Sunday, April 26, 2015

Spring Break Mini Clubs

It was really exciting to have 4 teens from NH and Cameron and Alissa join together to reach kids this week.  Springfield kids had school vacation and we used the time to go into homeless shelters and do Bible clubs with them.  The teens needed to learn a misisonary story, songs, Bible lessons, and how to give the Gospel to a child.  It was an intense week!  The time between the end of one club and the beginnin of the next was only 30 minutes so the kids had to clean up, eat lunch, and then set up in a very short amount of time.  They did great.

Not only did they have a hugely positive impact on the kids this week, but they also paved the way for further impact as new kids came out and they are now waiting for the next Club Hope!  One mom texted me yesterday and said, "Jaiden had to sleep with his 2 Bibles and glassses and his ball [prizes from club].  You guys have really brought joy in my son's life and it makes me happy."  Jaiden is only 4 years old- and full of energy!-  but he was a hit with the team and Mr. Matt.  His mom said all he talked about when he wasn't at club was "When can I see Mr. Matt?" over and over again!  




One little girl (she has been with us for over a year) came late to club one day.  She was crying.  Her mom was fighting with her boyfriend and this little girl couldn't get to club on time.  Her mom finally let some other kids take her.  Matt gave her a cupcake, since she had missed snack, and prayed with her.  She was so happy to be there!  These kids...all of them....need so much prayer.







This little girl wouldn't leave Alissa's side!  From beginning to end she was attached to her!










I'm thankful for the willingness of the teens to serve God and the children in this way!

Saturday, April 25, 2015

club hope

I love Club Hope because I love the kids so much!  This past event was kind of tricky.  We had multiple volunteer cancelations (many due to circumstances completely out of their control), the buses left late (one bus driver lost her keys!), a child missed the bus and we had the bus turn back to get him, Matt left the check for the bus drivers at the office and had to leave to go get it, and right before the buses left, Andrew broke  his foot!  

We had new kids and MORE kids and kids asking SO MANY questions!  They are so searching and love to learn about Jesus.  They group of 3rd and 4th grade girls I counseled after the Bible lesson were full of questions.  Some of them would answer each other's questions with: "Remember Cameron said..." over and over as they recounted the Bible lessons Cameron has given over the last few months.  They have been listening and learning!




Andrew was excited to go on the bus because he has his own little ministry to this guy right here.  They are buddies! He wasn't able to go on the bus because of his foot- it worked out fine though.  He ate lunch with him and Kymel pushed him around in the wheelchair :)












Friday, April 17, 2015

zoo

It took a while for us to learn that we live only 25 minutes from a zoo.  And once we found out?  Andrew couldn't stop talking about it!  We took the three youngest ones on Wednesday.  So much fun!














Micah had fun following  chasing the peacock around.  Reminded me of Israel and his goose on Daniel Boone!






It was SUCH a nice day and the kids had a great time.  Their excitement over each animal was contagious!

sunday afternoon

After church on Sunday Brianna treated us all to a delicious meal.  Grilled burgers and barbecue chicken, fruit, potato salad, chips....  It was amazing!  The weather is finally warming up and I believe all of the snow is gone.  (I'm surprised to sometimes see spots of snow here and there but for the most part it is all gone!)







After lunch we went to the park.  Micah has been waiting since last fall!






While we played at the park, Brianna and Caleb hiked a trail up Wilbraham Mountain and enjoyed the view from the Vista.



Cameron and Alissa missed out on the fun as they were in NH.  I'm sure there will be other beautiful days ahead of us that we can all enjoy together :)

random thoughts

So I've been doing a lot of thinking.  And resting.  And praying.  And reflecting. I can't believe I am a grandmother- with two mo...