Day 3!

We're in Vegas!!!  We're having a blast and I can already feel God smiling over us.  On the one hand it's hard to believe that we've only been here 2 full days, but on the other hand it's crazy to think that we have already reached day 3 of such a short trip.

We got off to a great start with a safe drive and some great opportunities to meet new people along the way.  When we finally arrived in Vegas we were greeted by our awesome AIM staff, Ryan and Mike 

who showed us the ropes at the church we're staying at.  We also had the chance to talk about the guidelines we want to set for the week as a group.  But by the end of the day we were all pretty exhausted and were eager for some sleep.

Sunday we had the opportunity to worship at the church we're staying at and enjoy and unusually relaxing day on CARAVAN.  Some made bracelets, some played cards, all the while having great conversations.  In the afternoon we were blessed to have Laurie come and share her story with us.  Laurie is a product of the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, an organization we will be partnering with later this week.  After 23 years of addiction, Laurie entered the rescue mission and God met her there in a big way.  It was so encouraging to hear about the work the mission is doing and to see such a joyful, Spirit filled woman who had experienced God in such a radical way. 

Another highlight for many students, especially those who had gone to Salem last year on CARAVAN, was the SHOWERS!!!! And not just showers on the first day in Vegas, but a POOL to cool down and swim it.  It was fantastic and we were all rejuvenated for a great evening of worship.  Cassie started us off talking about our theme for the week, being the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:1-11), and specifically about how we can use our gifts for the collective good.

Today we put that to the test as we went to work in Las Vegas.  My group started off the day painting the outside walls of a building that is used by an organization associated with the University Methodist Church in LV.  The organization hands out warm clothes in the winter to homeless, provides a safe space for foster children to meet with their birth parents, and is the only place that people can get meals on the weekends.  It was really cool to hear from the director who told us what a huge blessing it was to have us painting the walls.  By the end of the day, after another group spent the afternoon painting, we had nearly finished!

For lunch/afternoon time we went to a park and, having previously packed an extra lunch, found someone to share a lunch with.  I was amazed at how every student I talked to today had at least one story about an interaction with someone that was significant for them.  Some people met veterans with crazy war stories, another group met a man who just needed someone to listen.  Many of us had the opportunity to pray for the people we were sitting with, and a group of us took a prayer walk earlier in the day through the university campus in LV.  We even got to pray with police officers on horses!

As we prepare to end our third day, I am so impressed by students willingness to step out of their comfort zones and let God work through them.  It's gonna be a great week!!

Kelly Cefalu