Saturday:
A typical pre-outreach pep-talk.
Sunday:
Everything seemed to run like clockwork during pick up.
After arriving back at the church with the kids, and sending them off to class, I made my way into the sanctuary where service was already taking place.
I took my usual Sunday morning seat at the back of the sanctuary (since I would have to leave early to take kids home)......
scanned the crowd (because I am nosy like that)....
and could not believe how many parents of bus kids were there.
Now, this was just an ordinary Sunday morning service.
No special performance.
No promotions being advertised.
Not a Spanish service weekend.
and I was amazed....
as I realized that this is a regular occurrence at our church.
Today bus ministry reminded me of the story of the Little Engine that Could....just when you get discouraged and feel like giving up....you get a little glimpse of hope...and find the strength to just keep going....
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Week 27
Saturday:
Outreach was canceled today due to Vacation Bible School.
The bus went out Wednesday night, Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday morning to pick up kids that were a part of this years event.
It was great to see bus parents hanging out at the conclusion of Saturday's water fight
Sunday:
The amazing set:
Our AWESOME Children's Pastor:
The performance:
I sat on the second row during the performance, feeling (once again) like a proud mama watching "my kids".
Outreach was canceled today due to Vacation Bible School.
The bus went out Wednesday night, Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday morning to pick up kids that were a part of this years event.
It was great to see bus parents hanging out at the conclusion of Saturday's water fight
Sunday:
The amazing set:
Our AWESOME Children's Pastor:
The performance:
I sat on the second row during the performance, feeling (once again) like a proud mama watching "my kids".
Monday, July 12, 2010
Week 26
Saturday:
Outreach was canceled so that the Blue Bomber Crew could do this:
to raise money so that 56 bus kids...
could be a part of this:
Sunday:
Did you know that when you come to a school bus stopped on either side of a road with the bus's red lights flashing, you must stop, and remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing?
Two people on the road this morning did NOT know this.
Almost causing what would have been horrific accidents with two kids and a Bus Worker. (so thankful for God's protection)
Therefore I am going to be purchasing two of these:
and two of these (to be installed on our bus):
and maybe a few of these:
So we can look like this:
{click on the paypal link to the right if you are interested in making a donation for these items}
Route 3 = 19 kids
Outreach was canceled so that the Blue Bomber Crew could do this:
to raise money so that 56 bus kids...
could be a part of this:
Sunday:
Did you know that when you come to a school bus stopped on either side of a road with the bus's red lights flashing, you must stop, and remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing?
Two people on the road this morning did NOT know this.
Almost causing what would have been horrific accidents with two kids and a Bus Worker. (so thankful for God's protection)
Therefore I am going to be purchasing two of these:
and two of these (to be installed on our bus):
and maybe a few of these:
So we can look like this:
{click on the paypal link to the right if you are interested in making a donation for these items}
Route 3 = 19 kids
Monday, June 28, 2010
Week 24
This week I want you to meet:
Justin Fig.
You may remember him from here.
A few things you should know about Justin:
He is 15 years old.
Justin is hilarious, many times without even trying to be.
He likes to skateboard.
Justin is flirted with often while out on bus by "cholas" in our neighborhood (they yell "hey cutie" at him - as well as other things that I cannot post).
From my first day on bus, Justin has been eager to show me the ropes.
It is obvious when we are on outreach, that his reason for being on Bus is due to his love for people. He always goes the extra mile to connect to others. Countless times he has requested that I drop him off in the middle of a group of kids skateboarding so he can try to connect with them.
For months I have watched Justin establish a friendship with a teenager named Raiden.
Two Friday nights ago: Raiden shows up at my door, at 4pm, wanting to know what time the youth event was later that evening.(this is the first time he has ever done this).
Last Wednesday night: Raiden showed up for our regular church service and even sat in the front with all of the guys.
Last Friday night: Raiden comes to our youth service. Not only does he come but he brings a friend (Jesse). Not only does he come and bring a friend, but he comes to the altar on his own and is touched by the presence of God.
Yesterday (Sunday) morning: Raiden and Jesse show up at 8:00am to help us do wake up. They go into the church for the morning service at 10am and Jesse gets the holy ghost.
