DNOW 3 Part 2

...almost finished and we're tired. We've had a great weekend! Mark and I both love being around kids and it's always a joy to serve kids together. God definitely has put a burden on my heart(and Mark's too) for all kids, but specifically middle and high school kids. It seems rare to find a youth that has any sort of meaningful relationship with an adult. I think those relationships are invaluable.


One of our college leaders this weekend, Drew, has been a youth intern at the church for the past two summers so several of the kids already knew him. Friday night we had smores and Drew had a marshmallow in one hand and a piece of chocolate in the other. One of the boys just walked up and took the marshmallow and ate and then took the chocolate and ate it too! I realize most people would think that is rude! However, Mark and I were talking later about what a sweet moment that was to watch. This young boy felt comfortable with his college leader. He felt like he could be himself. He realized his leader would laugh and smile and love him, even if he stole his chocolate. I know it sounds silly but I want that little piece of a relationship for all kids. They all need an older adult from whom they can steal chocolate, laugh with, learn from, talk to and listen to. It's a true joy to get to host the kids and allow them to develop relationships with godly leaders so that one day they themselves may be those godly leaders.


The boys have been so sweet and respectful. The biggest difference between the guys and girls is that the boys are just a little more rambunctious when they have free time. We had just a few wrestling matches, which I have been assured are normal for boys. :-) They were very sweet though. One of our neighbors is having a rough time so we bought her some flowers and the boys were great enough to deliver the flowers. Each of them also hugged her!

Not only were they nice to our neighbor but middle school boys love them some babies!!! Here are a few of the boys playing with Kelsey. Don't you love her visor?




Here is Kyle just carting Caroline around! In his wife beater, of course.

They were also sweet and helped Eli break the pinata!

The mad dash for the candy.

Mark and I are so grateful for the folks in our Sunday School class that helped us out throughout the weekend. Nick, Brad and Jarrett all did some driving, while Lindsay, Katie and Lauren helped with our Mexican themed dinner! It's always more fun to do it as a group. I'm glad that they all helped out! :-) I love the picture below! Everyone's got a smile on and it just makes my heart jump with joy at our sweet friends!

I also love that Caroline and Kelsey seem to be having their own little conversation going on!