Agendas, God-sightings, and Thai Food

I went into youth group Wednesday with my own agenda. Last week, behavior was at an all time low. I was pretty discouraged. Way to much chatting and having to re-direct behavior. During refreshments, I spent most of my time pulling kids aside to remind them of our expectations. I'm not sure why they were like this- they had been doing so much better in recent months.

So- this Wednesday I went in, prepared for another round. Usually we start the night off with a game or ice breaker- but we didn't have one this evening (Aha!) They settled right down and I tried to make a connection with them immediately (all schools are involved in CAPT and CMT testing right now- so I wanted them to know that I understood what they were experiencing this week). We moved into our worship time- then announcements and finally sharing. I had a plan in mind for sharing time- regarding prayer, tying into last week's lesson. Then, James (see last post), had a question about the recent "discovery" of Christ's tomb. Most had heard about it and had a lot of questions. I was able to guide a discussion focusing on the authority of God's Word and how denying the resurrection of Christ allows man to do whatever he wants. WOW- they were into it! Full of questions, comments, and good insights! They listened respectfully to each other. Later, when we went into our lesson time- the discussion provided a perfect intro. What a God-sighting! And a good reminder to not give up on my kids- God is at work. And to be open to changes to my plans- to take those "rabbit trails"! We started our four week guy/gal studies. Both groups responded well- pray there is fruit (salvation for the gals and holiness for the guys).

Usually on Fridays, I stay late at work to get caught up on projects/paperwork and to get ahead for the coming week. Next week, I'm going to a three day training in Reading, so I won't be at school until Thursday. After school, my friend Katie stopped in (she is a para at school). Katie is 21 and a strong believer. She is an incredible encouragement to me at work. We don't get to really talk often, so it was nice to visit with her for awhile- about quiet time, ministry, friends, relationships etc... She is lovely! I left work around 6pm (yikes) and had to head out to church for 7pm for Worship Team practice. Friday's are the only night we can all make it to practice- and it really cuts down on opportunities to get together with friends. But, I got home and Rob messaged me "Wanna cancel?" Gotta admit I jumped at it! (don't worry, I'm not shirking responsibility- our two instrumentalists were sick/unavailable- so it would have been tough for the rest of us to practice). Instead, Rob, Bill, Bek, Bethany and I went out for Thai. It was so good (coconut w/shrimp soup was delicious)! We laughed so much- I think we cleared the place out! This band came in- they were decent but so LOUD. That was our cue to head home. Thank you Lord for a little break from the week to visit and be refreshed with friends.

Next week is our Missions Conference- I have a few roles to play. The teens are preparing and serving the ladies luncheon on Saturday. HOPE is involved with a display (which I've gotta make tonight!) and testimony and then, I'm supposed to help lead the worship time. We're practicing today- so I should sign off and head out! Pray for next week, it will be busy! Pray people are challenged to take steps out of their comfort zone to serve the LORD and that there will be increased interest in HOPE.

Love to you all~

It only takes a spark...

We've been praying for a spark plug to arise in our youth group. We have great kids- some are further along in their spiritual journey than others- but few are willing to take a spiritual leadership role.

In the fall, James started coming to club and made a profession of faith at Superbowl. He is a great guy- respectful, friendly and God is working. He has lots of questions and is not afraid to ask them. He's not afraid to give God credit for changing his life!

This last week, during the lesson, he shared the following. "I was at school (he's in 10th grade) and I was pulling my Bible and quiet time out of my bag (!). A friend of mine saw it and said, "You believe in God?" I replied that I did." A conversation ensued between James and his friend. Even though he was ridiculed for believing in God- James stood strong and testified to the faith he has in Christ! We were so proud of him!

Could he be our spark plug? May it be

Mission Accomplished

Wednesday was D-Day!
After a blustery snow day on Monday (so needed)- I had one day left to prepare for my debut. Wednesday morning- scheduled bright and early at 7:45am were back to back meetings with two of my student's parents.

My supervisor was out sick the entire week before and so I was not able to go over my educational report with her. Thankfully, my colleague Patrick helped out. In the educational report I have to report the testing I recently conducted but also interpret the results and devise strategies to support the weaknesses. With this being my first evaluations, needless to say I was a wee bit nervous.

I spent most of Tuesday working to fine tune the reports and practice presenting the information. During a PPT, my role is to lead the meeting. I was very nervous about this. There are specific protocols and items that must be covered- and we are liable if we don't cover them.

Wednesday morning I met with my Director and went over all the data, reports and we strategized for the meetings. They went off without a hitch.

I was pleased with how the meetings went- and more importantly, my boss was pleased! So pleased that she wrote the meetings up as an observation for my file. Thank God for time, clarity and good support/colleagues who did so much to help me prepare. April and May will be full of similar meetings. The next item on my agenda is to conduct three more evaluations for students. I have 2 that must start this week to meet the deadline.

March is CAPT season which is a HUGE standardized test for 10th graders. It basically controls our school for the next three weeks. Emotions are raw and stress is running high. I'll be happy when April is here!

In other news:
Wilfrid left today for Haiti. He is traveling to Pestel to prepare for our work team this summer. We have a few people who are interested in going down to help start the foundation. There is much for him to organize while he is down there- pray all comes together according to God's timing. We plan to go to Pestel July 14th-21st. I can't wait. I'm hoping that I'll be able to make some connections with community members. The language barrier is always an issue and the previous two trips have been so busy, we have had limited time to really spend with community members. I've been able to speak to the local pastors at length- but look forward to getting to know more personally. The Lord has been blessing financially- we are speaking at Calvary's Missions Conferences March 16th-18th. I'm praying that this is a time when people catch our passion and join our support network.

On the family front: Bill was just hired as a permanent employee at Brooks Distribution Center. He likes his job and now has benefits- we are very happy! Dad and Mom are preparing for their 10th trip to the Ukraine to teach. Very exciting.

Today I spent some time with my friend Bethany. We went up to Millbury to shop- well, I shopped. This was the first time out shopping since Christmas. I need to get out more! We had a good time- good talks. I appreciate how she holds me accountable and understands so much of what I've been through (a fellow PK). Tomorrow will be busy with church (the teens are singing special music!), laundry and lunch with Bek. Then, another whirlwind week!

Love to you all

Now this is why I call New England home!

Yet again- another snow day. I was so hoping for one!

We had a great time at Teens Involved. The kids did well! Not only were they excited about their entries but they were able to see the potential. They already are planning for next year (dramas, solos, worship band). Our gang all had good attitudes, were supportive of each other and pulled together when one member had to go home sick.

Here are some pics...

Now we have about 7 weeks until Regionals- and lots of work ahead of us. We need to add parts and props to the presentations. Two of the best results of this day- one, having the kids make suggestions of how they can use these in ministry at our church and having a parent come up to me and say he has never seen his son so excited and pumped before! Little breakthroughs.

We are planning a coffee house for April- I'm praying that the kids really get into it and explore how they can reach out to their friends by using their gifts and abilities.

In other news- this will be another busy week! The year has flown by and I think that is due to mainly always being busy. I've started planning my summer and hope to work intensely on a number of things to prep for next fall (teen club mainly). I'll have lots of work related reading to do as well. I'm also in the midst of planning two trips- one to San Francisco/San Jose with the B-suite gals. And- the second to Haiti in July for HOPE. I'm supposed to plan the Teen VBS program as well. Before you know it, it will be Fall and back to school!

Ahh- I should get to work! That's what this snow day is for!

Love to you All!