Dear TUMC,
Thanks for being my group four. You have no idea how excited I was when you pulled up with only one fifteen passenger van instead of two. It made my navigating job a lot easier. I loved the way you worked together. You laughed, sang, and fought with large branches in the park like little children would. It’s okay. Every high schooler has an inner child. I’m glad you were not afraid to let that child out. It made working with all of you more enjoyable. Even though it might’ve taken some awkward silences before anyone would volunteer to pray, I always felt like your prayers were genuine. I remember the night of the prayer tour when I started talking about imprisonment and the justice system. Your faces became so serious and attentive. Then there was the day when all the boys got to put on back braces while they moved furniture. They loved getting sweaty and working hard. Such guys. While that happened, us girls sorted through bags and bags of kids clothes. Ugh! All the baby clothes had us wishing we had babies of our own. Too soon though. Wait for marriage. Our system of checking and folding and tossing was impressive. I miss laughing together during drives. I was the DJ. You were the singers. Remember the morning we served at the farm? I couldn’t have asked for a better morning! The sun was shining. The breeze was a pleasant surprise on a humid day. When I was helping stake the rice tarps, I looked up a few times to see all of you working. You didn’t complain about our job, even while the other half of our church group got to pick strawberries. You weren’t afraid to get your pants all muddy. I want to give an extra shoutout to the way you served at our children’s camp. I knew that some of you were spent. Working with kids can be draining. It didn’t help that the kids were at times disrespectful and a handful to deal with, but each of you pushed through the week. I was delighted to get to pray over our group before we went to serve the kids each day. “Lord, give our group strength to love these children with the love you have for them. Fill us when we are empty. Give us joy to serve. Amen.” I firmly believe that you made an impact on those kids’ lives. It was evident in the way they listened to you and sat with you as you explained how to play a game or do a homework sheet or make a craft. You know, it was extra special that we got to work with these kids every day you were here. My previous groups had a different ministry site each day and did not get to form the relationships that I know you formed with the children. Praise God for relationships! I am so glad I got the chance to meet and serve alongside you this past week. I received so much grace from you. Despite my shortcomings and tiredness, you loved me well and were willing to learn silly chants. (Spirit Check, Spirit Check!) Even up until our last ministry site where we cut up bell peppers, ham, and celery, you worked with diligent hands. Keep on keeping on, my Virginia group. I will miss you dearly. Also, we might be visiting to pick up that AC you offered us. The host bunkroom and lounge would greatly appreciate it;)
Love, Cel
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