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.