Monday, March 26, 2012

Tear Down the Walls



Posted by: Monica, Sarah, and Nicole

The day dawned a little bit colder than the previous, so we all dressed warmly and headed down to a continental breakfast at 8:00. As always, it was scrumptious. The warm chocolate muffins were especially good. Michael decided that he didn’t have any patience and ate them right in line! Today, we had the privilege of studying Ephesians 5. All of the boys (except two) and five girls headed off to a tornado victim’s house to help demolish one that was damaged. The rest of us stayed behind at Long View to help burn fallen logs in the forest and finish painting fence boards. Those who were burning the logs were joined by Pastor Tootie and two other people from Disciple’s Point. After a wonderful lunch of turkey sandwiches, some went to help rid the horse pasture of rocks, clean the couches, or throw an old television in the dumpster. When those at Long View finished their tasks, they got some well deserved rest. Those who helped demolish the house returned soon after.
Dinner consisted of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and biscuits. I don’t know if you’ve caught on, but the food at Long View is very good! After dinner, Mrs. Poole led us in a discussion on Ephesians 5. Of course we talked about marriage and how wives must submit to their husbands. Naturally none of the girls really liked that at first, but after some helpful words from Mrs. Poole and Mr. Hood, we all understood. Then we all moseyed over to the campfire. At said campfire, we sang wonderful songs, built each other up, and we shared a lot more than any one bargained for. Our class was united through a time of vulnerability and love as the students shared personal struggles.

This life-changing experience only could have occurred through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. We feel that the day might be best summarized on the note that we should “love others just as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25) – When this occurs, everything else is in proper perspective.