rewarding

Matthew and I spent the weekend with 50 high school students in a cabin in Brevard, NC. Oh what fun we had! I am loving ministry with my husband more and more each day and am so confident we are exactly where we are supposed to be.

We played a lot of Mad Gab. (side note: aren't these girls beautiful!?)

Laughed a WHOLE lot!

We went on a 7 mile hike with all of us. It was quite strenuous in some parts but very satisfying in the end.

the whole group. aren't they a beautiful bunch of kiddos?!

leave it to the boys to take a swim

This is matthew's 9th grade small group that he has the pleasure of leading every tuesday night. I wish I had time to tell you all of the awesome things the Lord is doing in their hearts. It's awesome to see the power of God change high school boys' hearts for the glory of God.

At the end of the hike we came upon a 100 foot slide into the lake with a rope swing. Almost everyone joined in the fun.

Saturday was filled with mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, reading, ropes course, eating, learning, and spending time with each other. This is not the best picture (it was getting a little dark) but I love it. They are just having the best time together!

We ended Saturday night with s'mores and a bonfire. 

What's a high school retreat without a boy with very curly hair having it straightened by his friends?! 

and the other's reactions...

Every retreat must be accompanied by a hearty game of Ninja. I was clearly not good at this game seeing as I got out every time the first round. Therefore I had time to take pictures of everyone else playing. 

Of course my husband and his stealth-like moves kept him in the game until the end every time.

fancy footwork

What I did not get to capture in pictures was the wonderful teaching the students got on what scripture has to say about the relationship that we refer to as "dating." Though scripture does not reference dating, it does refer much about the role of a man and a woman and the marriage relationship. 


I did not capture the conversations we got to have with students about what is going on deep in their hearts. I did not capture Matthew having the opportunity to lead a student into a relationship with Jesus on Saturday morning. That's why God has placed us where He has and I am so very grateful for each and every aspect of ministry. How rewarding!