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!