The following pictures are only a few of the memories that were made when our group of 30 (youth and adult) set out for a week long trip to work in any way possible for the Paragould Children's Home, in Paragould, Arkansas.

Once we arrived and were settled into our cottages (one for the 23 girls and one for the 7 boys) we finally found out that we would be working on one of the two farms that is run by the children's home. We worked (mostly) on what is referred to as the "Smith Farm", which is 100 acres. The other farm in called "Olive Farm" and is 200 acres.

As you can see, we pulled weeds (over about an acre of tilled garden), we picked green beans as well as snapped and bagged them (about 15 gallons worth), we also picked broccoli and berries.

We set fence posts we had driven, we cleaned up the greenhouse, we painted a 24 panel metal corral (and got a little paint on us too), we washed pig pens as well as the pigs, we did some beautification around the actual children's home campus, and we cut iron light poles to use for fence posts (as well as some welding thrown into the mix).

Smith Farm Corral

That's not all we did! We fed turkeys, chickens, pigs, horses, goats, rams, and lambs. And then there were some adorable new born puppies to snuggle and hold. And of course we had times of rest, relaxation and group activities to enjoy.

Time For Group Fun

Time For Bible Study And Devotional

We also came together for evening Bible studies, which ran a little late one night. As you can see, after a full day's work, not all were able to stay awake to the end.

The Paragould Mission Trip 2005

I guess it might have been a good thing that we weren't told exactly all we'd be doing before we went. But, we did all that work and more by noon on Friday. I am proud of our group here. We really were unified in our work. And, even though we went to Arkansas to help them, I think we walked away being more refreshed ourselves. May the Lord be glorified in our efforts toward Him.