Good morning, friend. It has been a busy week for me, filled with excitement and a bit of chaos. We are having VBS at our church, and tonight is the last night. The theme is True North, bringing to life the stunning landscapes of Alaska, where adventure meets faith. The set is incredibly well designed, featuring a fun cabin, stars and the northern lights. The take away is to trust Jesus, a message that resonates deeply, especially in times of uncertainty. Our children’s minister, a true visionary and the most talented person I know, has poured his heart and soul into this event. He builds the most amazing sets, crafting an environment that not only captivates the children’s imaginations but also nurtures their spiritual growth. As I reflect on the week, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness these young hearts engaging with their faith in such a joyful and vibrant way.

Here he is with his wife Leisa, an incredibly talented individual in her own right. I’m always amazed by the work they do together as a dynamic team. Leisa not only leads the worship part with enthusiasm, but she also has a unique knack for connecting with the children, truly getting them amped up with her engaging and energetic singing. Each session feels like a joyous celebration where her passion for music shines brightly, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages the kids to participate wholeheartedly. It’s inspiring to see how their collaborative efforts create such a positive impact on the community.

My helper is Anderson, who is going to be in eighth grade. He is more like the leader, and I am the helper. I let him take the lead because he has a natural talent for connecting with the kids, and he does an excellent job engaging them with enthusiasm and energy. Each night, all the groups move from station to station, providing a dynamic experience that keeps the children excited and eager to learn. Each room features different people telling a Bible story, sharing a scripture verse that highlights the key message, and conducting a fun experiment that illustrates the principles being taught. All of those people have done such an excellent job to create an inviting and educational atmosphere, making sure the kids walk away not just entertained, but also inspired. Their teamwork and dedication contribute to a wonderfully enriching environment that fosters both learning and personal growth.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the waterslide, which is truly a highlight of our visit. The kids absolutely love the waterslide. Getting wet is not a problem; in fact, it adds to the excitement of the night. They all bring towels from home and many wear their bathing suits under their clothes, ready to dive into the fun at a moment’s notice. When it’s time to head back inside to the air conditioning, they wrap up in their towels, still buzzing with energy and anticipation for the next adventure that awaits them.

There is a lively competition between boys and girls to see how many can bring in the most money for offering, sparking a friendly rivalry among the participants. This year, the offering will be dedicated to the elementary school down the street, aiming to create a more inviting and comfortable teachers’ lounge where educators can relax and recharge during their busy days. Beyond just enhancing the lounge, the collected funds will also directly benefit some of the children who attend that school that might be in need of essential clothing and shoes.

I am thankful to be a part of something so worth while for our kids and the friends that they bring. It has been such a blessing to me and I am glad I volunteered.

As always I’m glad you’re here. I hope you have the best day.

Best,

Amy