High Seas Expedition!

It is once again that time of year where church upon church offers VBS to eager little kids clamoring for something fun to do during the summer. It's a great way to feed little minds with the love of Christ, and at the same time witness to their families by ministering to the children. We love VBS, and I usually take part in helping with it by teaching or serving in some way. However I decided not to do it this year, and really felt it was going to be too difficult to get our kids shuffled between soccer camp, gymnastics and evening VBS all in one week--one week in which Jay would be out of town.

But at the last minute I changed my mind and we decided to go. The sanctuary of our church was transformed by a beautiful ship display that some very artistic people put together. There was no way not to be impressed by this lovely setting. Even the steering wheel was handmade and worked (quite a distraction to little kids who couldn't resist playing with it!)

In true United Methodist fashion, each evening began with a meal. The kids ate pizza, chicken, corn dogs, and all sorts of other delights throughout the week, and moms got a great break from having to cook!

There were around 70 kids in attendance each night! Quite a bunch to feed, corral, and move from class to class. But the teachers pulled it off beautifully and we didn't lose anyone in the shuffle.

Katie Mei took a huge step, and I do mean huge, in finally allowing us to leave her in the care of Miss Michelle ("My'shell" as she affectionately came to be called by Katie Mei). I took a big chance in asking Katie Mei if she'd like to go to the VBS 2 & 3 year old class, and when she said "yes", My'shell soon became one of Katie Mei's dearest friends. I was absolutely overjoyed that Katie Mei finally showed some trust and maturity in separating from me while being in the midst of a loud, busy class of other little kids. This has just not happened in the 17 months we've had her. I was very proud of her going back night after night to her class and not once changing her mind!

Merrilee and Jacob enjoyed arts and crafts, Bible stories, and lots of music. I was very happy to have VBS over so I would no longer have to hear the same theme song over and over again day after day! It was one of those melodies that starts to grate on your nerves after awhile, and of course, both Merrilee and Jacob loved singing it anytime they could!

The last day of VBS the kids performed their songs in front of parents and then got their certificates of participation. Katie Mei didn't mind being up front in the church as long as she had My'shell by her side.

Jacob is a natural when it comes to the performing arts, and he sang enthusiastically, enjoying every minute of it. He's got a great smile, and confident stage presence. And when he wasn't fiddling with the communion table or alter, he was singing his little heart out!

Merrilee loved singing, too, but I didn't get many photos of her. Unfortunately one of the things she often does is stand behind other kids where I can't get a good picture of her. Just to get this one, I had to crawl across the floor of the church and sit up front with the music director. When it came time to get her certificate, Merrilee turned her back to me and hid behind someone else. I had to wait until she sat back down on the dais before I could snap a picture of her.

Jacob had no problem making sure we got a photo of him after he got his certificate. Ham!

And Katie Mei was super-pleased with her accomplishments! What a trooper!

All the kids did a wonderful job, and I was so glad I had changed my mind and took them. It was a harried week between all our crazy activities, but we really did have fun. Sometimes I surprise myself that I can actually manage this, but I'm glad I don't have to do it on a regular basis. I'd rather leave the Soccer Mom Super Woman titles to someone else. My little world is big enough just as it is. I really don't need any big Expeditions to keep me on my toes.