was so great. I went on a mini-missions trip with my youth group (JAARS). Saturday half of us went to Crisis Pregnancy Center and the other half went to a flea markey to evangalize. I'm not sure how to spell that. My half went to the pregnancy center and we did some house-cleaning and sorted a lot of clothes for the organization. When we got back we split into different groups and each group went to a widow's house who lived in the area. I ended up cleaning two bathrooms and vaccuuming. Then we had free-time and did some random stuff. Sunday was the hardest day.
First we went to a nursing home in Pineville which I was really uncomfortable with. I'm not too great with the elderly and the one's in this particular home were not like the people I've visited before. I was very overwhelmed and almost to tears because I was so uncomfortable. We sang for them and four people gave testimonies which were really touching. After that we ate lunch and went straight to the Spanish church in Monroe. When we got there we were greeted with open arms. The whole thing was in spanish, the music, all of the speaking, communion, the whole deal. It was crazy! But surprisingly uplifting at the same time, even though I didn't understand anything anyone was saying. After communion we went to help lead Children's Church, where we did puppet shows, sang songs, and wait for it... I (and another girl) gave my testimony. I was so nervous about it all weekend. Before I went up on the stage my really good friend Ruthie came and prayed right into my ear and she encouraged me more than you can know. I began to tear up because I was nervous, but also because I was so glad to have such an amazing and loving friend. So I went up and spoke, I left out some things on accident and I stumbled a few times, but it's okay. I hope that God used me to help influence at least one of those children. When I walked off the stage I went and sat between Nathan and Alisha, two of my favorite people. Alisha hugged me and I just started to cry so much. I really am not sure why. Maybe I was overcome with the Holy Spirit, maybe it was all of my emotions of the weekend spilling out of me, but I know they were not tears of sadness. Nathan and Alisha both proceeded to comfort me while we waited to go outside. When we went outside we broke the kids into age groups and played games with them.
Every time I work with children I am reminded of how much I adore them. I love their youthfulness and open hearts. They latch on to someone and love them, even if they don't know that person one bit. I had 5 little kids ages 6-8 trying to hold my hand at one time. One girl never let go of me and when I would break away (while playing tag) she would run immediately back to me. I am just inspired by their love and innocence. I can't put into words what's going through my head. Whenever I'm reminded of children from Jackson Park or the kids from the Spanish church, I can't stop smiling. Ask Alisha, it's true.