July 30th, 2016. South Dakota day 2

July 30^th, 2016- This blog post is for July 8^th, 2016, South Dakota day 2.

The morning of the 8^th we had breakfast, practiced, had our devotional and headed out for a hike to beautiful falls. At the falls, our team (minus the adults) crossed the iced cold water to get closer to the falls. When we got close to the waterfall, the water sprayed on all of us… which was actually really nice to have that mist because of the hot day. I shared at the devotion time that night how when we were at the falls I thought that God is like our waterfall. We are all worn out, tired (or hot) from life but His love is like a waterfall spraying on us to cool us down so that we can cross through the fast river (life). It was nice to do something non-singing related and be able to just relax. My little sister shared at devotions how man-made Mount Rushmore was beautiful and all, but, she felt like the waterfall was even more beautiful because it was created by God. Most people would think Mount Rushmore is the most beautiful thing in the state of South Dakota, but the waterfall, and other things around, were incredible.

We all got soaked in the river, which was so fun! Oh, and I want to stop for a minute and say high-five to Rebecca because she carried Lily’s little sister Bailey across the deep flowing water. After the nice hike we all headed back to the home, dried off, changed/freshened up and headed to the Assisted Living. We sang Amazing Grace, America, Hallelujah, Happy, Freedom etc. Singing went so well but my favorite part from the time there was visiting and hearing the different stories from the people there.

I met a lady from London, England, one lady that was 100, a group of ladies called “the Spice Girls” and one really energetic sweet lady. The 100 year old woman was named Betty and she didn’t even look 100. It was astonishing! I asked if she had any advice for me and she told me, “Love the Lord and follow the ways that He has for you.” Those were such simple words but they had such a deep and true meaning. The four ladies who call themselves “the Spice Girls” do so because they all have lazy Susan’s in their rooms with spices on them. So, people around started calling them “the Spice Girls.” One lady who was so spunky and happy. I could definitely tell she had “the joy of the Lord.” During some of our songs she was clapping along the whole time and she had the biggest smile on her face. I went up to her and we started having a great conversation. I told her the places that our choir has gone and the places that we have sung in. She started clapping her hands again and she was so excited! I thanked her for being so joyful and smiley and she told me that there was something in the room that was flowing out of our voices that made her so joyful. I told her, “that is the Holy Spirit flowing and living in you and that is filling this room.” She started clapping her hands all over again.She even tried to jump up and down saying, “it sure is honey!” She thanked me for being so joyful and happy too. She is one of the most joyful and happy elderly women I have ever met. May God’s joy keep flowing through and in her. One of the families in the team talked with a lady that was from Colorado. They found out that when she turned 90 she went skydiving and for the past four years she has been doing it for her birthday. I wish when I’m older that I will be as adventurous and live like I’m young again. J

After the Assisted Living we headed into downtown Spearfish. They close off the streets every Friday night and Saturday to have a little summer festival. We sang a couple of songs on the sidewalk as people walked by. Megan, Kira, and I shared a tasty Dippin’ Dots and then we headed back to the home for a pizza dinner.

My dinner team and I prepared a blueberry peach baked oatmeal for breakfast for the next morning. While people were getting ready for devotions, Tabitha and I went outside with our parents to open up Erev Shabbat. My parents and Lily’s had been talking about us and our Hebraic Roots journey. They were curious, and had actually been wondering about Christianity and how it blends with Judaism. My folks shared that we truly believe in Yeshua (Jesus), but that we enjoy incorporating traditions that many Jewish families observe. We invited Lily and her family to join us which made it extra special. While we were doing this there was a beautiful Erev Shabbat sunset. After saying the blessing over the bread and grape juice and the parents saying a blessing over us children Lily and I headed back inside for devotions.

We talked that night for devotions how nothing could ever separate us from the love of Christ. We talked how we should never let anything influence you away from the love of God and your security only comes from Him. Know and believe the love He has for you. We also meditated on Romans 8:35-39. It is a wonderful verse and I recommend looking it up and truly meditate on it too. Come back soon for South Dakota day 2 pictures and day 3 entry. Thanks for stopping by. May you be blessed.

Shalom,

Kaila