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It was so hot and humid that we did our morning “gathering at the bus” actually “on the bus.” JT Finley led our morning announcements and led our creed.

We were greeted by the pastor and an audio technician who welcomed us to FBC in Chalmette. The choir warmed up and rehearsed for a few minutes before worship. We sensed your prayers from home as we began our service there.

Just before worship, Rick introduced Caleb to an 86 year old gentleman who was a Marine. He talked with Caleb about his plans to join the Marine Corp. His words were a challenge to look beyond the tests and trials of basic training and see the life-long good that would come from his service in the Marines.

Sydney and Merritt Foster’s grandparents, Stevie and Johnna Foster, drove 2 hours from MS to hear the choir and visit the girls. They stayed and ate lunch with us as well.

We sang three of our pieces at the beginning of the service, following baptism. We also sang, what we think is going to be our favorite piece, for the offertory in worship. It’s called “Orphans of God.” We can’t wait for you to hear them all when we get home.

The entire church joined us in sharing a meal after worship. They had prepared a Cajun meal with 3 choices: seafood gumbo, chicken & sausage gumbo, and red beans and rice. Oh yes, they had hot dogs and sandwiches for those less adventurous. It was all delicious! Let’s just say that our group has adopted one of their worship practices in response to the meal: “Hip Hip, Hallelujah!”

The rain came in buckets as worship ended. So we TRIED walking on water as we loaded the bus. Most everyone took off their shoes to avoid soaking their shoes and socks. We sang “Wade in the Water” as we loaded the bus.

Partially because the heavy rain when we left Chalmette this morning, our travel to Lake Charles was slower than we expected. We arrived at First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles about 45 minutes behind schedule. Our set up crew did such an outstanding job that it did not affect our meal at 5 o’clock. The women of the church prepared sloppy Joe sandwiches, chips, and a delicious salad with fruit. Tonight’s program was our first presentation of our musical program, “One Voice.” We had not rehearsed since Thursday evening and still the kids did a wonderful job.! I was so proud of the three who wrote and directed our dramatic sketches: Andrew Robertson, Noah Clark, and Alexis Mahaffey.

After packing up and loading the bus, we headed out for Houston to spend the night. It’s about a 2 Hour drive from Lake Charles to Houston Texas.

A friend of Chris Clark’s, Greg Grigg, and his wife Jennifer met us at the hotel when we arrived in Houston. Actually, we are in a smaller town just east of Houston called Deer Park. Greg is the police chief here in Deer Park. What a surprise to find they had gift bags for all of us and huge, Texas-sized cookies and milk. What a way to end a busy day. As we ate the cookies, Mr. Rick lead our evening devotion. Tomorrow morning we arrive early to work for four hours at the Houston food Bank. Promises to be a hot and humid day for work I’m sure. It feels good to get back in the room and relax and spend some time with the students.