God's Timing is Funny

Week number 5 is complete! This summer is just flying by way to quickly! This week was one of the best weeks we've had all summer. First off we were blessed to invite John, our new site director to our team. God truly provided by giving us such an amazing, fun, and exciting man to lead us and work alongside of us. He has brought so much relief and taken away so much stress that I didn't even realize I had by his leadership! We are already wishing we had more than 5 weeks with him but are thankful for the time we do have! Here is our first team picture together after a wonderful meal at a BBQ place downtown called Sugar's.

Garrett, me, Kial, John

Because of the 4th of July we only had 45 people total which compared to a normal 65-70 it was a huge relief. Kids Club was closed at all but one site Monday and Tuesday and then at all sites Wednesday and Thursday. Also, this group of participants were absolutely wonderful and such an amazing group to work alongside.

Monday:
Although the rest of the week looked a little different than normal, Monday was pretty much the same for me. In the morning we had about 3 hours of orientation/prep time for Kids Club. The only site that was open for the week was the Boys and Girls Club so I was very excited to have the opportunity to stay just at one site for a change versus traveling between all four.

This weeks focus was faithfulness. The youth did an amazing job coming up with perfect skits and songs to perform for the kids. They also easily came up with fun crafts and games to lead the kids in. It was such a blessing to me to be able to hang out with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club and really get to know them better. Because I have to travel between 4 sites everyday, I don't have the extra time to sit down and color with the kids or throw a ball around. I was very thankful for this time this week. Here are some pictures from Monday afternoon!

 John getting his hair done by some of the girls :-)

Reading time

Bailee (a very outspoken 5 year old) drew a picture of herself, Courtney (coco) and I 

Monday evening we went to Rock City like normal but because of the weather we couldn't go in. We waited for a little bit and played some games but eventually had to leave early. But hey! We got ice cream sundays out of it and the youth and adult leaders were so flexible, it was wonderful!

Our team and wonderful Area Director Courtney hanging out on the mountain!

Tuesday:

Tuesday morning was my time off which is always a wonderful and relaxing time. Then off to Kids Club at the Boys and Girls Club in the afternoon! Again, it was so nice to stay at one site and focus on just those kids. Not only was it nice to get to know the kids but also to have that time to hang out with the youth more and get to know them better too!

Tuesday was Chattanooga's big firework night! We were able to move things around a bit, have club right after dinner, then head down to Coolidge Park on the river to hang out and watch the fireworks. This was such a fun night. There were bands playing and so many people. It was nice to have a little change up as well and throw in some excitement!

Team Chatty ready to watch fireworks!

One of the youth that looked so much like a friend from home (a younger version of course!)

Wednesday:

Wednesday I was able to be Kial's right hand girl and help her out with service sites because there was no kids clubs. Because it was the fourth and not many sites were open, she sent me to one of the life care centers in Chattanooga. This was such a fun experience to see a service site and serve in a different environment. It was also such an encouragement to see the youth serve and work so well with the elderly as I only get to see them serve with the kids.

Hixson had a super fun day full of events for the residents. Some of these events included bubble blowing, flag decorating, water balloon tosses, and ended with songs, a skit, and ice cream! Such a fun day!

At night we were able to head back to Rock City where we were one of the only people there and really able to enjoy God's creation at the lookout. It was so relaxing and amazing to see the youth really connect and worship God in this way.

Thursday:

One of the service sites that I have been longing to go to is Avondale Headstart. I volunteered at one by my school this past year and really wanted to see another one. I was able to go there on Thursday morning and hang out with the younger kids and youth! It was again, so encouraging to see these youth really love on these kids. I could've just sat and watched the whole time because it was just so beautiful to see!

Thursday afternoon our region director and her husband and daughter came to check out Chattanooga and check on how we were doing. We went out to lunch with them to a good mexican/american restaurant called Taco Mamacita. Kial and John then took them out to some service sites while Garrett and I headed to another elderly home called St. Barnabas. Then it was quickly off to shower duty and back to the church for dinner prep. We had our community cookout as usual Thursday evening. Thursday's are one of my favorite days because the youth get so much free time. Also, we do a Thursday night footwashing service for club which is just such a special experience. The staff are able to wash the adult leaders feet and then the adult leaders are able to wash their youth's feet. After we as staff are done, we go to the back of the sanctuary and pray over the students. Kial and I were able to observe siblings wash each other's feet and then wash their mom's. Needless to say we were both in tears. This brought me right back to being able to wash Mary's feet last year when I went as an adult leader to Toronto with MLUPC. An experience I would never take back!

Well off to week 6 and the challenges and excitement God has in store! All 4 Kids Clubs start up again this week and I am super excited to show John around and let him see how it all works! We are headed to Atlanta this weekend for our area retreat. We have been super blessed with such an amazing area and amazing people to spend this experience with. Plus, Kial and I cant wait to introduce Garrett and John to the rest of Chatlantaham! 

This week's theme at Kids Club is peace. Its funny how the fruits of the spirit line up to what I am needing reminded off in my life. God is funny :-)

Blessed are those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9