Well, we've been in Memphis since last Friday and it has already taught me a lot. Going into the trip I knew sort of what to expect, yet I have found myself surprised around every turn. I've been amazed with how tired I am throughout the day. I suppose part of this is me being out of shape, but a big part is due to the constant stimulation going through me throughout the day. We're constantly moving and working to make sure not only the students on our trip are doing well, but also the children we are working with in the Vacation Bible School program. Working with City Builders has been awesome. Victoria, the director, has a heart of gold for these kids and has put her life into them for 14 years. So many of these kids owe their lives to her, as she has pulled them off the streets, tutored them, helped them graduate and go onto college, and most importantly, pointed them to God. She's so well respected in the community that she has received multiple grants and has provided an amazing center for these kids. They moved into an old elementary school a year ago and now they have their own gym, craft room, big screen tv's, a computer lab with top of the line computers, a cafeteria, and more. It's amazinig to be a part of this.
Since Sunday of this last week, we've had a junior high youth group from Faithbridge Methodist Church in Houston, Texas with us. 18 students and 4 adults brought with them a passion for serving not commonly seen in junior high kids. And we needed it. The first night ou
r group was faced with the challenge of planning an entire VBS for over 40 children for the entire week. Normally, a Level 1 trip, which this is, is not in charge of VBS, but instead works alongside a ministry. But due to miscommunication from some of our hosts here, we were told we needed to run the entire thing. Instead of complaining or wondering how we would get it all done, the students stepped up right away and ran into the challenge. They immediately began planning the whole program, with a theme of Heroes. They came up with Bible heros for each day, stories to go with it, games, songs to sing with the kids, and even crafts. Each kid that comes this week will walk away with a complete set of the armor of God to protect them from the evil one. Amazing!!
Each day the students have been doing work projects in the afternoon to help City Builders continue to refurbish their building. The students have puts their whole hearts into everything, whether it's painting, organizing, or building shelves in a supply room. Today we went over to build a deck for a woman whose children have all come through City Builders. It's rained pretty
hard here the last two days, so we haven't gone outside much, but we got to work on the deck and accomplished much. Working with junior high students can at times be agonizing, for their speed at such things as pounding a nail is slightly slower than that of a high schooler. But that's all part of the process of absorbing wisdom and knowledge, so I step back and let the kids run the site. So while we weren't able to get as much done on the deck as I may have hoped in the beginning of the week, these students kicked some butt and accomplished much. I was really proud of them, and we had some fun while we were at it.
I've been blessed so much to work with these unbelievable students, their leaders, and my fellow LeaderTreks staff. They've been encouraging, challenging, and supportive as I've been introduced to this awesome program I'm now a part of. I couldn't be happier right now. Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming. I love you all.
Dan
Since Sunday of this last week, we've had a junior high youth group from Faithbridge Methodist Church in Houston, Texas with us. 18 students and 4 adults brought with them a passion for serving not commonly seen in junior high kids. And we needed it. The first night ou
r group was faced with the challenge of planning an entire VBS for over 40 children for the entire week. Normally, a Level 1 trip, which this is, is not in charge of VBS, but instead works alongside a ministry. But due to miscommunication from some of our hosts here, we were told we needed to run the entire thing. Instead of complaining or wondering how we would get it all done, the students stepped up right away and ran into the challenge. They immediately began planning the whole program, with a theme of Heroes. They came up with Bible heros for each day, stories to go with it, games, songs to sing with the kids, and even crafts. Each kid that comes this week will walk away with a complete set of the armor of God to protect them from the evil one. Amazing!!Each day the students have been doing work projects in the afternoon to help City Builders continue to refurbish their building. The students have puts their whole hearts into everything, whether it's painting, organizing, or building shelves in a supply room. Today we went over to build a deck for a woman whose children have all come through City Builders. It's rained pretty
hard here the last two days, so we haven't gone outside much, but we got to work on the deck and accomplished much. Working with junior high students can at times be agonizing, for their speed at such things as pounding a nail is slightly slower than that of a high schooler. But that's all part of the process of absorbing wisdom and knowledge, so I step back and let the kids run the site. So while we weren't able to get as much done on the deck as I may have hoped in the beginning of the week, these students kicked some butt and accomplished much. I was really proud of them, and we had some fun while we were at it.I've been blessed so much to work with these unbelievable students, their leaders, and my fellow LeaderTreks staff. They've been encouraging, challenging, and supportive as I've been introduced to this awesome program I'm now a part of. I couldn't be happier right now. Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming. I love you all.
Dan
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