VBS Review

Vacation Bible School is a precious and important ministry to me.  I don't know if it's because I didn't have that experience as a kid, and wonder who I may have been in my faith journey if I had, or if it's because as a mother of two pre-schoolers I recognize the need for hope in the world.  But this has been my third year involved in the event and my second year as part of the decorations committee.  I love that kids get to learn about God and make friends are able to engage in fun hands-on activities, songs, games, and stories that help bring scripture to life.  In our family, VBS is big.  And after all the work that goes into tricking out the church to magically transform it into a sun-saturated beach scene like last year, or the desserts of Egypt like the year before, or even a National Park filled with trees and a river as we managed to do this year, it's a huge feat that involves nearly 90 people, including paid staff, college and high school interns, and a multitude of generous volunteers to teach lessons, organize crafts, make snacks (for over 220 kids), lead worship music, decorate the church, and coordinate games (to name a few).  And it's all so worth it, if you ask me.  I see the magic in their little eyes when they show up on Monday morning.  I see them dancing to the worship songs in the isles, and I see them eager to listen to the stories, make the crafts, play the games, their laughter chiming from every room throughout the church.  And today, the last day we attend since AJ is still preschool this year and only goes until Thursday, it's a bit sad to see VBS end.

Raquel, our fearless leader, repainting the sky that I had tinted too dark.  

The end product didn't look too hot at 3 inches away when I was painting it, but the mural ended up pleasing me and my snobby standards at a distance.  I've never painted anything remotely close to this size, and it inspired me to step out and do some large canvas paintings.  It was a lot of work fun!

On Monday morning, AJ rushed to find his group.   We were all bursting with excitement!

He was placed in the Racing Rabbits with his buddy, Audrey.  What a blessing!

"Ball"  Raphael said as he reached for the bees in the hallway tree. 

I'm so glad that Audrey was there to model appropriate engagement during worship.  I think her presence at his side was so helpful and really comforted him throughout the week.

I love this shot because it just captures him so well.  Here AJ just discovered the activities (as others are listening to directions), and can we say excited?  Katie is the very best craft teacher.  We're so blessed to have her working with our children.  

Raising his hand to tell his Ms. Katie he already knows what to do.  As ever.

In the snack room with his little buddy at his side.

Raphael was there too.  He was in the toddler room with Ms. Bonnie and her team of uber-skilled caretakers.  Can you find his fro at the right corner of the table?

Seeing this nearly caused me to burst out in tears.  Although this was his 3rd year attending VBS, it was markedly his first-ever participating in the choreographed danced routines in worship.  Thank you, Ms. Audrey!

Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, eat your heart out.

Raphael was there, too, participating by chewing on the pew.

We were a full house!  Everyone was engaged in the worship songs, it was beautiful to behold.  Our musicians and song leader were amazing, and it humbles me to see how blessed we are by them.  Anna is not only a professional singer, but coordinated, smart, energetic and beautiful inside and out.  

"I don't want to have my hair crazy."
"But it's Crazy Hair Day!  It's fun!  Other kids will have crazy hair too."
"Audrey won't have crazy hair."
{Thank you again Audrey!}

We made mini pizzas on English muffins.  Apparently this is common, though I didn't do this when I was little, Aaron and his family did, so it was a treat for our whole family.

Raphael had crazy hair too.  But everyday is Crazy Hair Day for him.