Debbie A. did devotions by leading us in a beautiful song about helping others. We then divided into 2 groups. Debbie W., Abby, Helen and Pat worked at Forthspring, while Debbie A., Rod, Jack and Mike worked at the Hillview Refurbishing Center.
At Forthspring, Pat's group got to visit with our dear friend Fiona and some of our long time friends as they worked on some very cool art projects. It is always so good to see them. The Forthspring crew were able to build a planter and a composter as well as scraping and painting 2 outside huge planters. We were also able to do some general clean up in the garden area. Look at the pictures to see the work done today.
Four of us went to furniture rehab place in north Belfast. Buildings are from a failed commercial development. Politicians are unwilling to build housing there because whichever side moves in would shift the electoral balance. Also it would bring the two sides into contact rather than keeping them separated by the commercial building expanse.
Our first time at the Hillview Refurbishing Center was a great experience and there are plans already being made to return there next year. Rod and Deb flattened bikes (partial dismantlement) so they can be shipped to Ghana. Jack worked on sanding a chair that was being refinished, and Mike painted lots of furniture. The East Belfast Mission crew of Mark and Mike were very helpful and talked to us about EBM's commitment to helping those in need.
Did a tour of Forthspring Community Center construction with Chris and supervisor of contractors to
view ongoing construction in Sports Hall - handicap ramp and entrance, handicap bathroom (referred to as toilet in Western Europe), new floor in great room. Talked of needed repairs and construction for the week and future years by the VIM group.
In the evening we all went to Skainos to participate with the Friday Fusion group. The Fusion group is basically activities for youth. They are divided by age into three groups. Team members split up and went with separate groups. We played games, did crafts and tried to answer more trivia questions than the 6 to 12 year olds. We lost.
Ended the day with lots of fish and chips (cheesy chips for the two vegetarians). And then, Billy, a volunteer who does just about everything at Skainos, was kind enough to drive us back to Farset, and our traditional game of UNO!
Submitted by Rod Aldrich and Pat Thomas
At the Hillview Refurbish Center
Jack sanding furniture
Deb and Rod with the 27 bikes they flattened for shipment to Ghana
Team with staff at Hillview Refurbishing Center (Mark, Deb, Rod, Mike, Jack and Mike)
At Forthspring
Abby and Deb with the composter they put together
Helen scrapping planters, and then after she painted it
Deb and Abby with the planter they built
At Skainos with the youth group
Deb playing field hockey indoors
Rod loosing to youth at trivia contest
Pat and Deb doing crafts with youth
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