my heart breaks.

i love the youth group i work with in newaygo. i absolutely love it so, so, soooo very much. each week these kids remind me why i am a youth ministry major. last week was super intense with out high school time after the message. they are really starting to open up and to let us see their hearts and i love it. this past friday i was able to go to band festival and see 8 of my kids perform in their various bands and it was awesome just to be able to be there and support them. their faces lit up when they saw that i was there... and i love that it isn't in my own power or love that i love these kids, it is in the power of Jesus. over the last two weeks i have also been able to become closer with a bunch of the girls from youth group as well. we have been texting and emailing like crazy and they have been able to share with me things through that because i have come to their level of communication. i love that. i am so glad that i have been able to share with these few girls in their struggles and hurts and with what is going on in their hearts. i feel so privileged to share in these things and i am so happy that i am able to be a positive influence in their lives. this week i will be sharing about control at youth group. hopefully i can get something through their heads about control... because for many of them control is a major issue and a huge power struggle in their families and in their lives.

Highlights of my last week from specifically youth group kids:
Kelsi hugged me. not once, not twice, but three times on friday at her band festival. she never gives hugs to people unless they are her close friends. Kelsi and i have also been texting and i have been able to hear some of her heart. and i love it.

Cameron came to church again sunday. i know he didnt want to be there, but the fact is... he was. he was able to be loved and feel welcome and accepted. i know he feels more comfortable now. i can see it. i think it is just a matter of time...

Emily has been texting me like crazy!! Her attitude is starting to soften and her walls are coming down as well.

but my heart continually breaks for the kids in our youth group and in Newaygo County. I am so glad i get to work with them. it is where my heart is.