of a close friend of Elsa, and she decided to return home to grieve with her family and friends. We are so sad for Elsa, her family, and her friends as they mourn for Tori, and our prayers are with them all. Our smaller group is soldiering on, however incomplete.

The Ritual Tossing of the Riley

Starting a fire

Meal prep

Mike, Marland (staff), Nick (Wisconsin)

Working with kids at C-3

Waffle House

En route to Arkansas

Bass Pro Shop vs. Mack

BPS won.

Sunday church

Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis

DAY 6: A MASTER BLAST - Lizzy

Today was the group's first full day of service in Marvell. We all had an early start and ate a delicious breakfast of eggs, yogurt (Riley's favorite food), and and assortment of cereals. After breakfast we went to morning devotion, where we individually answered questions about what makes our life good. Marland then prayed over the group before heading off to our respective group sites. 

Ryan, Mike, and I spent our morning at C3 (Community Connecting with Children), playing air hockey, basketball, four square, and ping pong. Ryan also had his fingers painted by a girl named Nautica and another girl named Skylar styled Mike and Ryan's hair. I spent the morning talking to a boy named Jabari, who was very opinionated especially about basketball (he's a Cavaliers fan). 

Riley and Mack spent their morning at the Humane Society, walking dogs and playing with kittens. They have picked 5 that they think would be a great addition to the St. Mary's family. 

After lunch, I went with Mike and picked up kids around the neighborhood for Kids Club, a camp for local kids run by Youth Works. We pulled into a roundabout, honked the horn, and kids came running out of their houses, excited to go to Kids Club. After driving the kids, Mike, Ryan and I went to a nearby baseball field with Marland and about 15 kids to play football for Sports Camp. Once we arrived, kids would start walking by and end up joining the game, resulting in our group size doubling. Highlights of the game include: Ryan scored 2 touchdowns, a 10-year-old girl scored a touchdown, and Mike was given the nickname "Old School". 

Riley and Mack spent the afternoon at Lee's house, helping paint the exterior and bathroom roof of his home. He gave Riley a thorough talk about the history of Marvell, and it's unfortunate decline due to cotton factories shutting down. 

After reuniting and taking showers, we ate dinner and played card games. Mack, Ryan, and I learned how to play Dutch Blitz (coincidentally Mike's nickname in high school). Our evening activity was going to a museum about the Mississippi Delta and its history revolving around music and its culture. Our night ended with a dessert stop at Sonic, worshipping, and reflection on our first days work. 

Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to spending more time with the kids, and hopefully Riley and Mack can decide on a puppy to gift to David Erickson (Father David, if you could tell us your favorite breed of dog, that would make the process much easier.) 

Thanks again for your support, we're having a lot of fun

Lizzy

DAY 4 Mack

This morning was slow; we had the same breakfast we had the other days. We hung out for about an hour at the apartment. After breakfast we walked along Beal Street where we finally decided on matching t-shirt that said Blues to the Bone. Mike was given an Elvis Presley ID  as a gift for buying all the shirts. Then we walked along Main Street towards the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine. This was the last time that there would be six people in the trip because Elsa had to go home. Mike and Elsa went back to the apartment while the rest of walk around to find a place to get milkshakes for lunch. When the group that got milkshakes got back to the apartment, we saw Elsa and Mike waiting for a car to go to the airport. Later in the apartment, we watched Harry Potter until Mike got back with the car. Then we went on a disappointing adventure to find Shifty (Ryan) a U of Memphis hat. Shifty attempted to relieve the University of Memphis of a flag because he couldn't get a hat. We then went back to the apartment. Afterwards we walked around on the baseball field and found 3 baseballs. Then we walked to Beale Street for dinner at B.B. Kings. While we ate we enjoyed great live music from a band performing at the restaurant. The food has gotten better and better for the past 4 days. Then we walked back to the apartment to get ready to swim at the apartment pool. After we swam and played games we went to bed after a sad day of losing Elsa and our love for the University of Memphis. 

I'm looking forward to learning how different and similar the church service is in the South. Also the long trip from Memphis, Tennessee to Marvell, Arkansas.

From,

Philip Mack Woodworth

Day 5 Shifty (Ryan)

Today we got an early start to get everything ready for our trip to Arkansas as well as going to church. We got everything packed up and were out of the condo at 9:45 for the 3 minute drive to the service. I noticed that a lot of things were the same as our usual service, but I guess that is to be expected. One thing I found interesting is that they used the same font on their handout as we do. I'm not sure if there's an official font or if that is just a coincidence (I just broke Mike by asking how to spell "kowinkiedink" btw). After church we went to BASS PRO SHOPS SPORTSMANS PARADISE for the second time to get fudge and see the alligators (we had lots of time considering we had 5.5 hours to make a 1.5 hour drive). We left BASS PRO SHOPS SPORTSMANS PARADISE and stopped at Wal-Mart for snacks, drinks, air mattresses, an ABBA gold CD, and FINALLY a U of Memphis hat. We got back on the road and after a while of driving and indulging our senses in the sounds of classic Swedish pop, we made a stop at a Waffle House. After that, we made a visit to
Helena-West Helena, where we checked out the fort, cemetery, and river walk. After killing just enough time, we headed over to the Youth Works campus in Marvell where we got accustomed to the facilities as well as the people we will be spending the next couple of days with. I am looking forward to our time here and finding out more about the people and community and sharing some good news with them.

-Shifty (Ryan)

Sent from my iPhone

Humane Society

Mack picks out a dog & cat for St. Mary's:

At B.B. King's Blues Club for Dinner

Can you see Mack on the dance floor?

