VBS 2016

This is the blog post I dread the most.  Not because I don't know what to say but because I actually have so much to say and so many pictures to share that I don't want to start because it might take me a while.  2 Saturdays ago, we said goodbye to my brother and his family after a wonderful visit and on the same day welcomed about 90 of our family members and church members to spend the week with us.  My brother, Shannon, saw Will's sister, Amy, in the airport so that was fun!  We were so excited to start seeing the green and navy shirts coming through the doors and we hugged and welcomed and smiled a bunch. The girls were having a blast seeing all the familiar faces and Walker was intrigued but extremely confused.  I was so excited to watch him see Granna and Dada (Jo Anne and Darwin) but he was so shocked that he didn't exactly know how to react.  He held out his hand and made a noise and then just stared.  He eventually warmed up and we got to visit with everyone for a bit.  Will's mom and dad, sister, 2 nephews and 1 niece came on the big trip so we were looking forward to driving them around all week and showing them some of the things we've been doing this summer.  We made our way to the grocery and then headed back to our place where we had our 4th Christmas this summer! Ha!  They brought more goodies!!  Things from home are always fun and they had several fun things to share with us so we took a little bit of time going through all of that before we took them to their place and then headed to dinner at Castaways where we eat almost every night of the week when the big group is here.  Sunday was a great day at church and we heard a great lesson by Will during class and then Mark and Randy during the worship service.  After church we walked the streets door knocking and getting the word out about VBS the next day.  We relaxed Sunday night and got ready for a busy week.  Monday-Thursday we have VBS/football camp from 9-12.  Then the Villa church ladies feed us all lunch (think 400-500 sandwiches) and we go home to relax on the beach for a little while before getting ready for dinner and a nighttime VBS back at the building.  This year was a little different but it was amazing.  Each night there was a review of the lessons from the day and then lots of songs and then the Villa members did skits each night acting out the stories from earlier in the day. There were lots of kids each night and they were straining their necks to see these skits.  Me and Will and Paden Henderson drove the van each night along with Todd Fritts, Gena Killen and Nena Hargett in another van to pick up kids who wanted to come to church.  There were some crazy and exhausting nights doing this but it was great to see so many eager to come to church.  We did miss out on some hanging out at dinner and some sunset pictures but we were happy to be able to see some of our regulars along with meeting tons of new ones that were eager to come.  I wish I had more pictures but me and Will were usually alternating chasing a tired, sweaty baby so we didn't get to take as many as we wanted to.

Friday we had a free day so we set out for Shirley Heights, an old military lookout, with its spectacular views.  Then we went downtown and ate at C&C, one of our new favorite restaurants. We visited the Cool & Smooth and the downtown market before heading home to eat at our place and relax.  Unfortunately Darwin got sick Monday night and was out the rest of the week.  He did get to come over and eat Friday night but we missed a lot of hang out time with him during the week.  He and Walker are big buddies so I hated that for them but I'm sure they'll make up for lost time at home.
Unfortunately all good things come to an end so we had to send them all home Saturday.  It was a sad goodbye but our time here is ending soon so we'll catch up back in Alabama.  As sad as we are to see all of them go, we inherited a few more children this week.  We have some guests staying with us for the rest of the trip.  John, Scarlett, Bonnie & Ava are here in a different condo along with Anna Thompson.  Then Hannah Foust is staying with us and Paden is staying with Victor and Daisy.  We have had so much fun having the extra hands to help and of course the youngsters are helping us to stay young and hip!  The girls are thrilled having inherited some older siblings.  We are so thankful for willing hearts that want to work alongside us in spreading the good news.

We had a great start to the week at the building Monday with the kids.  Then Tuesday, we got to visit Brother Deon's farm and learn about all kinds of neat fruits and vegetables.  We were especially entertained by the pigs and cows.  Then we went to Half Moon Bay and rode some big waves and played in the magic mud.  Ava came down with fever so she and Scarlett had to skip out on that day. Then we had another full crowd at the building that afternoon and again Wednesday.  There were around 30 that showed up at church last night.  Yes, you read that, 30!!!  It was craziness!  Kids everywhere.  Just pray that God is working in their hearts and they will keep coming, being accepted and hearing something that turns them toward Him.  

Until next time...

                                                         

A little ice cream at Fragalosa after dropping the Shannons off and picking up the big group

The Villa airport greeters

Evan Ann said "why are you here?" I guess she forgot we'd been there all summer!!

Dada and Granna

Walker's face trying to figure out the new company

Reunited with Mark

Cousins-Lizzie, Carley and Callan

Weston trying on Dada's hat

Weston and Walker with their shirts on

Not sure yet

Scarlett and Gena's devo for the kids

Holding ice on their tongue

Listening intently

Group prayer

Happy Birthday American...and Granna!  We had her favorite, carrot cake, for dessert after dinner.  

These boys and their finger sucking-Weston only sucks his left hand but Walker isn't partial to one in particular

Twins-where was Mbasha??!!

The baby whisperer who made my job at camp so easy by taking this sweetie and putting her magic into practice.  For the record, Walker only sleeps in 4 places.  His bed, his carseat, on Granna or on Dada.  He will NOT sleep on me or Will.  

VBS selfie at Will's football station

Lunch time!

Ben reviewing the lesson one night

Kan-niajah's favorite person is Will.  She runs to him when she sees him.

2 of my favorites-Rhakeem Collins and Jalaine Barzey

Jalaine's brother, Jahmarley with Walker

Our nephew, Reagan, had a great week at camp and was so good with the kids!

Me and Mrs. Sherri-so thankful that she came and saw what John Oubre had fallen in love with.  We love the Henderson family!

10 year olds are the best (and sometimes worst!)

My line leader helper, Anna

Buying coconuts off the side of the road

Singing together at night VBS

LOVE this!!

Me and Brooklyn at camp

The group meeting before it started

Learning a new handshake

Annsley and Ann Ross with the girls

Paden got his hair braided by the girls!

Everybody loves Kan-niajah

Me and Emily after a long day

I kind of like this kid

Me and Scarlett after a long day

Brad, the only non-family member who held Walker without him crying!  He did it the next day too!

I told you she loved him!

Us at Shirley Heights (minus Dada who was sick)

The girls

He's a doll!

 

Ice cream at Fred's

 

Siblings-Will and Amy

Weston and Callan were so proud that they had buried themselves in the sand

Reese making the girls become mermaids!

Dada's fancy ride through the airport since he was so weak

The only group pic we got the whole week-poor Weston wasn't having it

Antigua jerseys

Heart sisters

Me and Em

Our new family that is staying over!!

Paden making his mayo and tomato sandwich!

Callan trying cassava

Deon's farm tour-so interesting!!

Donkey Sanctuary

trying golden apples

Half Moon Bay beach day

Everybody was worn out

EVERYBODY!!

The girls were over the farm and handling it well...NOT

Sheldon and Callan's art

Lizzie and the pigs at Deon's

She wasn't sure about the golden apple either

Adolfo and Walker

We matched!! Supporting Lyons coffee roasters all around the world!!

3 men and a baby

Group photo with some of our kids and our church helpers

Walker and Lizzie

High fives for Brother Deon

We got to go out with Shantelle and Adolfo

Our family for the week!

When you've had an extremely long day (left at 8am and returned home at 7pm) and your sweet friend has been home all day with a sick child and she makes you the one thing you missed from home and delivers it to your van in a to go bag.  Chick-Fil-A nuggets complete with sauces and fries.  Thank you Scarlett!!!  You're the best!  And they were wonderful!!!!

  3 2 1...Go!!!