it was amazingly rediculously awesome

Yesterday we did some really cool stuff together as a team to get ready for this week. We started with a "Disabled Breakfast". I used something I learned from Brian last year on our trip to California to bring the team together. All of our students (except Amy) were given disabilities and instructed to complete their objective...breakfast. It was a learning experience that stretched all of them. They are really starting to come together as more of a team.

Then we rock climbed. Oh, how we climbed. Carson set up a sweet, safe route and everyone had a chance to try. Even those who were scared of heights did really well. As we hung out and encouraged one another we had a couple of the local teenagers with us, Ethan and Jake. They showed us the rock and even got to climb with us. They were the only ones who climbed blindfolded and both completed it. They seemed to have a great time and our kids had a huge opportunity to talk to them.

After dinner and a prayer walk we had the most amazing time together. The church where we are staying has a ton of rooms so I selected one that would work for "family time". This is a time to talk, pray, and worship together. We had a long conversation about our REAL objective here in the town and how it is impossible if we depend on ourselves. We came to the, right, conclusion that the only way we can see real change in people is if God does it. So we prayed for them...all the students we have met in Roundup to this point. We prayed for each other and our activities. Then we worshipped. I planned for a few songs but as we began it was obvious to everyone that we were not going to be done any time soon. The presence of God was tangible. You could feel our Creator all around as we sang, prayed, and shared. We began the four songs at about 9:00 and by the time we broke to go to sleep it was after 11:00. It was an incredible night that each of us needed. God met us.

I offered the lappy to the students this morning to leave messages on the blog...here is what they said.

Reid: We appreciate all of your prayers and support so much. God has already blessed us and given us courage and that has a lot to do with all your prayer on our behalf. Thank you so much. Godbless

Amy: Hey everyone! Well, Roundup is a pretty neat place. It is a lot different from what all of us expected. We got to hang out with some kids on Friday and began to build relationships. Hopefully these kids will show up at the park this week so we can continue to minister to them. I also have to say, our worship session in the basement last night was AMAZING! Thanks for your prayers!

Ashley: Hello! We are having sooo much fun already! and the kids here are crazy cool. God is already working his ways, while we drink gallons of A&W Root Beer! Mmmmm! The hardest question that we have heard over and over is: Why would you come here? We have played games, rock climed, and smelt trees! Thank you for all your prayers and support! We love you all! P.S Beef Jerky!!!

Steph: Hey hey hey! we are having such a great time here together. The people here are so much fun and awesome. Last night we had the greatest worship session ever! hope everyone reading this is having a great time too. Keep praying for us, you guys are great! I Love you all.

Kevin: Hey guys! i hope all is well with you. Everything is great here, we are learning so much, making connections, and having fun. We all want to thank you for your prayers and support, and we pray that will continue. Last night we were up till after midnight praising and worshiping the Lord.

Mike: What an amazing, refreshing and uplifting experience to worship with this great bunch of kids!

Please pray for the students of Roundup and for our activities as they begin tonight. Thanks for your consistent prayers and petitions...God is moving and we're on board.

in His grip,

Jared