youth . . . do they EVER run down????

let me clarify . . . youth 2011, an 'urban camp experience with awesome worship, great study groups, wonderful mission experiences, and no down time . . . is NOT vacation!

not that i didn't have a great experience. i just wonder about youth . . . do they EVER run down???

we began with worship that included a concert-like feel, with the Rezlife Worship Band; awesome. ok, so my ears were ringing by the time i left; i'm old! but, with the message about believing by texas pastor fred lynch, and artwork by scott erickson, the spirit was very present.

there was workshops, opportunities for faith development, food galore, and youth all over the place. i got to volunteer, helping with workshops, mission offerings and hospitality.




this was the end result of the habitat for humanity mission project. we created these garden boxes, complete with soil and hoses. i know...me with a hammer! watch out!

i worked a kairos ministry booth where students wrote letters of encouragement/drew and colored pictures for inmates; i watched as youth got 8 inches of their hair cut to be donated for children's wigs; i participated in stop hunger now that put together bags of dehydrated meals for children around the world at a cost of 25 cents per meal! These meals will also be used to encourage parents to send their children to school. i got to experience youth spiritual growth classes, how to pray with all that you are, and small group enrichment.

youth stayed up for 'after hours' activities, and i was in bed by 10 -- honest mom, who turned 85 yesterday! -- and i hardly stirred when hundreds of youth excitedly returned to the hotel at midnight each night. honestly, they were up by 6 the next morning. how do they do that? i lived on caffeine!

but what an experience to spend four days with 12 - 1,500 youth and worship with nearly 2,000. i'm hopeful that our youth will attend the next event in 1215. maybe i will have caught up on my sleep by then! this truly was more than just a youth event. no wonder it takes four years to plan!

the latest news about youth? volunteers, not staff, are the energy behind youth groups these days. so, i've got my sign up sheet all ready...who has a heart (and the stamina) for this awesome ministry . . . .