So, Tuesday was my 21st birthday.
How bittersweet!
It was sad being away from family and friends and Will, but the people here overwhelmed me with love and kindness. First, Mandy and Doug (the people I'm staying with currently) took my partner Cameron, the youth pastor Jason, and me to lunch at a place called Secret Coffee (used to be Coffee Secrets, they recently changed the name around!) It was so good, and we had a nice view of the Raby Bay harbor right behind us. Then we had to go to work - three RE classes and a Supa Club session.
I was so exhausted at the end of the day, but then they surprised me by having a little party for me! Four families plus Cameron, Chantelle, and Jadee, and HEAPS of seafood. I had told Mandy that my favorite food is seafood at one point...I even got to try something called a Moreton Bay Bug, which is a crustacean like a crab or lobster...it was SO good! They even had decorations, balloons, and a cake for me...and presents! I could have cried, it was so sweet...they absolutely didn't have to do anything, but they even got me some presents. And the cake was one of the most delicious EVER! They have really taken Cameron and me in and made us part of their church family so quickly.
It's such a blessing that we have gotten down here and have "fit in" so fast. The adults and kids both have taken to us so quickly and we really feel at home here. I just can't stop saying how much I love the people at this church...they are so awesome! I wish I could take them all home with me. The "young adults" - those my age - are so easy to get along with, and we had such a great time getting to know them on the camp.
So I thought I'd take the time to explain more of what a typical week would be for me. Mondays and Wednesdays, right now, are pretty unscheduled - we just do whatever we are needed to do on these days.
Tuesdays are the busiest. We teach several RE classes already, and some people are trying to get us to help with others in the mornings as well. RE classes, or Religious Education, is Christian Education that all of the PUBLIC schools have as a course. CRAZY, but totally awesome. I have tried to explain to people here how much of a blessing it is that they have this, and how it would NEVER happen in the States. So keep praying, all of you, that they can keep this door open into the public education for as long as possible! Anyway, we are helping teach these classes in several different schools. Also, we do what is called Supa Club, which is usually during the lunch break. It is a club for kids where they play games, win prizes, and hear about Jesus. Pretty awesome! They hear a short lesson while having fun with friends.
Thursday is just Supa Club, and then we go to the church for the rest of the day to help work on whatever they need (mostly VBS planning right now).
Friday is (usually) helping RE classes and then whatever meetings or planning needed. Today we are going to help plan some more VBS stuff, and then some Winter Youth Camp planning as well.
This Saturday is Redlands City Youth, which is a gathering from youth groups all over Redlands City (in which Cleveland is located). It will be a typical youth service - worship, speaker, etc.
Sunday I'm helping lead worship - pray for that!
Hope that helps explain a little more. That's pretty much the schedule for the next few weeks, until mid-July when we have VBS and Youth Camp. The kids are also on their winter breaks then, so we won't be going in the schools.
Love you all!
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