Seasons Change

I read my post about Parc Paradisio just now. And it is funny, but I went there last weekend, and it was the ugliest place ever. You see, they close down the first weekend in November and don't open again until April. So I had to go one more time. And I walked in and it was horrible. Everything was dead. The beautiful gardens that greet you as you walk in the gate were all shriveled up and the whole atmosphere of the place was changed. I now know why they close.

But I began thinking of my spiritual journey, and about how sometimes I just feel all dried up. Sometimes we feel far from God and just like we are spinning our wheels. I think that God uses that time to do some serious work on us.

But roots grow deep. And when the next season comes we are more beautiful than before. Just like in April when the flowers are back in bloom and Parc Paradisio has turned into paradise again.

Just a thought!

Paradise

I took a much needed JAM (Jesus and Me) day today. I will admit it was forced, because it is hard to break from the schedule, but I knew I needed some time to refill. It was amazing.

I went to Parc Paradisio, which I have talked about before. Seriously, I wish you could see it. It is 10 minutes from here, but like a whole new world. Belgium is great. But it's not really "pretty" like the cute little streets in Germany. It is kinda dark. Dark brick, ya know? Like when you see movies about the depression and you see the deserted towns, and it is always kinda "dull", well that is like Belgium. I love it though. It is home.

But when you get to Parc Paradisio, it is PHENOMENAL (Dad's favorite word). You don't know it from the parking lot, all you can see is a big old wall. But when you walk through the gate, past the petting zoo, through the gift shop, these doors slide open and, seriously, it is magnificent. Indescribable. Really like Paradise. And huge.

I sat there today in awe of God. And everytime the wind blew through me it was like He was wrapping His arms around me and reminding me that He loves me unconditionally. It was amazing.

If you haven't taken time, really "forced" time, to spend alone with God in awhile, do it! Get back to that intimate place with the One who created you for fellowship with him. He will meet you there.

Love ya!!

Lunch with Allen

**Allen is not his real name.

Today I had lunch with one of my great kids. He invited me to lunch, which is random because I always beg him to have lunch with me, and he usually forgets. But today he was right on time, and had even scheduled his phone alarm to remind him. I could tell there was something going on and he just wanted to talk.

Allen is a great kid. He is the type of kid that is always making the rounds, talking to everybody, especially the "bad" kids. I worry about him because I feel like he is always walking that line between doing right, and falling back into what is wrong. But he has the potential to win so many kids to Jesus. And we talked about that today. We talked a lot about his identity in God, and not having to worry about other people's thoughts about us when we are confidant of God's view of us. It was really cool.

We also made a pact to be in the word everyday for at least 15 minutes, and that we would hold each other accountable to that. We talked about how just praying everyday was not enough to help you to continue growing. It was a GREAT time.

I would love for you to pray about what Allen is worried about. He told me today of a huge drug problem going on here at SHAPE. Kids involved in some pretty hard core drugs, and selling drugs as well. I just left a meeting with 2 drug counselors here who know more about what is going on, and it seems that the higher-ups are turning a blind eye to the problem. I would ask that you just pray for the kids here who are struggling with addiction, and also for the kids who are struggling not to be brought down in the chaos.

And pray for Allen. You don't have to know his name to pray that he be able to figure out his identity and continue growing in his walk. And I pray that I have many more opportunities like today open up for me and my new students.

Love ya!!

Homecoming Week

I think spirit week turns kids into vampires or something like the full moon. They were completely insane! INSANE! But it was fun though. Tuesday was Wacky Tacky day so everyone came to club looking ridiculous. It was the hardest Club to run so far because they were too crazy to even play games. Wednesday was Superhero day so we talked about people's misconceptions of who God is, and He is not a superhero who swoops down and saves the day before you get yourself into trouble. It was good.

My friend Rebekah, also from Houston is the 9th grade sponsor. She got sick on Thursday so I volunteered to step in and fill the role for the day. She and the 9th graders were in charge of turning their hallway into the 1960s. It was fun. I got to meet a ton of the teachers, and just hang out with the students all day. A very successful day.

Then Friday started with a pep rally. Followed by FOUR powder puff games, FOUR soccer games, and lots of time to hang out with kids, and lots of parents. It was fun. There is a group of moms here that are competely and totally off their rockers. They are too much fun to hang out with. Completely the ladies I can't sit next to in church because they would get me in trouble. They roped me into helping with the Booster Club Barbeque, and I got put in charge of money. It was so crazy and busy, but I got to see every kid that came through.

Saturday was the big game. We lost 34-9. But it is huge just to hang out in the beautiful Belgian weather we had. There was also a volleyball tournament and a cross country meet.

Needless to say, by Sunday I was exhausted. But after chapel, I took some high school girls out to lunch and just acted silly.

The weekend is over. It was too much fun. Today was back to the office since I hadn't seen it in awhile. And tomorrow is Club day, so we start back again.

Thanks for checking with the updates. I love you all.

God Bless you and your family this week!