It's Hard to Say Goodbye

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"Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord..." Zechariah 6:15.

At the beginning of the week, Chuck told us that all we needed to have were willing hands and a willing heart. Some of us weren't sure that we had enough skills to make a difference. But God called each one of us to come on this trip for a special purpose -- and each of us for different reasons. And so we came -- some with more skills than others, but all with willing hands and willing hearts. And we're leaving this place different than when we arrived; some with a few more skills, most of us with bruises and scrapes (a testament to all those blocks we moved!), but, most importantly, I think we're leaving here with a different perspective on what really matters. Things make a house, but love makes a home.

To Chuck and Terri: Thank-you doesn't really quite say enough, but I think that I speak for the entire team when I say that y'all are one of the reasons that this trip was so amazing. So from the bottoms of all our hearts, thank you for all the months of hard work, organizing, and preparation you put into making this trip such an unforgettable experience. We all love you!

On the bus ride to the airport, I passed around a notebook and asked those who wanted to, to write down their thoughts, comments, and reflections about the trip. I think the best way to wrap this up is to end with that. Thank you all for following along with us, and especially for your prayers. God Bless.

• A wonderful week of working and relaxing, learning Polish and patience, being creative in painting and cutting! Many thanks to Thrivent for sponsoring!
  
  
• God certainly brought together a fabulous group of people to work together for His purposes! I have grown!
  
  
• A wonderful combination of working construction to help those in need and having time to see the many unique aspects of Polish culture.
  
  
• The experience was overall excellent. The planning was great. People in the group were awesome.
  
  
• This trip was mind altering. It had a great impact on me and my husband. Our group leaders were so organized and made the trip an easy transition.
  
  All Saints Church Tower
  We will be sharing this trip the rest of our lives as well as recommending it to all of our friends and family. Go Team!
  
  
• I'll never again look at another block or nail or board or pallet without thinking of Poland. The memories flash quickly through my mind, and I am so proud of all that our team accomplished. Dziekuje bardzo!
  
  
• Some of us have shared family photos; some have not. Some have shared personal stories; some have not. But what we have all shared is this experience. The ability to work hard, play hard, and pray together. As we take our final bus trip to the airport, it will be hard to imagine not seeing this group of new friends.
  
  
• Some things I will be glad to see again: ICE, soda bottle caps with tabs that come all the way off, water without bubbles, breakfast without lunchmeat, and a big juicy hamburger!!!!
  
  And some of our fonder memories:
  
  
  • Collection of jobsite grit on our hotel room floor.
    
  • Technomusic concert with fireworks on our last night.
    
  • "Habipup" - the friendly wiener dog at the jobsite.
    
  • Is it 6:30
    
    Relaxing in Gliwice

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    Ed, Karen and Asia
    AM or 6:30 PM?
    
  • Chickens in the front yard.
    
  • A Zloty for a potty.
    
  • Karolina's song.
    
  • Witnessing a motorcycle accident in Krakow.
    
  • Yellow-jacket bees at our lunchtime picnics.
    
  • Steam pipes above ground.
    
  • Green toilet paper.
    
  • Lunchmeat and bread.
    
  • Salads for breakfast.
    
  • Group dinners.
    
  • Lody and piwo (generally not together).
    
  • Can I buy a vowel?
    
  • Human conveyor belt.
    
  • Warm days, cool nights.
    
  • Street performers on the square.
    
  • The trumpeter at St. Mary's Church in Krakow.
    
  • Wawel Castle.
    
  • Tyskie Brewery.
    
  • Thinking outside the boards and blocks.
    
  • New friends and family.
    
  
  
  This trip was so meaningful in so many ways. It's taught me to look beyond myself, and I am coming home a different person than when I left. Hopefully for the better. I have a deeper appreciation for the many blessings in my life, and my eyes have been opened a bit more to what's going on outside of my own little world. It was amazing to see how so many different personalities were able to come together and work as a team. God is good!!!! ~Lissa
  
  
  From the
  
  Loading Up
  team leaders: If reading this blog has intrigued you and you're interested in joining a Thrivent Builds Worldwide team, please visit the Thrivent Builds Website at www.thriventbuilds.com or Be A Team Member for more information about domestic and worldwide builds. -- Terri & Chuck
  
  

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