A Breath of Fresh Air

My staff and I made it through our first week of programming. We could not have asked for a better group of participants and adult leaders. There were 54 people, with 12 leaders and the rest mostly middle school. It was incredible to see the Lord at work in all of the youth, the adults, and also how He worked through us as a staff to minister to others. They all really appreciated the community members they were able to work with and the bonds that happened between Church groups. The start of the week was tough, and very draining. We are "on" constantly, and we did a lot of learning and putting pieces together.

All of the ministry sites that we send our groups to are wonderful, and the community members we work with are fantastic. We send our ministry crews to dig at a hiking/biking trail, the Meadows assisted living home, Mountainview retirement center, parks and recreation projects, Open Door Mission, Camp Thorpe (camp for those with disabilities), and Kid’s Club (comparable to a long-term VBS for community kids). Rutland truly is a special place – that does need the work of Christ to shine through us and all of the participants who come and touch them in more ways than they know.

My team and I are now in the midst of a breath of fresh air. Yesterday after I sent in all of the necessary Friday paperwork, we headed to BJ’s, a wholesale food store in New Hampshire. We get to drive an hour long drive through the beautiful green mountains, with plenty of ski areas, gift stores, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and other tourist attractions. Though it is long, it is gorgeous and relaxing. We then do our shopping for the next group of about 60, and head back to the school. We unload, put away, then are done for the evening with a sigh of relief. The weekend does go much too fast; and still incorporates work projects, but not nearly to the extent of the week’s demands. Such an odd feeling to suddenly stop and look around on a Friday night, to breath in and out; and know that I am not needed to be doing 4 different things at the same moment; but to just be and sink into the moment and let time pass me by. It felt wonderful, and is something that I believe I will hopefully not take for granted again.