St Louis Day 5

Today, half of our team had the opportunity to join the tutoring school on a field trip to the planetarium. It was a wonderful chance to serve alongside the school and help make the day enjoyable for the students. During the trip, the students completed a scavenger hunt that encouraged them to explore the exhibits, take photos at different locations, and learn outside of the classroom. The tutoring school operates as a summer school in the mornings and transitions into a summer camp each afternoon, providing students with both educational and recreational experiences.
Meanwhile, the rest of our team continued serving through various work projects in the community. One group painted Miss Vera's garage, which has recently been re-sided after extensive rain damage. Other teams continued installing a wheelchair ramp and helped another resident clean out her basement. These projects have been a meaningful way to care for our neighbors through practical service.
This evening, half of our team returned to the park where we have been building relationships throughout the week. We had the opportunity to pray with several parents while their children played, and we also enjoyed playing soccer with many of the kids in the community. It was encouraging to continue connecting with families and sharing God's love in simple, genuine ways.
The other half of the team participated in a cultural walk through the neighborhood. We sampled Ethiopian food and boba tea while intentionally engaging with local business owners. We asked questions about their stories, such as how long they had been in business and where they were originally from. One conversation that stood out was with the owners of a boba tea shop, who shared that they drive nearly 50 minutes to work each day. Their family has faithfully owned and operated the shop for several years, and it was a privilege to hear a small part of their journey.
One of the most encouraging parts of this week has been watching our students step outside of their comfort zones. Whether at the park, in local businesses, or at our worksites, they have been willing to pray for the people they meet and engage others with kindness and compassion. It has been incredible to witness their growth and see God working in and through them in such meaningful ways.