HULA HOOPS AND HARMONIES: A WEEK IN COLOR

This week, we had the joy of welcoming Holy Comforter Episcopal Church all the way from Houston. It was their very first time partnering with Mission Waco. Cue the Confetti! They brought with them a truckload of creativity and enthusiasm that even moody skies and a heavy downpour could not dampen.  By the end of their trip, the team declared it one of their best mission trips ever!

At King's Club, the team brought Bible stories to life at Barron's Branch Apartments. They shared the story of Abraham through star-themed crafts, and when the rain forced them to cancel their second day, they bounced back on the third day despite the gloomy weather. This time, they presented Jacob's ladder dream through a Broadway-worthy skit, a pillowcase- painting activity, and an interactive sidewalk game where kids walked tightropes and climbed chalk-drawn ladders. The excitement peaked with a hula hoop showdown between youth volunteers and one determined leader.

Their service extended beyond storytelling as they helped us prepare for the long awaited remodel at our ROCK Children’s Center. They also deep-cleaned and weeded at My Brother’s Keeper shelter to bless our neighbors who are staying there right now.

The second half of the week, we welcomed Highland Park UMC from Dallas for their third consecutive year. Whoop Whoop! It is always such a delight having groups return. Their team of 37 volunteers ran King's Club simultaneously at two locations: Ashton Oaks and Brazos Village, doubling their impact in our community.

For their service projects, the team spread out across Waco community in three groups:

At Highland Nursing Home, residents were serenaded to music from the gifted hands of one of the youth leaders and a piano’s gentle chords. Volunteers moved between tables engaging residents in games of Dominoes and Uno, collaborative puzzles,  crossword challenges and coloring activities, while others carefully painted nails. It was an afternoon where connections were formed, stories were exchanged across generations and a few tears were shed. As they left, the volunteers carried a piece of the residents’ stories tucked in their hearts.

Across town, another group revived Jubilee playground with fresh stain and diligent weeding, while another built supply boxes for teachers with AgriLife. The final group helped the Urban Reap team with chores at their greenhouse and gardening center.

As always, goodbyes are hard after such a full, joyful week. But the work of service continues, and we can’t wait to welcome our next set of visiting friends.