Summer is always a bit of a shift from the norm - schedules change along with the weather as weekly clubs and meetings are replaced by bigger events and longer trips.This summer is no different. Both of Langley Youth Unlimited’s weekly programs - the Bus and Art: After School - have already wrapped up for the year.
The Bus closed out it’s year with a few big events, including: our last Bus night where we hung out with the kids and built in to relationships that we hope will continue over the summer and in to the fall; a fund raiser for our new bus, generously hosted by Jericho Ridge Church; and two bus work parties, one of which was hosted by another local church, Murrayville Community.
Art: After School finished up it’s first year on April 25th with a party in which we tried our hand at some “culinary arts,” namely making our own pizzas and decorating cookies! We also had a fun night at our Open House/Fund Raiser at Langley Meadows on June 13th, where we raised some much needed funds for next year.
With those programs on hiatus for the summer, you may wonder what I’m going to be filling my days with for the next couple of months. Well, from June 23-27 I’ll be at our National Ministry Conference in Toronto where I’ll be officially credentialed, as well as helping to lead a workshop on working with elementary aged students.
Then from July 12-30 I’ll be in Scotland co-leading a team of 20 youth from the Lower Mainland as we partner with YFC in Inverness for the Plunge.
And when I arrive back in Canada, I’ll be coordinating an art day camp from August 7-10 at the Langley Municipal Building.
And after that I will be busy training the new Communications Officer before my official transition out of that role in September.
Phew - so that is my summer! It is definitely busy, but like they say, a change is as good as a break!
Stories
I would like to share with you 2 stories about 2 different girls. Both these girls hold a special place in my heart, but one story grieves me and the other makes me smile.
Dianna is 14 and in grade 7. I see her almost every time I go to the school - she runs up and gives me big a hug! The first time I met her I knew that she was something special.
Dianna has had a difficult life, of which I don’t know all the details. She has incredible leadership potential, but unfortunately often uses her natural leadership abilities in a negative way. Since I’ve known her (just over a year), she has lived in 2 different foster homes, and is now living with her mom.
As negative as her last foster home experience was, I’m not sure that it is much better for her to be living with her mom again, as there are alcoholism and anger issues, as well as a history of rejection.
Please pray for Dianna as she navigates a world where no one seems to want her.
Elisabeth is 11 and attended Art: After School from day one. She is full of energy, does nice, thoughtful things for others of her own volition, and volunteers to help almost before asked. I’ve met her mother, and her home environment seems to be a positive, loving one.
Elisabeth recently spoke at our Art: After School Open House, and did an AMAZING job. I was so proud seeing her up there sharing about her experience throughout the year.
Please pray for Elisabeth as she works out how to interact with the world in her own unique way.
Plunge Update
As you read this, the Plunge team is preparing, physically and spiritually, for our trip to Scotland July 12-30th. We've been meeting over the past few months, ironing out details, sorting out fund raising, and getting to know each other.
Pleas continue to pray for us as we head out.
If you want to help financially with my work in Langley,
please click here.
