Ole Pappy

They picked oranges, sorted clothes, stood in serving lines and shared their love of God with others.

The amazing 43 kids and chaperones from Minneota went to California this summer and, as Amber Engels said, “Shared in the good life God has given us.” Engels and Molly Krog shared the experiences of the group at Sunday mornings Boxelder Bug Days Church Service.

This bunch of kids took down old buildings and helped put up new ones. Their make-shift living quarters were in a church and despite the crowded conditions Engels said, “Nobody cared.”

These kids were on a mission and nothing was stopping them. At a place called St. Vincent’s, with 900 residents, some long-term, some short term, “We helped with some of the meals,” said Krog. They helped serve 800 to 1,000 meals.

“We worked to help others,” Krog added. In San Diego, they helped with 6,600 pounds of apples and 2,000 pounds of rice. All had to be distributed. As they sorted clothes, delivered meals, and served people in need, they discovered a “homeless” woman who had a different attitude.

When asked about being homeless she said, “My home is where my family is,” and she was home. “That really caused me to think about my home and my family,” said Engels.

When it was over, Krog said, “We had an amazing sense of accomplishment. It’s amazing when it all comes together.”

This was an amazing group of kids — on an incredible journey and the result was an extreme education on life.

LAUGH A LITTLE: Suck it in man! A man was standing on his scale, sucking in his gut when his wife walked past. “That’s not going to help,” she said. He answered, “Sure it does. Now I can see the numbers.”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: As my Ole Pappy used to say, “It’s not how strong you are ... but how you persevere.”

Ole Pappy had something there.

Those who keep going and overcome all the odds and “persevere,” will be winners in the end.

Thanks Ole Pappy!