Where I Left My Heart Behind -St.Louis 2012

This past week, June 25th through the 29th, I went to St.Louis with Madison Church of Christ. All along I knew that I was going up there to work with the inner city children. That sounded so simple, and so enjoyable. But, in the end, I realized that is was much, much more than just being excited to love on the children. With being human...and a teenager, I'm not sure my heart was all there the whole week. At times I was goofing off, or thinking about me and not the children. I was somewhat disappointed in my behavior. But, I also had to take the time to think about this past week last night after our final class. Yes, I was distracted with the games my friends were playing, but I was also lost in thought about the past three days with the Inner City children. I'm not saying I did terrible and didn't make a difference, no, not at all! I know that I played, smiled, laughed, and loved with those children this week, and surprisingly, it was really hard! I thought loving on some children and playing games would be easy....But easier said than done. This week was definetly a learning experience for me, and maybe some others too. I had an amazing time though! Singing, laughing, and playing games with the kids was so much fun! I really felt like by the second and especially the third day that they could let down their walls and just hang out with us! It was SO cool! I expected, especially the little kids, to be grumpy, or not listen, and just not want to be bothered, but man, they just laughed, smiled, and wanted to be held! I was surprised that I was so willing to let them cling to me, get on my back, or just hold them. I'm not a very touchy person, but I never said no, or hated every minute of it. I loved them. All of them. I really wish I would have been more into it and had my heart and head completely there. Like I said, this trip was a learning experience, and I want to go back for sure! I realize that I'm not going to do everything right, but will be praying and learning more about where I am in my game before I go on a mission trip. I really would love to go to Honduras someday, maybe even Africa. I realize that it will be WAY harder than just doing a three hour VBS, but after this week, I'm willing and wanting to pray, ask God for guidance, and go. I loved, loved, loved St.Louis though! Even if I didn't go with Madison, I'd love to go again!

Following the Calling -Teaching and Children

I am beyond excited for what God is leading me to do in my life! As I'm getting older, I'm being called to be a leader, teacher, and just to love on children. Really, it has always been a passion to teach, and I've always had a huge heart for children! This coming week, June 17-21 I will be going to Church Camp, and this year it will be different because I'm the oldest girl! At first, I was a little weirded out because, I'm just sixteen, just a Junior, not old enough to be the oldest. So, when I was told that I was looked at as a leader, that took a while to sink in. But, after talks with God, and arguements with myself. I know where I stand and would love to lead the younger generation! So, at camp I will be doing a brief bible story with the younger girls in the youth group! I am overjoyed about this! It won't be much, but I still hoping to make an impact on those girls lives. Then, the week after camp, I will be going on my very first mission trip to St.Louis to work with the Inner City children! We will be doing basically a VBS with them, and I just can not wait for this trip! I will be in the music department with the children! Yeah, we will be doing music with them, but my main focus is to pour the love of God on these children, to make them realize that they are LOVED and that God is the best father anyone could ask for! I am so thankful that God is giving me opportunities to do what I love!