Day 2: Morning with the kids followed by the Bluff Route

Today was our first "actual" day working with seven bridges. However, before I begin, I must add that the mere seven hours of sleep that I got last night were not sufficient after hardly sleeping over the course of a fifteen hour trip. Anyway, I woke up today and quickly made my way down to breakfast. Let me tell you, there were plenty of things to choose from, and the diverse selection of pastries and donuts might catch up to me by the time this trip is over. During breakfast, I sat next to a lady named Jocelyn and her two kids, Paris and Brody. The kids were pretty shy, but I was able to have a nice conversation with Jocelyn. After breakfast, we had some personal time to work on our journals and clean up our sleeping areas. This was followed by outside time with the kids. At first, nobody was outside, but it didn't take long for a dozen children to start running around. This is when I met a little boy named Carter. Carter, who is three years old, was very interesting on climbing on top of everything. He also excelled at removing his hat and shoes.

Once lunch time rolled around, it was time to go on our first route. Our group participated in what is called the Bluff Route. Over the course of a couple hours, we made six different stops. At each stop, we would pray in a big circle, and then split up and offer prayer, lunches, and supplies to anyone who came. I wouldn't say that I was nervous about doing this. Sure, it seems intimidating, but people are people. I was assured several times that we would be safe, and I knew that God was the real one behind what I would be doing. The only thing that I was slightly uneasy about was the fact that I didn't know what to expect. Once we actually got on the route, it was impossible to not have fun. One of the 7 Bridges leaders, Sterling, was always smiling, laughing, dancing, and enjoying himself. I could never accurately describe how outgoing and energetic he is. I also got to meet entertaining people like the man who went by "Dancing Machine". After receiving prayer and a lunch, Dancing Machine sang lots of Michael Jackson, danced, and showed us his cartwheel skills. Overall, praying for the people on the routes seemed more and more natural. It just made sense. God calls us to go out and draw people closer to the Lord, and that's exactly what we were doing.

After routes, we finally got to take showers and go to dinner. Prior to our meal, there was a quick Bible Study about the seven bridges of recovery. During the actual meal time, I ended up spending more time playing with kids than I did eating. I played with Carter some more, and I met a little baby named Noel who loved to stand and bounce whenever given the opportunity. The rest of the evening was filled with games and children. I'm not sure that there is a better way to spend New Years Eve.

~ Emelia Koehler


We are truly Gods hands and feet. From the start of the day God has showed all of us so much. God is so good. Today I was really nervous, I didn't know what to expect and what I was suppose to do. From the start of the day went we all went to breakfast this little girl named faith ran up and gave me a huge hug as if she knew. This was so God. It was God showing me that He was with me. These people here have shown me so much and this is only the first day I am here! God is so good. We are all truly blessed and we are highly favored. God loves us so much. They are all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Praying for them on the routes I was almost bought to tears because this man said he  was so blessed and he had nothing. We take so for granted  everything we have even as simple as having a family that loves and cares for you, I can sure say this is something we all do I couldn't live without my parents and all that they do for me. This women we prayed for said that she is so thankful for her family that is all together. I have a huge family and so did she. She brought a suitcase so she could take all the lunches with her to her family. I thought this was so sweet her heart was so beautiful and you could see it just by looking at her. The little kids oh my were do I start! They are the sweetest beyond sweetest they love all of us and want to play and run. Seeing them smile and run up to you is truly a blessing. We don't know how good we have it. God is so good and He is good all the time. One thing that really got me today was that we are doing what Jesus did he on earth. I am so blessed to be here with this amazing group. We are all having such an incredible time. I know right now that it is going to be so hard to leave.

~ Alicia Stecker

Where the girls sleep in the sanctuary

Each of the above vehicles led groups on the different routes.  The Bluff route on the left and the Bridge route on the right.

Michael with his hands full

Tanner got his exercise this morning!  These kids had a blast.

One of the many vacant houses in the Bluff.  Six out of every 10 houses is vacant.

Our first stop on the Bluff route today.  At every stop we circle up and pray before handing out lunches and praying with people.

Caleb praying with a young man

Handing out gloves and hats to some of the kids

An old church that burned down years ago.  This is a look at the inside.

Sterling, in the yellow rain gear, usually led our group in "singing".  He is a lot of fun and adds tons of energy and laughter to the day.

One of the apartment complexes we stopped at along the route.

Alex was asked to pray over our meal tonight.