FUN!

We have a ton of free time, and this is how we spent it tonight! We did our devos outside, sang our hearts out to God with Sarah on the guitar and then starting star spinning. After many many MANY falls to the ground, we had a grand idea of doing a pyramid!

Captivity

Hey! Me again! I've been "yelled at" by my fellow bloggers that I need to write more, seeing that I'm ALWAYS hounding them to write something. All I do is carry around this laptop and say, ummm, can you blog? Have you blogged yet? You can't eat dinner until you blog!

Our chapel theme is "Reveal" and we are looking for ways God is revealing Himself in us throughout the day and what we are learning about Him and who we are in Him. We did an AMAZING thing about captivity. I have been reading in my Beth Moore Bible Study, Breaking Free, about what captivity really means. (God's kinda cool like that, bringing up the same topic all over so you finally learn the lesson) the definition is A christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him or her. We were instructed to put our wrists together and they would be zip tied together.We then were to go around the room and look at the things that hold us captive. Technology, sports, drugs and addictions, food, relationships, money and self image. We were to let God and ask God to break us free from the captivity we were in because of these things. Then, we were to approach the cross to have our zipties cut, and be released from captivity. So amazing.

Things I got from all of this:
1) at first you don't think the wrists are tied too tight. It feels okay, not uncomfortable. As time goes on, they seem to get tighter and the desire to be free is greater. You get frustrated and it becomes painful. Every move hurts.
2) Although you are released from the bondage, there are still marks left on your wrist from the captivity. There will always been consequences for our captivity. There will be marks left by our decisions. We will feel the affect long after we have been set free.
3) (Christin) noticed that even though her wrists were free, they kept going back to the same position of crossed. She was so use to them being like that, that they did it on their own. It will be SO easy to go back into the ways of our captivity after we are free. We need to keep going back to the cross to help us stay close to God and far away from the things that capture us.

Think on these things.

~Abby~

Thoughts from an "adult"

The sound of the basketball is echoing in the gym and our kids are playing a game, using up the rest of their energy that they surprisingly have left. I don't know how or where they store it, but it's there!

We came on this trip, not even having a CLUE on what our projects would be. I was even complaining to Paul about not being able to pack the right stuff because I didn't know what I would be doing. I know...I really have to work on that complaining thing, huh...

ANYHOW, the suspense was SO GREAT the night we opened our envelopes Sunday night. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read "McLean Bible Church". That's where I go on Sunday nights!! It wasn't a painting job, it wasn't weeding, it wasn't a nursing home, it wasn't VBS---all things I'm familiar with. Comfortable with. Nope. Kids with disabilities. I should be fine with it, being a teacher and all. But no.

There are so many things that I could write about, but one thing really sticks out. It really hit me when, after being with the kids all day long on the FIRST day of camp, and being frustrated and feeling helpless and not being able to understand what the kid wanted, and just wanting my life to be normal again, to watch the moms come and pick up their kids. They were soooo happy and soo full of love for their child. They were excited to see their little one who God created perfectly according to Him. How can they be so happy? Their life HAS to be exhausting, and yet they are glad to get their kids back. It almost made me cry. Will I be able to love my child like that? Will I be okay if I have a child with disabilities? Will I be able to handle it? I always thought it odd that parents didn't care if their child was a girl or a boy, they just wanted it to be healthy.

I COMPLETELY understand now.

I thank God the gifts that He has given me. Things I didn't even know were talents, things I have been "good" at all my life. Like, by some magical reason, I was able to get suntan lotion on a kid who hated to be touched. How did I know what to say or how to act or how it even happened?? God. He did it. He gave me the experiences in my life to prepare me for everything. If you remember anything, remember this. EVERYTHING you go through, learn from it. No experience is a wasted experience. Nothing is done for "no reason."

~Abby~

From the "Red Shirt Elite"

Aaron says,

how should I start....

I volunteered to be a hospitality manager. I've learned how to cook, to do laundry and to write a blog (BAH! Abby's typing it and making me put my feelings into words...) I also learned how to play "Never have I ever..." which is a game where you try to get others out by saying things you have never done, and if they HAVE done it, then they lose a point. Sounds confusing? It was! But I'm a master now! (yah right)

I'm working with a guy named Adam and he is from North Carolina. There are two other summer staff who are the ones who are actually RUNNING the camp and in charge of projects and leading the morning and evening programs. For the most part, I do what they tell me. My main duties are in the kitchen. My mom would be SOOO proud! I prepare all the meals, take inventory of all the stock and help the campers prepare breakfast and dinner. It keeps me WAY busier than I thought it would. This is the first time I've been able to sit down all day. I also help with skits and preparing things for chapel.

Tomorrow I will be traveling with one of the summer work staff to the different work sites to see what's going on and to take pictures. I would have liked to have worked with the kids too, so I am really looking forward to visit the sites and get out of this building!

