YouthGathering Update: July 19, 2010
July 20, 2010
Sorry I haven't posted anything since the 17th. We've had a crazy-busy couple of days and I had just enough energy at the end of the days to get the pictures posted and started writing blog posts..but fell asleep at the laptop. We're at the end of Day #6 and this has been an interesting experience. For me, personally, it's not quite what I was expecting, but I'm getting something else that is equally as important I believe (which coincidentally is the theme of the whole conference, We Believe). Todd, Ed, and I are all getting to know the kids better and they're such unique individuals and it's been rewarding learning more about them. I still have some that I want to connect with over the remaining days. At our morning devotions, Kari has had Ed and I share our faith story with the kids and where we came from and where we think we are now. We hope the kids heard something they can relate to. I know making us think about what we'd say forces us to give it more concious thought then we normally would..which helps us just as much as it does the kids. I've posted some pictures of our devotions..they're always ending on a funny note of Kari throwing snacks at the kids for them to carry with them so that they'll have something to eat handy. She'll make a good pitcher on a church softball team should we start one. Many of the kids (and adults) could use some catching practice though. 
The daily sessions we're all attending have been on various topics. Some of them are good..some not so good (the speaker didn't really talk about the topic described). There are some fabulous speakers though that give a great message that I hope is getting through to the kids. I hope you've been watching the live streaming of the Mass Events from 7:30pm-10pm each night at www.lcmsgathering.com. The message and skits are moving, funny, entertaining and at least make me think about a lot of things about my faith. I watched the streaming version tonight as I was just too beat to walk and fight the crowd tonight and Kari let the kids take the night off to swim and have some down time (they're exhausted too!). You don't quite get the magnitude of the number of people there and deep booms and beats of the drums that really get you worked up. But it is a good way to at least get a feel for the messages the kids are getting during the days. Tomorrow is the last full day of sessions and then the Mass Event with full service. Then we have to start packing up so that we can load the vans on Wednesday morning by 7am, go to the closing ceremony, and then hit the road back home. I didn't have any picture opportunities today so no new photos. If anything happens tomorrow, I'll post some new pictures in the evening. Thanks for the prayers for everyone here. We pray God continues to bless us and this event and will keep us safe the rest of the trip. God IS Awesome! (PS: Please, go to www.lcmsgathering.com tonight at 8pm and watch the service streaming live!!)
|
