Y-E-S to V-B-S!!!

Kids are incredible. I was reminded just how incredible the week of our Vacation Bible School. Now that I've had some time to recover, I'm ready to share. It was an exhausting but extremely rewarding week. From what I can tell, the consensus was that it was a success. I felt so much love and support from all the gracious volunteers that dedicated their week to teaching our kids about God's AMAZING power.

One of the reasons I enjoy my job so much is because it teaches me new things about myself with each new experience or task which I am delegated. During VBS I learned three important things: 

1. I am most certainly a bit crazy.

2. This allows me to talk to kids in a way that gives them the impression that I'm awesome.

3. When they are fooled into thinking I'm awesome, it's easier to get them to listen while I teach them about God's LOVE.

First of all, VBS is not as easy as my mentor, Pam, has always made it seem. I never realized how much preparation and coordination goes into planning a Bible school. Thank goodness I had a wonderful team of experienced VBS ladies to help guide this rookie along. Still, the stress built up and I was an emotional wreck after the first day. There was really for no reason for my emotional outburst other than exhaustion, paranoia, and a bit of unrelated drama. The day had gone well. I guess the thought of doing it four more times just seemed a little daunting.

As nervous as I was to be the "go to" person, somewhere along the line it became no longer a burden  but a blessing. By the end of the week the stress was completely gone and I was flying down a water slide yelling, "For VBS!!!!!" Seriously, there was an actual water slide. As cheesy as it sounds, I had the time of my life (cue Dirty Dancing theme song).

I'll admit I was nervous on the following Sunday. It was time to show the rest of our church family what we learned at VBS. Never in my life have I seen such a turnout on a VBS Sunday. So many kids showed up to sing their little hearts out. It was terrific. As I led the congregation through our daily lessons the kids were right there with me engaged and shining as we read our verses and talked about God's POWER! A little guy, Malachi, said it best as the kids exited the stage after their final song, "I DID GREAT!" He did do great; they all did. That little voice is something I'll hold in my heart for a long time. When I see big smiles or get running start hugs from the kids at church it makes my day brighter and everything seems that much more worth it!

Sometimes it feels like all I do is worry or anticipate. Looking back now, I feel silly for stressing. God answered my prayers and blessed me greatly in so many ways during a single week. I guess it's just another reminder that I'd be nothing without his direction and presence in my life. 

This week is Youth Week at church. Stay tuned for related post! 

-KP

I'll just blame the heat.

It's been quite eventful in the life of this rookie youth leader. Here's a few updates. Sorry, it's a lengthy one.

Vacation Bible School
     I had the unique opportunity to serve with my home church as they brought Vacation Bible School to Henryville UMC who suffered tornado damage like most of the town of Henryville and the surrounding areas in early March. The theme for VBS, "Construction Junction," was appropriate as many of the homes right next to the church were being rebuilt. It was such a blessing to spend time with about sixteen first graders and a few kindergarteners. It was heartwarming to see their delightful smiles and hear their infectious laughter. These children have been through so much, some more than others, and still have marvelous joy in their hearts. Praise God for that! I'll cherish the memories of that week and miss those kiddos like crazy! Looking forward (and a bit terrified) to be the leader at our VBS coming up in just a few short weeks. Prayers please!

ICHTHUS
      It's hard to count, but think I've been to Ichthus Music Festival around seven or eight times. Somewhere along the line I've lost my eagerness to camp out for the entire weekend. (Probably because the festival is now in summer; therefore, totally hot.) Luckily, my small group decided we would just truck down to Wilmore for one evening since Switchfoot was playing. After a near death experience in the church van and applying a healthy amount of sunscreen; my buddy Jordan and I staked out our spot while the rest of the group explored. I was not gonna miss the opportunity to see Jon Foreman sound check.
     I guess I'm a true youth leader now because the speaker of the night angered me. I didn't appreciate his topic for the young audience at Ichthus. He was focusing more on not going to hell rather than a relationship with Christ before he gave an altar call. The audience was a bunch of teenagers who are going through "teenager-y" things. I think the speaker should have used this opportunity to focus on the love and comfort that comes with a relationship with a Savior. I was thoroughly disappointed.
     Fortunately, the lead singer of Kutless gave a better message in five minutes than the speaker in thirty. I am always impressed with Kutless because they are a band that takes the time to play worship music instead of trying to sell their own songs. Switchfoot completely killed it. I had an incredible time. I was bouncing around and dancing like nobody's business. I love that band. Did I mention that I got to shake their hands? I had to sweet talk my way into the closed Artist Tent. Still got it. I acted like a real dork when I met them though. "Sorry my hands are so sweaty, sir."

SPIRIT SONG
     Well, I did it! I survived my first overnight trip. I, with the help of three other amazing adults, pulled off an fun-filled weekend trip to Kings Island. Three days at a theme park including some rockin' Christian concerts can really wear you out. It was over 100 degrees each day and there was a crazy storm but my group was still full of positive energy. I was so proud of them. They made my job a whole lot easier. I was able to see Switchfoot again and rocked out. As Jon Foreman came within five rows of me and sang to little kids and gave out high fives I turned to another leader, Derrick, and said, "Those kids don't know they are living my dream. They are living MY dream." Owl City, Red, NEEDTOBREATH, and tobyMac brought the party. It was really special to get to sing, dance, and jump around with the kiddos in my group. It was an honor to take them to some of their first concerts.
    Nothing like going to a theme park to help you discover that you're getting old. Spending time in line surrounded by junior and senior highers is just enough. What really takes the cake: the rides. THEY HURT NOW. When did this happen? Don't get me wrong, I still love roller coasters but I could not keep up like I used to. Oh, what a difference five years can make. I think I'll just blame the heat.

Until something fun happens,
KP