~Aaron~

A Wonderful Day!!! :)

This week I have been working with teens that have disabilities. I have been working in the same crew as Joel and we go to Kilmer Middle School. Today I went to the swimming pool with the kids and it was so much fun! Whenever I got in the pool, I went over to a girl, Tracy, and I asked if she was having fun and she said YEA! She grabbed my arms and put them around her body so I started walking her around the pool while she was kicking and splashing. It was really nice to get to hang out with her in the pool. I know she felt secure because she held onto my hands tight so I wouldnt let go. I am going to miss Stacy once we leave. I am excited to see what God has for me in the next few days!!! :)

Miss you guys!
Lillian

A Fabulous Week!

So this week I have been helping with teens with disabilities. Meghan and I have been working with the kids from 16-18. It's been such a great week for me, and I have learned so much not just from the teens we are working with, but from our youth group devotion times as well. I think that the most defining point for me today was at lunch time. I was sitting with Adam (one of the kids in our group), and I asked him what he was planning on doing tonight and immediately he said he was going to go home and tell his mommy and daddy about how he went to the pool today. And it just broke my heart he sat there with his lunch box that his mommy had packed him eating his peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I was so heartbroken for this teen who would probably never be able to pack his own lunch, and who would always want to tell his mommy and daddy everything he did that day even if it was as normal as going to the pool. It was then that I realized how little I do to help teens and kids like this back in Pa. I was always afraid of them and having to take care of them, but in this moment I realized that they are just like a child, and not in a bad way. So hanging out with them is almost the same as if I were babysitting Callie, Selah, or any other child. I have loved every moment of my time here from the ride down with my crazy but lovable sister to the moment when I realized that I didn't need to be afraid of people with disabilities. Thank you all for your prayers and support, I couldn't have learned any of this without you guys!

Love Ya,
Heather

Tuesday & Wednesday

On Tuesday it was another day of helping the children with disabilities. If you haven't read my previous post, i was very nervous about helping these kids even when i did pretty okay. So yesterday (Tuesday), i got to experience outbreaks that a girl had. The scenario went like this: She was headed towards the boys bathroom so i tried to redirect her like i usually do: By taking her by the arm and gently pulling towards the direction she should be going and saying happily "we're going this way, honey." And typically, she listens... but that day she decided to resist. She jerked her arm out of my hand and kept pursuing forward so i wrapped my arm around her front side and pulled her back while i was trying to get in front of her. She reacted by leaning backwards and pulling my hair, then turning around and headbutting me in the face. And in case you're wondering, she's my size- maybe bigger. I heard my nose crack a little while a lady was telling me to move towards her. Right... i'm gonna move towards the girl having a meltdown and taking it out on me. Matt (the coordinator) runs over and takes her off me and i touch my nose while he asks me if my hair is alright... i laugh a little and say i'm fine as the girl i'm supposed to bond with runs to the corner and lays down as she always does. We put her in quiet time and Matt waited with me outside the empty room with padded walls used for such an occasion. Just waiting for five minutes to be up, he tells me i'm a trooper for handling all that. Though it sounds like i was a bit irritated at this point, there was something to keep me from going insane. Earlier that day, the girl's mother handed me an envelope. Inside was a Thank You card talking about how much she appreciates, really appreciates, me playing with her daughter. I felt so obliged to make sure that girl was having the time of her life that i considered everything that happened and everything that is to happen a part of what i'm supposed to be doing. A part of what i want to be doing.

Wednesday. Today. We went to a water park which had a huge pool, and a kiddie pool that had fountains and such aflowing everywhere. I got assigned to be another girl's buddy because the previous girl i attend to couldn't go. I had SUCH a good time. Not just with this new girl, but with all the kids around me. Even the ones not in our camp. They all behaved so well it just made everything so much smoother. I am no longer nervous about taking care of these kids cuz now i know how they act and how they are such great kids. It was truly a blessing and i thank you all for your prayers.

-Sarah

Me and my friend Josh

This has been a great week I weeded all day then on Tuesday I helped with a special needs child named Melvin. We went swimming and played games with the kids we hung out with. Today i weeded a different area at the school were staying at because my leader Vonnie was still not feeling well. They took her to the doctor and found out what was wrong so now she is getting better wich is a huge praise.

Christin

This week to me has been a wonderful experience. I worked with kids that have mental and physical abilities. At first I have to admit, I was terrified. I had never worked with children like this before, and at first it felt like I wasn't really doing anything. But as the week progressed on, I realized how amazing these kids are and how much they loved having me there. This one girl had never played basketball but was shooting hoops in minutes. Another little girl was an amazing artist! She drew pictures of her house and it looked like an architect design. And as farther i got into the week, the more I learned about them. I think this has really changed how I look at people now. I believe that seeing these kids up close and personal was the work of God that was teaching me to look at people for how they are on the inside and not judge them by their looks. I have really enjoyed this week so far and I'm looking forward to interacting with these children and having God teach me more life lessons in the future.

