Acquire The Fire

I had one of the funnest weekends of my life this past weekend... I led my first trip with Hope Youth, or any group for that matter, and had a blast doing so. The trip definitely wouldn't have been as awesome as it was without Pastor Teresa. She had connections in Greensboro that got us a free place to stay, discount tickets, backstage passed (We met Leeland!). And more than just the resourceful side of her, I couldn't have led the trip without her quick thinking, time-passing ideas, and incredible organizational skills... THANK-YOU PT!!!

We had an amazing time. Although Friday night on the guys floor was noisy and filled with teenage boy noises (Farts & Burps), it was a blast. The services were awesome and the concerts were remarkable. I've never been so happy hanging out with middle and high-schoolers, I felt really close to them this weekend, I guess trips have a way of doing that. I also felt like they connected with each other. I live for moments like that with those students, but the greater task is still ahead, and that is teaching these students that there is more to living a passionate relationship with God than just hopeful weekend experiences. To teach them that reaching out to God has no geographical stipulations, and that you don't need to be "away" from everything else to focus time and energy in the pursuit of God.

I love these students... Every single one of them hold a special place in my life, and while late night frustrations with boyish habits may be aggravating, it only causes me to be that much more passionate about my responsibility as their youth leader. What an awesome group of young people!!!!!