Spiritual high!!

Today was such an awesome experience. I am physically drained yet emotionally and spiritually edified!

I started my morning way earlier than normal with a portion of my youth group kids.

We drove the 90mins to the city to a homeless shelter/rehab facility we were introduced to back in March. One of the other leaders had gone there with her cosmetology class to practice cutting hair. She had such an amazing experience she wanted to share it with our youth. We decided to make quilts for every bed they had (80 beds). Everyone thought we were crazy! Four girls and four leaders and several members from our little congregation ended up with 91 quilts. We had a chance to deliver those quilts and show our love for our fellow men today.

Sorry it is a bit blurry, the person operating it wasn't too electronic savvy.
A group photo of some of the residents that spent a bit of time getting to know our youth and giving them advice on how to avoid the predicament they were in.
In order to qualify for this facility you must be dependent on a substance (drug or alcohol), and be homeless, and/or have a mental diagnoses (OCD, schizophrenia, turrets...).

The last of our quilts. A few of the residents went out and down the street to round up a few of the people sleeping on the streets. We were able to gift of all of them.

Then we served them brunch

This was one of our favorite residents, C. He really stood out. A former college baseball player. He had a special bond with our boys who are very into sports. He shared a lot of very encouraging advice on how to play sports and not get caught up in the things of the world.

We met many great people today that changed our lives! We drove home and talked of the many things we took away from our visit. Much to be grateful for and to think of! Addiction and tragedy have no social boundaries.

We ended our night with our church Christmas party, which the youth group was tasked with. We kept it very simple. Dinner, Santa, and a video of the primary kids we put together. (I'll share it another time)During part of the program one of our missionaries had a surprise presentation to the veterans in our congregation. His mother is part of a group (were kids design the patches and the ladies sew them) called Moms love quilts. They presented each veteran with a quilt. A good few of them were teary eyed and all were very appreciative of the support. (Liza had a small part in the presentation and helped hand out the quilts)The one in the middle of this one was my favorite! it read "Tank you!" How super clever!
Yes Santa served in the military at one point to, how else could he afford flight school?! :-PJ get a bit teary during the presentation.

We finished our program with a video we compiled of the primary kids talking to us about Christmas. It was humorous and profound at the same time. As the producer of the video I got to hear all of their stories. "Out of the mouth of babes!" No words can explain the love I have for each of the kids I interviewed and their special spirit! I can't wait to share it with you but neither of us have the energy to focus tonight on uploading it for all to view.

May you all find the peace the good Lord is waiting to share with you!