Sunday night: Raiden comes again to our evening service and gets the holy ghost.
I truly believe that a big part of Raiden coming to church is due to the relationship that he had with Justin.
Thank you Justin for being you and for reminding ME of the importance of connecting to people and taking time for them.....
....after all
that's what it's all about.
Route 3 = 20 kids
Justin Fig.You may remember him from here.
A few things you should know about Justin:
He is 15 years old.
Justin is hilarious, many times without even trying to be.
He likes to skateboard.
Justin is flirted with often while out on bus by "cholas" in our neighborhood (they yell "hey cutie" at him - as well as other things that I cannot post).
From my first day on bus, Justin has been eager to show me the ropes.
It is obvious when we are on outreach, that his reason for being on Bus is due to his love for people. He always goes the extra mile to connect to others. Countless times he has requested that I drop him off in the middle of a group of kids skateboarding so he can try to connect with them.
For months I have watched Justin establish a friendship with a teenager named Raiden.
Two Friday nights ago: Raiden shows up at my door, at 4pm, wanting to know what time the youth event was later that evening.(this is the first time he has ever done this).
Last Wednesday night: Raiden showed up for our regular church service and even sat in the front with all of the guys.
Last Friday night: Raiden comes to our youth service. Not only does he come but he brings a friend (Jesse). Not only does he come and bring a friend, but he comes to the altar on his own and is touched by the presence of God.
Yesterday (Sunday) morning: Raiden and Jesse show up at 8:00am to help us do wake up. They go into the church for the morning service at 10am and Jesse gets the holy ghost.
Sunday night: Raiden comes again to our evening service and gets the holy ghost.
I truly believe that a big part of Raiden coming to church is due to the relationship that he had with Justin.Thank you Justin for being you and for reminding ME of the importance of connecting to people and taking time for them.....
....after all
that's what it's all about.
Route 3 = 20 kids
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Week 23
Saturday:
Today the morning started off at 10am with a meeting for the Bus Captains and their assistants. We went over our procedures, making sure that everything runs smoothly.
It felt so good to be on outreach, after being gone for a few weeks!
We did stop by one of our "regulars" that has been missing the last few weeks:
Me: Luis, where have you been?
Luis: I have been home, you guys have been leaving me!
Me: No, we haven't. We knock and knock on your door and you don't answer.
Luis: Well, last week I did not go because I lost my shoes.
Me: You only have one pair of shoes?
Luis: No, but I only like to wear my cool shoes and was too embarrassed to wear the other ones that I have.
FINALLY....we at least have one reason why kids are not coming!!!
Sunday:
Route 3 = 21 kids
Today the morning started off at 10am with a meeting for the Bus Captains and their assistants. We went over our procedures, making sure that everything runs smoothly.
It felt so good to be on outreach, after being gone for a few weeks!
We did stop by one of our "regulars" that has been missing the last few weeks:
Me: Luis, where have you been?
Luis: I have been home, you guys have been leaving me!
Me: No, we haven't. We knock and knock on your door and you don't answer.
Luis: Well, last week I did not go because I lost my shoes.
Me: You only have one pair of shoes?
Luis: No, but I only like to wear my cool shoes and was too embarrassed to wear the other ones that I have.
FINALLY....we at least have one reason why kids are not coming!!!
Sunday:
Route 3 = 21 kids
Monday, June 14, 2010
Week 22
Saturday:
This was the last in a line of horribly planned Saturdays.
I missed outreach for the third week in a row (I am sure you are all sick of hearing it and are questioning my level of commitment......aaauuuggghhh)!!!!
While I did not go on regular outreach I did play a small part in getting a teen girl to come:
Call on my cell phone:
Unnamed parent: There is a girl making out with a guy in the church parking lot.
Me: Who is it?
UP: I don't know.
Me: Can you tell them to leave, or do you want me to?
UP: Can you?
Me: Sure...**sigh** (thinking...why do I always have to be the bad guy???)
I walk up to a black primer-painted mini van.
Me: What are you guys doing here?
Guy: Nothin' just hanging out.
Me: Is there anything you need regarding the church?
Guy: No
Me: Then you need to leave.
