Our active service among the people of Los Angeles ended today. From the moment we woke up we were among the people of Los Angeles. As a team we served breakfast and connected with people 1 mile from Skid Row with a markedly different crowd. Whether behind the counter serving or at the tables connecting, the team truly chose to ENGAGE. It was also encouraging to learn from the volunteer coordinator of her choice to serve for a year after graduating college which has both influenced and been influenced by her career path.

We broke into teams later and went on a scavenger hunt near Pershing Square in downtown LA. We grew through the interactions we had. We were also able to be an encouragement to the people we met, including the people we took to lunch.

We said goodbye to Alexander and went for our final day serving in the after+school program. Our role today was greatly expanded as we shared VBS songs with the children, including the sweet dance moves. The energy level appreciation and encouragement were different as we worked as a team to give the children there a fun afternoon that was focused on Jesus. It was cool to hear from the staff how much they valued our presence and support this week.

We ended by cleaning up from dinner at the Fred Jordan mission and interqacting with the men who were trying to get their life together and stay clean. We ended with one final goodbye and headed to an evening of affirming one another.

Today was a day of further answered prayer with increased boldness, additional interactions and team cooperation. What a blessing to be serving among and with the people of Los Angeles. God through the strength of our Lord Jesus Christ and to his glory alone.

Pray for our safe return tomorrow and that God would begin preparing us for our transition back to our families and homes. Finally pray that God protect us from forgetting or losing what God has done this past five days.