Thursday, January 19, 2006

Winterfest

In 22 hours or so I'll be boarding one of two charter buses full of 6th - 12th graders (90 of them in all) bound for Winterfest in Arlington, TX. God is so good. We are amazed at how big our group is again this year, especially considering we're competing with lots of other activities. There is an air or expectation about this trip. I feel as if we're all expecting God to show up in a very big way for us. And the great thing about that is - He will. When you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him. I think that's a promise.

Last night at our sponsor meeting I found out who my group included. I have four 6th grade girls and two 8th grade girls. I know all but one of them. God really is fascinating. I know this is His plan and I find it interesting who He puts together in these situations. It will be fun to watch this group of girls bond and grow together as they go through this weekend. Only one of them was with us last year on our trip. (See January 17, 2005 post in the archives for details on last year's trip to Winterfest.) I'll be watching her extra closely. She's probably the quietest one of the bunch.

I guess the purpose of this post is to solicit your prayers for us as we head out on Friday afternoon at 4:00 and return home Sunday afternoon around the same time - and for all the hours in between. We've been told to watch for "land mines", situations that may trigger emotions we're not expecting in both us and the kids that were there last year. Prayers for those situations are obviously appreciated. In addition to those, I'll be with 8 young ladies between the ages of 11-14 for 48 hours, four hours of which will be spent at a mall during free time. I don't know about you but when I get free time I don't necessarily head for the mall and certainly not with 6 youngsters in tow. This could prove to be a challenge for me. I pray they all want to go to the same places because we have to stay together! So, prayers for safety, peace, extreme joy, unity and compatibility would be great and anything else you can think of!! Thank you. I'll let you know how it goes!

3 comments:

Jackie Beth said...

See you there. Love your guts and am praying for you all. JB

Beverly said...

Oh Candy...I feel it too...its going to be a wonderful, amazing, filling, weekend. I have fever blisters on my lips and was sick as a dog last night but alas I AM GOING!
Hey, I think your most fond memory might just be the mall..hahaha..I am wondering about that one for me too... we'll just tell our groups that we all have to stay completely together and they each get a turn as to what store we go to next. love you.............

Lauren said...

Candy,

I have already prayed over Winterfest today and it has been in the back of my mind all day. Blessings on you and Geoff as you minister healing over our group! I am so proud to see so many kids that are carrying on just as Brody would want them to do! I am so glad that you are going to be visiting the site of the accident. I will say several special prayers over that time. It will be sacred and holy. I love you. May the Lord give you peace.