Where exhaustion and emotions collide

Today we start with a quote of the day:
"A-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-r-r-r-r-r-g-g-g-g-g-h-h-h-h" -Unnamed youth pastor from some place or other. This quote was shared by Alex Falsetta, heard during a pick up basketball game. Alex got the rebound. Alex caught this gentleman's nose with his elbow. There was blood. Lots of blood and Alex reports that it might be broken (the nose, not Al's elbow). Let this be a lesson to all those young whippersnapper youth pastors out there.

I am back from site where we heard my quote of the day. It comes from Dusty from Natchez, Mississippi. We have been performing and visiting in nursing homes this week. Dusty has shared his testimony and played guitar. He caught Al napping in the back of the room today. Amy, our leader, encouraged the kids to spend some time with residents. Dusty caught up with Al (now awake) and said, "I thought you were one of the people we were supposed to talk to!"

Kids are busy and I get to hear bits and pieces of their stories throughout the day. Some of our kids have been working feverishly to get a converted grocery store completely painted for their first day of church this Sunday. Maegan, Jake, Lakota and others are tackling that job. Zack and Logan report that they have stopped more than a couple of fights between kids at their sites. I really think that its sinking in about service and I hope to get a chance to share with you why we do mission trips when we report on July 26. I hope ya'll can come.

Last night we talked about priorities in life and the camp pastor shared a great illustration about them. We had time to process a little in church group devotions and it was clear from my conversations with kids and the conversations I had with other adults that kids were evaluating things in their own life. Tonight we tackle the subject of moving forward without knowing all the answers, without knowing all the directions and not being able to anticipate all the outcomes. Keep praying for the kids.

We do have one young person that has had a set back physically. Hayley was feeling under the weather (meaning intense sun and heat) and stayed back at camp today to get some rest. Thank you to Debbie for staying with her today. Thanks to Dan for the everyday trips to Walmart to get water for the kids. Thanks to Diane for taking Hayley to the clinic for some help and making those same Walmart runs to get Benadryl lotion for Al's leg and other supplies. Thanks to Al, Dan, Kathy, Diane and Rob for keeping the vans fueled up for their use in ministry this week.

Thanks for reading our blog. We love to hear from you and I share your comments with the kids each night. They act embarrassed and the crowd gives out a gigantic a-w-w-w-w-w-w-w when I read them your "love" notes but I know they appreciate it. Note to Erin-"still proud of Alex?"

You're tired. You hear and study God's word 5 times a day. You go out and use your gifts. God really starts get listened to by this time in the week. I look forward to what tonight's worship will bring. Good conversations and experiences are happening every day. Tonight I have a dinner engagement with three young ladies. They have some questions for me...

See you soon.