Turn It Up, New York! Day 1

     So far, this missions trip has been nothing like I expected. This is my first one, and I guess that even though everyone warned me, I didn't expect to have to be so...flexible. The pace is so "go with the flow," and I'm just more of a structured-type person. 

     But honestly, it's been great so far, and I can tell that it's going to be a great week! The children are absolutely precious. I had the chance to talk with some of the little kids this morning before VBS started. And I am helping out with the 8-9 year olds all this week. It's a little bit older than what I would have thought I'd feel comfortable with. But honestly, the kids are great! I love working with the age I'm working with, and I'm already bonding with a lot of them. 

     I do have a few prayer requests for those of you reading this, though. First, please pray for the kids we are ministering to this week, that they would be touched this week, and that God would use us where He sees fit. Second, please pray for some of the kids that we have a harder time controlling. There was one boy in my class today who wouldn't listen to anyone, and it frustrates me a little bit. I want to be able to discipline him while still pouring out God's love to him, and sometimes that's a hard balance. And lastly, please pray for patience, endurance, and strength for us all. 5 hours of VBS is a really long time, and by the end, we are worn out and the kids are buck-wild! And sometimes it requires a lot of God's help to not be grumpy and to show enthusiasm after being on our feet for so many hours. 

     But overall, I had a really great day! Children are where my heart lies, and I'm praying that God will show me how to best minister to them this week. I'm also praying that He'll show me what kinds of missions He may want me to do in the future, especially with kids. I thank God for a great day and for a chance to get off my feet for a while and get a good night's rest! I'm exhausted, but I'm already excited for tomorrow and the ways in which God will use us to show the love of Christ to these kids!