Go Tigers!

Exploring Memphis

Day 3: It's raining gummie bears, Hallelujah!

Today we were all awaken by the sound of rain from the heaviest storm yet. After waking up, Mack made us Aunt Jemimas chocolate chip pancakes as the rest of us watched episodes of the legendary PBS show: Daniel The Tiger. After waiting out the storm, we headed to the highlight of our trip: The Bass Pro Shop Pyramid. The store is complete with a hotel, bowling alley, and the tallest free standing elevator in the world.  It's easy to say that we had never seen so many fishing poles, camo gear, or cheesy fishing phrases ever. Nevertheless the group was mesmerized and we bought hats to remember the trip. On our way to lunch, Ryan and Mack ran and slid down a large grass hill. For lunch, we dined at the Front St. Cafe (featured in the movie The Firm) and enjoyed sandwiches named after Tom Cruise movies and salads named after all three of his ex-wives. Ryan says that the sandwich was "the best I've ever had in my life. And I say that with confidence". After finishing our lunch, Mike destroyed me in a game of cards, and I learned that he is not the most gracious winner. We then made our way to The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the location of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's assassination. The museum was complete with 25 exhibit rooms, background on slavery and even a replica of the bus Rosa Parks sat on. While the kids zoomed through the exhibits, Mike and Riley took their time admiring the pictures and archives of one of the most important periods in our country's history. After leaving the museum, Ryan, Mack and I headed to the pool, only to learn that it was closed, so Ryan and Mack played an intense game of shuffleboard. After returning from the pool, we watched dark clouds coming with a fierce storm from our balcony while finishing our last bag of gummie bears. Once the storm passed, the group headed to the famous Beale St., home of energetic bars, live music, and gaudy souvenir stores. We ate fried chicken at Polly's and barely had room for the apple and peach pies servered in a burning skillet. Overall, today was another successful day; we braved the elements, ate delicious food, and enjoyed each other's company. 

See you all soon! 

Lizzy 

The Lorraine Motel

Site where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. Very moving.

"That's where Elvis Presley got his Chalupas!"

Today woke up to the sound check from the Stadium next door. After the others started to trickle in we began breakfast of bacon, eggs, pop tarts about and toast. Due to the expired milk bought last night, cereal was not an option. I made Mack a plain omelette and Mike burned 4 pieces of toast before we switched duties. Afterwards, we went down to The Peabody to see the ducks. Personally, I was not that impressed, and me and Mike had to "duck" into the clothing store (I was not impressed with this either). Then we went to Walgreens, where I found much more fashionable options, as well as even more junk food. We came back to the condo for a bit and then walked down to FedEx Forum to catch the shuttle to Graceland. Upon our arrival we found out that A) everything is overpriced there and B) their internet was down and they were accepting cash only. Riley, Mack, Elsa, Lizzy and I went to the food court (of course I had to get the peanut butter and banana sando) while Mike went in search of an ATM. Once he came back we went to a seven minute movie about Elvis (causing quite a scene after the ticket lady told Elsa she looked just like her father, I.e. Mike). Following the movie we were shuttled yet again to the actual mansion where we did an iPad tour, which I wasn't a huge fan of. The house itself was fine, but it was weird walking around in silence feeling inclined to whisper. Once we saw every invoice for every piece of furniture Elvis or his parents ever bought, we went back to the museum. I have to admit, it is impressive how much they turned one man's relatively short life into quite possibly the longest museum tour of all time. And Mom! I got a picture with the Buubs! It was admittedly a very fun museum, although that is also due in large part to the people I went with, who I am quickly learning more and more about and liking more with every minute. We came home and I think it's fair to wager every one else on that bus was glad to see us leave after all of the noise we were making, mostly laughter. We warned Riley of every grate on the ground and looked silly in our ponchos after the downpour stopped after a block. We came back to the condo and everyone did their own thing for a bit before dinner at Rendezvous. (Thank you to Tom Austin for the recommendation.) The food was delicious, and I ate more ribs I think than I ever have. We got milk that actually tasted like milk, saltines for the challenge, and frozen edamame for Riley's toe before heading back for card games and hair straightening (never again).

    After a day and a night in Memphis, I am finally considering a revision to my "West Coast only" future. I really love the city, and am so glad that I get to experience it with these people. I am looking forward to Arkansas, and will check in again soon.

Love,

Ryan 

Graceland: Mike finds a new outfit

Day 1 Elsa

We all arrived at SFO at 5:15 am and made our way to Texas, are some Chick-fil-a, then arrived in Memphis, Tennessee. We immediately noticed the humidity and heat of Tennessee, which we all have to get used to. We took a bus from the airport to the condo and got settled in. We started getting to know each other while enjoying Gus's Fried Chicken, with sides of cold slaw, beans, bread, and collard greens. And then we walked along the Mississippi River to watch a beautiful pink and orange sunset. Later, we played card games then went to sleep.

This first day was great because we all got to know each other get prepare for the days to come. We will enjoy the next couple days in Memphis then head over to Arkansas to join Youthworks. We're all excited for what's to come!

Sent from my iPhone

Elvis sighting

Graceland!

Elsa Meets Elvis

Redbirds!

Arrived Safely

The flights were largely uneventful, and we are now ensconced in our Memphis digs, which look over the Memphis Redbirds Stadium (unfortunately they are out of town). Looking forward to exploring Memphis soon!

Memphis and Marvell, Here We Come!

On our way!