As I have been thinking about my kiddos, I just want to give you all a glimpse of the amazing kids I had the blessing of loving on and pouring into last summer.
B: he was a tough one; sweet, gentle (might be hard to see if you were to be around him short-term, but I believe and could see it's in there), and cautious spirit; experienced so much pain and fear; guarded heart; distrusting of others; desiring deeply to be loved, comforted, and accepted. After saying countless times throughout the summer that he hated me and wasn't ever going to come back to lunch group.. on the last day at the park, he stood as close to my side as he could and gently leaned up against me. I quietly put my arm around him. No words were needed. Such a sweet, special moment.
O: feisty; independent; stubborn; searching. We got along pretty well, unless she was running away from me because she was upset I told her she couldn't chase the butterflies into the pushki (like poison ivy, only way worse). Not quite old enough to fully understand all that's gone on in her little world, but she knows things haven't been the best way they could be. Desiring for someone to spend time with her, pay attention to her, and love her.
M: kind; compassionate; a gentle, quiet leader; observant; kind of stubborn; artistic; protective. Not quite sure where she is supposed to fit in. A beautiful, quiet girl.
K: she has the absolute best laugh ever!! Sweet; kind; joyful; bubbly; sensitive to others; always sees the positive side of things and encourages others to do the same. Senses when something is wrong and desires to help make it better.
D: energetic; awesome smile; not afraid to go against the flow; outspoken; athletic; bright-eyed; loyal; determined; caring. Last year, D's best friend in the group was adamantly against the notion of VBS, yet D was consistent in telling his friend how much fun it is, that it's one of his favorite parts of summer, and how much he thought his friend would enjoy it. Regardless of how many times his friend dissed VBS and said it was stupid, D stood his ground. That's pretty exceptional for a kid of his age.. Strong-willed; an individual; not afraid of being different.
D: giver of huge bear hugs; joyful; playful; imaginative; unique; enthusiastic. She acts young for her age, yet looks older than she actually is. Enjoys the little things; loves without question or prejudice. On the playground one day, as we leaned in to take a picture together, she said: "I think I'll just say your my sister/best friend cause we're kind of like that." Oh, my heart.
This blog only encompasses a few of the precious kids of Kodiak. There are so many more. The more I think of them, the more I wish I could play color tag with them again on the playground (even though I still have a pretty mean scar on my leg left from last year. I love them, but it doesn't mean I'm not still competitive :)). I wish I could see them running towards the church!.I wish I could give them all big hugs. I wish I could hear about their school year and see how much they've grown.
Jesus, hold my kiddos tight. Open their hearts more and more as they have opportunity to learn more about You. Move in their families; their communities. God, draw their families to the church as well. Let them hear Your words and see Your love displayed through the team and church members there. Let Your Spirit ooze out of the church doors and into the community; into their homes; into their hearts. Continue to change lives this summer, Lord. Bring more hope, peace, love, light, and abundant life into the community of Kodiak, God!
K: she has the absolute best laugh ever!! Sweet; kind; joyful; bubbly; sensitive to others; always sees the positive side of things and encourages others to do the same. Senses when something is wrong and desires to help make it better.
D: energetic; awesome smile; not afraid to go against the flow; outspoken; athletic; bright-eyed; loyal; determined; caring. Last year, D's best friend in the group was adamantly against the notion of VBS, yet D was consistent in telling his friend how much fun it is, that it's one of his favorite parts of summer, and how much he thought his friend would enjoy it. Regardless of how many times his friend dissed VBS and said it was stupid, D stood his ground. That's pretty exceptional for a kid of his age.. Strong-willed; an individual; not afraid of being different.
D: giver of huge bear hugs; joyful; playful; imaginative; unique; enthusiastic. She acts young for her age, yet looks older than she actually is. Enjoys the little things; loves without question or prejudice. On the playground one day, as we leaned in to take a picture together, she said: "I think I'll just say your my sister/best friend cause we're kind of like that." Oh, my heart.
This blog only encompasses a few of the precious kids of Kodiak. There are so many more. The more I think of them, the more I wish I could play color tag with them again on the playground (even though I still have a pretty mean scar on my leg left from last year. I love them, but it doesn't mean I'm not still competitive :)). I wish I could see them running towards the church!.I wish I could give them all big hugs. I wish I could hear about their school year and see how much they've grown.
Jesus, hold my kiddos tight. Open their hearts more and more as they have opportunity to learn more about You. Move in their families; their communities. God, draw their families to the church as well. Let them hear Your words and see Your love displayed through the team and church members there. Let Your Spirit ooze out of the church doors and into the community; into their homes; into their hearts. Continue to change lives this summer, Lord. Bring more hope, peace, love, light, and abundant life into the community of Kodiak, God!
