VBS

Yesterday we finished up VBS. Last, Monday I was wondering why I even volunteered. But, by Wednesday I knew exactly why. It is so great to be a part of a church that invites all the neighborhood kids to come in and listen about the love God has for each and every one of us.

The girls had great line leaders. EG was in the 3/4 preschool class and she did great. Mostly because her babysitter was in there. I had Boop's class. 16 entering Kindergartners. Mostly boys. Once I learned their names and a little bit about each one, we had a good time singing, dancing, playing, doing crafts and learning about God, together.

Our theme was pandas from China and "God is wild about us." It was kind of cool because we, as a church are sponsoring a family who are missionaries there. They are a family of eleven and the parents and five of the youngest kids have made a commitment to serve over there for two years. We are blessed to know the family and have been praying for them and collecting missions money throughout the year.

Anyway, all the kids who attended VBS were invited back to church on Sunday to sing and dance on stage for their parents. About 3/4ths of the kids came back. They had a great time performing. The big girls were hard to see. I did though, because I was on the stage singing and dancing with them! Boop and EG were in front, in the middle. Boop did great with the moves and the singing. EG spent most of the time looking at the monitor. Turning her back to the audience. Then walking to me. Then going back. Then going down the stairs to her babysitter. Then back up the stairs, to the middle of the stage, back to me and then throwing an inflatable panda off the stage. Well, you get the picture. Daddy and Sissy were there to see it all!

Part of the closing ceremony was that the family from China just happened to be back in the states celebrating their oldest daughter's wedding. So the dad was able to preach. We got to hear some great stories about adjusting to urban Chinese living. Most building are 6 stories high (anything over that and they need an elevator.) They carry groceries up 6 flights of stairs. Everyone rides bikes. The grocery stores have 130 check out lanes. Most families have only one child (government law) and when the missionary family mentions they have a total of eleven in their family, they always draw a crowd.

Anyway, we had a great week. I am glad I volunteered. I am glad the kids participated. I am glad we were able to share the fact that God loves each and every one of those kids in a very special, a very real and personal way.

The kids can't wait until next year. . .