This is my first post of all-time! I plan to make many entries for past years. At some point, hopefully you’ll see hundreds of posts listed before this. But this one will always be my official first post. It seems perfect that it’s about welcoming one of my babies home. That’s really what this blog is all about. Cherishing my family. So no matter how far they go or how long they’re away, I’ll be looking forward to the day they’re home. I will say in no uncertain terms that, when I talk about being away, I’m talking about mission trips, church camp, college, and other worthy endeavors. I’m NOT talking about moving away for anything other than college. I would let you all live at home for the rest of your lives. So, let’s be clear. (Queue creepy voice giving subliminal messages now.) “I will live within 30 minutes of my mama for the rest of my life. I will visit her regularly because she’s awesome, and I love her. I will never betray her. I will not move away and destroy her.” Wait, what was I saying? Oh, yes, you were saying that you don’t ever want to leave me. Glad we agree.
Sooo, this is the day that Sami came home from her 2nd World Changers trip. The kids from Crossroads Baptist youth group joined kids from other churches in Little Rock, Arkansas. They were divided into multiple groups to do work projects around the city. Last year, most groups did completely different type projects. Sami’s group built a porch onto an elderly lady’s home. This year, all of the groups had painting projects. Sami’s group included two seniors from Crossroads (a boy and a girl that she didn’t know well before but she said were very nice). They were grouped with kids from churches in other cities, and they worked together to paint an entire house. It’s so exciting to think about the difference they made in someone’s life. But it’s even bigger than that. The people in the neighborhood tend to ask questions about why they’re there and if they’re being paid. When they find out that the kids actually paid for the honor of helping, they want to know more. It gives the kids the opportunity to tell people about the love of God. When I talked to Sami on Wednesday, she said that 5 people had already come to Christ based on interactions with her group. Imagine what all of the groups accomplished together. I’m so proud of Sami for wanting to be a part of it! She’s definitely the coolest teenager I know. I can’t wait to hear all about her trip. I love you Sami, and I missed you!
Even though the timing worked out so that I’m welcoming Sami home in my first post, this message is for all of my babies. I love you all dearly and feel so blessed to be your mama. I can’t wait to welcome you home time after time. God bless you!