This week First Presbyterian Chuch in Jeff City opened its doors to us for the week. They had some good food!
Monday rolled around and after this weekend, my thoughts were still on our 14 year old and I wondered if he'd come back. A deep peace set in my heart and I resolved to go with teh flow. Whatever God was going to do, He would do and all I had to concern myself with was following Him.
Taira was worried and planned on going to our boy's house to talk to him. I urged her to be patient and if he didn't come back today, we would go and talk to him. Needless to say we didn't have to do that because he came back! I was watching the youngers as they were on the playground. One of the girls pointed behind me and said, "He's back."
I turned around and saw him. My heart began praising God. I turned to the girl as she was about to tell me a story about her weekend and motioned for her to wait a minute, that I would be back. The boy stood a way off, having me walk to him.
We said hey to each other and shook hands. Joy was written all over my face to see him, but also apologies had to be made. I told him I was sorry that I spent so much time talking to the girls last week, instead of trying to get him calmed down.
He asked if he could come back.
"My mom didn't want me to come but I begged her so she let me," he said.
I told him we were very happy to have him back. I was stunned by what he said though. You never know if what you're doing is making an impact on someone. And then something like that happens and it just energizes you to do better.
This week as a whole was awesome. We had such a great group from Powhatan, Virginia. A few teachers and people who just wanted to work and work came to us. There were a few tears shed when they left. I tried to keep myself from crying but during share time Friday morning, a guy from one of our Tenn. groups said:
"These kids are role models and leaders. If my kids could grow up to be like them, I would be very proud."
And that's when tears welled up. That's such a huge responsibility! I've never been called a role-model before and that just urges me to be as good a Christian as I possibly can. It's so weird. We missionaries are just college students doing what God called us to do for the summer. I personally don't think it's a big deal because I'm just doing what He wants me to do. But then people from the outside see what we're doing and they're blown away! I don't know whether to be proud or be totally embarrassed that someone is complimenting me for something God has done. I suppose I can be proud in Jesus Christ, boasting of what He's able to do if only we give ourselves wholly as living sacrifices.
Today I welcomed the weekend with open arms! Michelle, Nichole, Ayla and I went to Knoxville to visit the Sun Sphere. It's so cool! We then went to be legit outdoor shoppers and hit up Mast General Store, Bass Pro (for starbucks haha) and Life According to Jake. I know pretty much exactly what I want for Christmas this year! Toms, Chacos, some Life is Good apparel, and rent money!
Tomorrow we are going to New Market Baptist Church. Another week, another church. I'm excited, though, to see just how God rounds out the summer. There are only two weeks left for Kid's Club. I'd love to see huge changes in those kids' lives. Slowly but surely, only by the grace and awesomeness of God are we able to see this harvest. Our prayer is that as we sow seeds, the seeds will fall on good soil so that God can cultivate it and show these kids just how magnificent He can be. Pray for them and pray for Taira and me as we enter our second to final week of reaching the kids. There have been so many success stories that, like I said before, I will tell you all about once my first AO summer is over. Pray for more of these changes and more hearts come to know Christ as their one and only Savior.
Ciao!
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