Day 5 has happened. The area of land is clear, its fairly flat, and it is very usable has been the most exciting day. So many stories and so many experiences.

Before going out today, in our morning together we shared communion. The children served us and one of those children who received before serving was wearing his wellies. Sarah due attention to how powerful an image this was. Here was Jonathan dressed and ready to go out and get stuck into the community just after receiving the bread and wine. A great reminder to us all that our faith demands an action.

To end the week we held a BBQ on the land that we had cleared. We did a quick count and round 70 people in addition to the team turned up. This was only from a couple of streets too. At the BBQ we had loads of chats and got to know people a little better. It was a great experience.

Today has been a day of reactions. I have been struck and moved by the following:
People walking past and smiling.
An older couple coming to us and thanking us for doing what we were doing.
The tool hire company loaning us 3 wheelbarrows at a 50% discount.
A schoolboy thanking me for clearing up his ‘hellish’ route to school.
A local resident bringing a thankyou gift of a tin of sweets.
Another resident apologising for arriving drunk.
A young man asking where he can send a donation to say thanks.
People offering to pay for the BBQ.
Looks of joy on people faces as they walk down the alley.

The Love Gillingham Projects now come to an end. We want things to continue. We want things to progress from jut an annual event. We want to hear hoe to support residents who wish to take things on.

This morning team members had loads of ideas, the two most important being that this had to continue and evolve, and that we needed to hear from the community how this should move on.

This is really going to be a beginning, it certainly is not the end.