#3-Best for Last

We finished up our third and last VBS for the summer of 2008 at our hometown church. Can I just stop here for a minute and brag about my awesome friend PAM! She had the job of putting and pulling together a FABULOUS VBS. Ya'll, she ROCKS!

The theme was 'God's Big Backyard' and the focus was on service to our family, friends and community. The kids were given a mission to bring books and formula that was donated to a local chapter. The kids learned about how Jesus was a servant to those around him and how we are called to serve those that need us.

I was a crew leader this year to the oldest group and I loved every minute of it! I love this age group so much and seeing them singing along and getting excited was a boost to my spiritual journey. We had very small groups this year due to the AMAZING amount of volunteers from our church. How terrific that was! I had SIX kids in my group and the cool thing was that only ONE was a member at our church? What possibilities this brings to us! The Sunday after VBS was over I had two from my group return with their families. AWESOME!

The boys had a great time hanging with their friends and even a week later I catch them singing the theme song "God's BIG, BIG, BIG Backyard!" so I know they were paying attention.

One of the rotations was called community corner where there was a guest speaker who works in our community and serves others. Brian was asked to speak on the first day about serving in the military. The boys were so excited to see their Daddy up front sharing with everyone and the other kids were just as excited to "see a soldier and his GUN!" As Brian was showing the kids all the gear he had to wear and what each piece would protect he held up the shield for his thighs and put it up to his leg. One six year old notice that something wasn't all protected so he shouts out "What about your wiener?!" Priceless. Brian didn't miss a beat and acknowledged that yes that is also protected, now who has the next question . . .

One thing I took away from the week was everyone working together. It was great seeing everyone each day and having fun teaching the kids. I was able to get in some great conversations with people that I only have time to say a quick hello to each Sunday morning. Two women who also were crew leaders with my same age group were so funny and I know I wouldn't have had the opportunity to talk to them like I was able to without VBS. Shout out to my new friend Jeana who was brave enough to come and tell me that she reads my blog, but had never talked to me face to face! We were able to chat awhile on the last night and I am now caught up with her from reading her own blog and showed her the way to Facebook! I look forward to developing the friendships I made in the short week we worked together and am grateful to have such an opportunity to serve at my church.

So closes VBS 2008, I am already looking forward to next year!