Muskegon 2010.1

I will be update our progress and don’t wish to tell too much, but I want to share two good things about today… 

I’d be lying if I said I weren’t genuinely surprised at how excited our students were to help in any way that was needed, stay focused – well, most of the time! 😉 – and make sure that we accomplished what we set out to accomplish!  Our students were so happy to paint, listen to the teaching, play the games, and work together – it was incredible!  However, the best part was when we went to Child Haven.  Man, these kids reached out and pulled in ALL of the kids there – it was great!  I am so proud of our team!  Better yet, when we got back to the church and talked about our experience, well, I’ve never heard 11-14 year olds tell me that they felt accomplished because they made someone else feel special that day!  Our students couldn’t stop talking about how excited one kid in particular was to have friends to play with and talk to!  We’ve got an amazing team of youth for the week… I’m so thankful for each student that’s on this trip and I can’t wait for the rest of the week!  Yippee!  🙂

My other favorite part?

We got to meet some really awesome kids today; from making bracelets to painting to playing kickball, the kids we met today were awesome!  For me personally, I “targeted” some of the older girls and I met one in particular who really blew my mind.  I listened as this young woman told me about her family, how she had gone from home to home, what her school situation was like, and some personal addictions she is facing.  I regret to say that I did not pray with her (I admit it, I chickened out!) and do I regret it?  You betcha!  I plan on following up with this young lady, but the point is that my eyes were opened today.  Though I am one who always feels the need to know about the “real” issues in our world, I had forgotten my own backyard.  There was a young lady sitting less than two feet from me this afternoon; we were fully engaged in conversation and connecting very well.  What’s my excuse for not sharing Jesus with her?  What’s my excuse for not sharing his love and his power and his adventure that he calls all of us to?  I don’t have one, not a good one at least.  More or less, I robbed her of an opportunity today.  I’m guilty.  There she sat, a beautiful young woman in need of my Lord, and there I sat, selfish and awkward and fearful.   

It’s days like today where I couldn’t be more thankful for second chances and more in need of a re-do button.