what a great week!

All of my fears have been put to rest, and I can truly say that I have grown from my experience in Tennessee. We traveled to the small town of Newport, just over the North Carolina border in the Smoky Mountains, a poor town that is rich in community support. As an adult leader, my job was to support our middle schoolers through their transition to a whole new world that many of them have never truly experienced. We spent two days at a work site, like painting Ms. Ruth's house, refurbishing Ms. Linda's trailers, and sorting donated clothing at the local mission. Then we spent two days running Kids' Club in the park, where small children come to just be kids - we play games, make crafts, and learn about a man named Jesus. We also visited a nursing home one morning, where we spent time just talking with the residents, and how they loved the bright faces of our young people!
I must say that spending five days with 60 middle and high schoolers is quite exhausting, for a few reasons: 1. Painting a house in 90-degree heat, dodging the hornets and wasps, holding an extension ladder for a teenager while saying a prayer that I don't have to explain to his mother why I let him break his neck... well that poops me out good. 2. Experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of these girls is absolutely more exhausting than any 12-hour nursing shift that I have ever worked... and many of them aren't even teenagers yet. 3. After waking up at 6:30am, how could these girls still be going at full speed by lights out time at 11:15pm? It's just impossible for me to figure that one out.
So I learned a few things: 1. Yes, indeed, I can paint a house, apply sunscreen and bug spray simultaneously, and motivate 12-year-olds to perform manual labor all at the same time. 2. I really don't need a mirror to get ready in the morning, especially if I have to outwit 20 girls to get one. 3. Being a mother, although only a substitute mother for 5 days, is a hard, sleep-depriving job.
And my experience this week has only reinforced some things that I already knew: 1. People really can live a fulfilling life with almost no material luxuries, if they have the love of their family, their community, and their Lord. 2. Like a sponge, a 5-year-old child will soak up the love of a stranger if he is neglected that love or attention at home. 3. One always finds true joy in serving God, in humbling oneself and helping others who have found themselves in less fortunate circumstances.
I grew closer to these kids as the days passed, and I really enjoyed building their confidence. Kids are so receptive to positive encouragement, and it's amazing what just a few rewarding words can do for a young person. I saw some of them open up, some of them softened up, and some of them forever changed.
I suppose that every event is life-changing, but this particular trip has greatly affected me. This was my first experience as a leader of youth, and I really loved every minute of it. Although a work trip, this became sort of a retreat for me, a chance to focus on service, worship, and the bible. As their adult support, I had the opportunity and privilege to pray with these kids, an intimidating yet rewarding experience for me personally. In spending time with the other adult leaders, I was surrounded by some individuals with amazing character, wisdom, and faith - the qualities that I strive to develop in myself and that I hope to one day find in a husband.
Everything happens for a reason, and every opportunity must be cherished. I am so proud of these kids and their hard work, and I feel so blessed to have cried, sweat, and laughed along beside them. Wow, life is good.

Heading to the Mountains...

Lizzy and I are traveling next week to rural Tennessee with our church youth group, where we will serve as leaders of the middle schoolers. Now, I remember what it's like to be a middle school student, where life is all about clothes, boys, and being "cool". (Actually, some things never change!) Not too long ago it seems, I was one of the youth on church trips just like this, and I really looked up to my female leaders. So I have to admit that I'm weary of stepping into this chaperone role, for a couple of reasons. Am I able to set a strong Christian example for these kids? Will I be a positive influence on them and will they trust me as their leader? And of course, I really hope they think I'm fun! I'm thankful that Lizzy and I are doing this together, so that we can support and encourage each other as we embark on yet another new adventure together. Rural Tennessee, here we come!!

So I have a plan

I am 25 years old and I can't seem to figure out what my "plan" is. I often hear the question, "So what next, Sarah, have you decided what you're gonna do?" For me, that's a tough one to answer, because the thought of permanence is still quite intimidating. So rather than making a plan, I choose to trust that God already has one for me. And right now, His plan happens to involve a three-month trip to Ghana, Africa, where I will offer myself to serve those in need of love, care, and compassion. As God's people, we are called to walk the way that Jesus walked, to love those less fortunate than we are, those who perhaps have been forgotten along the way. I can only hope that I have enough to give to the people of Ghana, that I can make a difference in the lives of those who may feel that they have been overlooked by the rest of the world. I have been blessed with the education and skill necessary to help the sick, and I am thankful for this opportunity to take time away from comfortable life to travel to Ghana, to serve the people, to experience their suffering, and to strengthen my faith. So here's the plan - through my blog, I want to share my experiences with you, to stay connected to home. I want to tell a story, to paint a picture of what is really happening in our world, to our children, to God's people. So I ask you, please come with me on my new journey; experience with me the challenges, the adventures, the tears, and the joy...