Week 9

This last week was a lot of fun. We only had ASP on Monday due to Thanksgiving being on Thursday. However, on Monday we celebrated Thanksgiving together with a feast. We mainly just hung out with the kids. We didn't have a whole lot of specific things we did other than just spend time with the kids. They loved the meal complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, green beans, and pumpkin pie.
I am starting to think about when this semester is over and leaving these kids. It makes me really sad. Honestly I wish I would have started helping out at JCBodyshop when I was a freshman. I have enjoyed this so much. However, I will be graduating in a few weeks and with that I will not be around here. Although I would encourage anyone who is looking for some way to get involved in the lives of kids and the community of Marion to check out JCBodyshop. They do so much for the kids and you have an opportunity to build relationships with the kids.

Week 8

Last week was great at ASP at JCBodyshop. I actually didn't get to go and help on Monday because I was sick, but by Thursday I was very ready to get back. I really missed the kids. Many of them asked where I had been and told me that they missed me. It was a great to hear that. On Thursday we had a pretty big crowd but we didn't have the gym to play in so at first I wondered how things would turn out. However, I think everybody had fun but yet it did not get too rowdy. They were going to have the rummage sale the next day in the gym. We also had a guest speaker that was great with the kids. His name was Arthur. I can't remember his last name but he was amazing. He shared about growing up and also a lot about how God intervened in his life.

I was very impressed with him and I am almost positive the kids were as well. Thursday just went extremely well. Everything seemed to flow smoothly and I felt like all the sponsors and leaders knew what they were doing. It makes a huge impact if your team is ready for the day (as one). This has been one thing that has really stuck out to me about ministry in any setting, that you need to make sure everyone on your team is on the same page. Things just go so much smoother that way.

Week 7

This last week, November 5-11 was a great week at ASP. I feel that I am beginning to make some very in depth relationships with many of the kids. On Thursday I had an opportunity to sit down and chat with one of the girls. She is an seventh grader and she wanted some advice. It was great to be able to share with her and help her to see what the Bible has to say about the situation. I really felt blessed that she would come to me asking for advice.
I also had an opportunity to play a little b-ball with the boys in the gym. I did not tell them that I was on team for six years. They thought I probably couldn't play, however, at they soon found out I could. Now it has become a little game to see who can beat me during our free time. I think through this I have earned the respect of a few of the boys who always gave me trouble.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my opportunity to pour into these kids lives. Every day that I get to go and hang out with them (Mondays and Thursdays) it seems to be the highlight of my day. At times it can be a little stressful but that is what makes the good times so much better. I am blessed to be able to help out at JCBodyshop in the ASP.

Week 6

So I just realized that I am a little bit behind on my blog. Somehow I seem to have forgotten to post anything for the week of Oct. 29 -Nov. 3. I do however remember a few things about this week. We celebrated Abby Lennox's birthday with her during ASP. The kids were excited to get some cake but I was a little disappointed to see their ungratefulness.
I am starting to notice a little bit more about the leadership style of Brittan. I have had a few times when I felt as if I had no idea what I was doing and I was just thrown into a situation. That would be ok if it was necessary but I think he could have probably told me about this before fairly easily. I like to be prepared as much as possible in the ministry. I spoke with him about this a little and it has gotten better. Hopefully we will continue to work better as a team and show the love of Christ to these awesome kids.