Guy: Okay.
Me: awkwardly standing there while they say their "goodbyes"....(and such is the life of a yp's wife...**sigh**)
The girl (who will remain unnamed to protect herself from her stupidity) walks over to a group of our girls that were hanging out at the church.
Unnamedgirlwhodidsomethingdumb: Don't tell my mom I was with that guy.
One of our youth girls: I won't tell her if you come on the bus tomorrow.
She came.
Sunday:
A glimpse of my Sunday morning:
Some of the bus workers warming up the play-doh before the arrival of the kids.
Morning prayer.
Street sign while doing wake-up.
First Route 3 pick up of the morning.
Weird things you see on Sunday mornings.
Cookies = the breakfast of champions.
Taking kids home.
Jackie: Yesterday we went to go visit my Dad in jail.
Me: Is he going to get out soon?
Jackie: I think so, but they are going to send him to Mexico.
Me: Well, being in Mexico is much better than being in jail. At least then you will be able to talk to him whenever you want.
Jackie: My mom says that we are not going to buy any new clothes or do anything extra for a year.
Me: Really, why?
Jackie: We are going to try to save all of our money so he can come home.
Me: (blinking back tears)
::talk about making the problems I have seem so little and insignificant::
Route 3 = 24 kids
This was the last in a line of horribly planned Saturdays.
I missed outreach for the third week in a row (I am sure you are all sick of hearing it and are questioning my level of commitment......aaauuuggghhh)!!!!
While I did not go on regular outreach I did play a small part in getting a teen girl to come:
Call on my cell phone:
Unnamed parent: There is a girl making out with a guy in the church parking lot.
Me: Who is it?
UP: I don't know.
Me: Can you tell them to leave, or do you want me to?
UP: Can you?
Me: Sure...**sigh** (thinking...why do I always have to be the bad guy???)
I walk up to a black primer-painted mini van.
Me: What are you guys doing here?
Guy: Nothin' just hanging out.
Me: Is there anything you need regarding the church?
Guy: No
Me: Then you need to leave.
Guy: Okay.
Me: awkwardly standing there while they say their "goodbyes"....(and such is the life of a yp's wife...**sigh**)
The girl (who will remain unnamed to protect herself from her stupidity) walks over to a group of our girls that were hanging out at the church.
Unnamedgirlwhodidsomethingdumb: Don't tell my mom I was with that guy.
One of our youth girls: I won't tell her if you come on the bus tomorrow.
She came.
Sunday:
A glimpse of my Sunday morning:
Some of the bus workers warming up the play-doh before the arrival of the kids.
Morning prayer.
Street sign while doing wake-up.
First Route 3 pick up of the morning.
Weird things you see on Sunday mornings.
Cookies = the breakfast of champions.
Taking kids home.Jackie: Yesterday we went to go visit my Dad in jail.
Me: Is he going to get out soon?
Jackie: I think so, but they are going to send him to Mexico.
Me: Well, being in Mexico is much better than being in jail. At least then you will be able to talk to him whenever you want.
Jackie: My mom says that we are not going to buy any new clothes or do anything extra for a year.
Me: Really, why?
Jackie: We are going to try to save all of our money so he can come home.
Me: (blinking back tears)
::talk about making the problems I have seem so little and insignificant::
Route 3 = 24 kids
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Week 21
Saturday:
Missed outreach AGAIN due to some scheduling issues (didn't realize I had booked two weekends away in a row).
that.will.never.happen.again.
I feel so out of the loop and miss spending time with the kids.
I was talking with Brandon (Route 3 bus captain) about the importance of Saturday evangelism.
On Saturdays you:
Sunday:
Route 3 = 25 kids
Missed outreach AGAIN due to some scheduling issues (didn't realize I had booked two weekends away in a row).
that.will.never.happen.again.
I feel so out of the loop and miss spending time with the kids.
I was talking with Brandon (Route 3 bus captain) about the importance of Saturday evangelism.
On Saturdays you:
-connect with kids..
-meet new kids.
-build relationships with them.
-play games with them.
-visit their clubhouses.
-talk with them about their week.
-find out what is going on in their lives, their homes
Sunday:
Route 3 = 25 kids
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