Today was amazing to say the least, the whole week was really and so it was really hard when tonight's devotion was all about encouraging each other openly and telling each other what we all love about each other.
This morning we 6 of us worked at the soccer camp, Mike, Brad, myself, Quinn, Phillip, and Duncan all worked with 6-12 year olds interested in soccer and also ministered to them in a beautiful way. We saw talent and spirit for a cause, and a love for that cause that the kids showed. It reminded me of Jesus and how He had such a spirit and love for us, whether we deserved it or not. That's the awesome thing about God, is even though we think we have flaws and imperfections, we are perfect in God's eyes. There is a sign in the Change of 1 window that says "Check your status at the door." What a powerful sign. Just 6 words that can make such a difference. Cyndie talked to us about the differences that were felt between the Gloversville Youth and us, but are there really any differences. We should check our statuses everywhere we go, not just at Change of 1. If we treated each other as equals instead of rich or poor, weak or strong, new york or north carolina, or Atheist or Christian, what would this world be like. It would be amazing to see that life. I have to read these books for my mission year next year. One is called Non-Violent Communication which is all about how to deal with our problems with out bringing out aggression. The other one is called Class Matters and is about not taking race into consideration. If we lived by the guidelines of this book, what would we be like as people? Look at the Truaxs, they don't look at Elle or Prince and think of them as a different race, they consider them family. What if we all looked at each other as family?
The other people stayed at C1 and cleaned up the storefront and did an amazing job with that, I can't imagine how long it took them to get the foam floors back into place, but they had the perseverance to keep trying until it was literally perfect.
Tonight's devotion as I said was all centered around encouraging each other. I'm going to try to say something about everyone, but if I were to say everything that was said tonight, it would take me forever. I'm going to start with Duncan. Duncan is one of the nicest people I know, he is amazing with kids, he never complains, and he has a drive to learn the Word of God. Kirk is an amazing artist and friend, and he is so talented and I have been truly blessed to know him. Tyler is such a great musician, and it has been so cool to see him play with one of the homeless guys just to make that guys day better. Peyton is an amazing sister and so encouraging and also really great with Donn and Cyndie's kids. Steven has a passion to get closer to God through fellowship and he will forever have the fire that burns inside of him. Quinn is an amazing leader and a passionate, passionate follower of Christ. Phillip is so athletic and has skills that he taught to so many of the kids today, but also a quiet and thoughtful personality that can easily turn into a really fun-loving guy. Ben has been through so much, but it's that life experience that allows him to be who he is today, which is an amazing mentor and leader and follower of Christ. Brad is such a cool guy. He acts like a teenager, but has the knowledge of a scholar and is an excellent missions pastor and father and husband. Mike always has a smile on his face and makes really good puns, he encouraged me so much this week and always made me feel welcome. Brenda was the mom of the group, she took care of all of us, and made sure we were doing the right thing in such a caring and loving manner, I am honestly jealous of Steven and Kirk, it has to be pretty cool to have a mom like that, (I love my mom very much though.)
I mentioned tonight how this was my last trip before my mission year to New Orleans. And it is, and I honestly couldn't imagine spending it with any other group of people. This group is so amazing and I love them all so much. I'm going to miss them next year, and I'm honestly pretty scared since I leave in less than 2 weeks, but I know that they will be my brothers forever, and it isn't goodbye, it's just see you later.
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