Meghan <3 :)

Day 3

This week has been going great so far! I have been going with my crew to McLean Bible Church to help children with special needs. There we are assigned to a class room and are told to keep an eye on one kid and to bond with them. My kid's name is Connor and doesnt say a whole lot but loves the moon bounce and scooters at the church. But today we went to a water park and Connor went crazy, he loves to swim and he was having the time of his life. He also liked to ride down on the big slides. After we help with the kids we head back to the church were we spend the night and eat, play games and sports, and have a lesson with youth group devotions afterwards. I love the group that came with us, we have become real close and are haveing real indepth devotions which is great. The work week is almost over even though it seems like it just began. Thanks for all of the support and please keep us in your prayers.

Seth

Day 1

Today we went to a church to help with VBS, which sounds pretty normal, right? Well this VBS was aimed towards helping children with disabilities have a good time in honor of Christ. I was a bit uncomfortable with the idea, because, even though it sounds kinda bad, I don't know how to treat a child of this special attention. What is that supposed to mean, Sarah? Yeah, yeah, i know they're like every other kid. They're humans, too... Even so, it made me nervous.

Sitting in the room, the first child shows up and my nerves become a little less irritated. A couple more come and I feel more and more confident. Then the girl I have to attend to arrives and my heart just totally tanks into my stomach. I am responsible for this child. That's all I could think and I was really scared. Her mother seemed- not paranoid- but just... cautious, i guess. She was detailed to make sure she was telling the person every detail about her child. She even added "Don't have kids. Stay single!" with a nervous chuckle after the little comment and for some reason I just felt like I wanted to leave. I had more sympathy then joy. More pride, then willingness. I was disappointed in myself for that, now that I see what I've become... Conformed by selfishness.

After watching this girl, feeding this girl... supervising, caring for, and just watching this girl. I fought my insides to not judge anything about her or anything in her life. But it was strange to find that something like that would be that hard. I guess I was trained more by society then by my Father, and that totally broke my heart. To pieces.

I realized more than what people say about children with disabilities. Sure, they're human, too... And yeah, they're just like us. But something more than just quotable words and phrases that have been cliched to the point we're accepting only because we're accepting the cliche. To spend time with these children really shapes me to see through God's eyes. That these children are loved just as much as we are by the Almighty. That I am not to judge anyone. All this time I was arrogant thinking I didn't judge. That I was generous and like Him as I should be. But then I see that I am not perfect. Nor will I ever be. But I will try like crazy to strive for this perfection, yet knowing in my heart I will never reach it. I will try just to try, because I love Him. And I am to serve these kids a good time with a smile on my face not because I want to be perfect, or like him. Not because I'm trying to be a better person for myself... But because it is my duty to serve God and his people with my entire heart. Because, again, I love Him. And to love Him is to follow his commandments.... I read this today:

"Remember this- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You much decide in your heart how much to ive. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure..." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT)

So today, I had "God-sighting" as we call it. In my own heart. A conviction. A "revealing" (which is our theme: Reveal.) That I've been too conceited to think I could ever be everything He wants me to be. That there is always room for improvement, and He will be sure to point it out. That I am definitely more than useless. But all I can do is react out of love. Love these children, love God, and love his commandments. And as I pray, pray with me so that God will reveal his tools and talents for me to make it through the week. Because, well, I'm still nervous. But I will try, for love's sake.

-Sarah Dublin

Photos From Dinner Prep / Clean Up

YEAHHH!!

the car ride was long but quite enjoyable because i rode with my sister!!!! Paul drove the van and Abby drove her own car with Lillian. During one part of the ride we raced and Abby was in the lead!! Till Paul later took over but Heather and I were always in 2nd!
THE end



~christin~

WE ARE HERE!

Around 4 yesterday, we all arrived in our caravan of vehicles and immediately got our picture taken by the "guys in the red shirts". They are the ones we go to when we need anything. Aaron is part of the elite Red Shirts.

The girls are sharing a room with 13 other girls from 2 different churches. AND...there's a Treadmill Rockwall! (that we aren't allowed to use....)

We had group meeting last night and got to meet our CREW. We are heading out now! We'll keeep you posted!

~Abby~

One week to go...

Please pray for the team as we prepare to embark on our trip. The members of the team include:

• Paul
• Kristin
• Rob
• Abby
• Aaron
• Heather
• Aprille
• Joel
• Seth
• Sarah
• Lillian
• Christin
• Meghan

Welcome

Please check back regularly for updates on our trip to the Washington DC area.