The children's department had an event on June 22th where they got to attend a painting class at the church. Their wonderful teacher drew a fish on their canvas which they then painted however they wanted. After they had finished, she put some final touches and a Bible verse. All of the children were so proud of their work when they finished. I got to lead the group in a game of "Jesus Says" after they finished their snack and Bible story. They loved the spin off of "Simon Says".
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| One of the children with their final project |
On June 26th, we went to Sonic and played some beach volleyball on the court beside the restaurant. I know I had a lot of fun even though I'm really pretty bad at volleyball. I think the youth enjoyed laughing at me attempt to serve the ball. We had a worship service and quick Bible study right there on the court, too! I've got a picture of that below. That was my first time ever playing guitar at Sonic or on a beach volleyball court. The next Wednesday (July 3rd), we attended a MudCats baseball game. We got just a little bit wet during the game but luckily the MudCats came out with a win! We ended the evening with a very American spirited fireworks show.
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| Worship Service at Sonic |
I hosted a Backyard Kids Club (formally called Backyard Bible Club by LifeWay) June 24th through June 27th. Across the street from the church is a large neighborhood with lots of trailers. One of the church members graciously let us use their backyard. I planned the entire event which was something I had never done. We went door to door passing out fliers which was something some of the youth had never done before. At BYKC, we had Bible stories, crafts, and games. It was awesome to see some of the youth really step up and lead. We only had 6 total kids attend, but those are exactly the children that were supposed to be there. God really stretched me during that week. He taught me that even when I get frustrated and disorganized He is still in control of every little detail that I, in my human nature, miss. Even though Backyard Kids Club may not have looked successful by earthly standards, it was very successful in teaching the youth and myself to be flexible and loving to people from all walks of life.
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| Some youth and children playing "blog tag" at Backyard Kids Club |
On June 28th at 6 o'clock in the morning, I was at the church to head with the college group to Washington, D.C. I had never been before so I was pretty excited! We did all kinds of things while we were there. I definitely experienced a lot of firsts on that trip. I visited the Holocaust Museum, rode a metro, got soaked in the rain and ran several blocks through the storm (which ended with many a laugh), saw the historical monuments of DC, rode in a taxi, visited Georgetown Cupcakes (yes this is the bakery from the show DC Cupcakes), shopped in a thrift shop in DC, visited the Smithsonian museum of Natural History, and attended a service at the National Cathedral. It was a pretty quick and crazy trip, but I came back to Rocky Mount with sore feet and a smile on my face.
Now that you're caught up to speed on how June ended for me, I can tell you a little bit about what's happened in July so far. I was very fortunate to see some of my family and very close family friends for the 4th of July. My parents were so excited to see me as was I to see them. We had a wonderful time catching up and trading stories. This past Sunday, I was able to sing in the praise band again. It has been wonderful to be in the band and so uplifting to hear the comments the congregation give me after the services that I am a part of. During the month of July, I will be teaching the high school Sunday School class. This week the associate pastor and I have started decorating for VBS and let me tell you, it's going to be AWE-SOME! Pictures of the decorations will be posted soon!
My energy is starting to run low, but joy still feels my heart with the work I'm doing. I have to be a little selfish and ask your prayers for this month. This week we are preparing for Vacation Bible School where I will be in charge of all of the youth activities. July 14th through July 19th is VBS. On July 21st, we'll be having a youth-led service. With only one free week in between, we leave for our West Virginia mission trip July 28th and come home August 3rd. This next month is probably going to be gone before I know it! I just pray that I use my time wisely and accomplish what God wants me to do while I am here at Southside. God is stretching me and getting me out of my comfort zone in every area I am involved in here and it feels SO good!
I thank you in advance for your prayers and support. I love all of you back at home. I miss and love you, Mom and Dad. I think about and pray for y'all at FBC Norris often and miss you very much! I cannot wait to report back to you at the end of the summer and tell you what God has done this summer as well as hear what He has done there!
For others reading this, I thank you for your love and support in my life. Just by reading this, you are showing your support!
Thank you again. To God be the Glory!
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