This past week

This past week has been by far the most amazing week of summer- well except for Tuesday.  

It all started last Tuesday. I joined my churches grief group.  I wasn't anticipating it because who really wants to sit in a room with people who are 4 times your age and talk about death?  But it was so much better than i could have ever expected. Yes, i was by far the youngest one there, but i felt comfortable with all of the people because we all had something in common. We watched a video about the seasons of grief, and through out parts of the video i was thinking in my head, "woah! Thats exactly the way i felt".  It was a cool experience and i'm glad i got over my doubts of going. Right after that i went to my church to volunteer for MCREST.  MCREST is the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team.  Pretty much- it's an organization that takes in homeless people.  Women, men, teenagers, infants- even whole families. The first night there i got there in time to help put the towels and washcloths on their beds before they got back to the church.   When  i walked into the sleeping room- my heart sank.   There were about 32 mattresses that were maybe 2 inches thick.  With one pillow, and one blanket.  These people were only allowed to have two suitcases of everything they owned.  TWO suitcases.  That includes their prized possessions, clothing, memories and for the teens and children school supplies.  They have a set schedule of things to do.  They are fed three times a day and have to sign up to take showers. They have to ask for their medication and they have to get their bags checked every time they enter the church.  I understand the rules are reasonable- but they have NO freedom.   It made me SO sad to meet some of the people MY age who are there. To see them not able to see their friends, or have fun like other kids do. The first night i was there i found my spot for help was with the children. Especially the babies and toddlers.  I can't say names on here as part of the MCREST rules- but there was a 10 month old baby whose mom only yelled at her to shut up and was getting very stressed out.  I offered to watch her for a while.  I took her to the cafeteria and we played with basketballs and we colored and played tag.  Then there was a little 3 year old boy who wanted to join us.  It was nice to see them smile and as the evening went on all of the little ones were with me just laughing and smiling.  It felt good to have some part in seeing these innocent little kids smile.  That night i went to bed with a heavy heart because of what i saw.

Wednesday night i returned to help. This time instead of getting involved with all of the kids i was sitting at a round table with about 5 other people including Mr. Robinson and we had a Bible study.  One of the girls that was my age was there and we talked openly about different parts of the Bible and about how even though they are in a crummy situation- Jesus can provide a better future.  It was so amazing to see the outlooks on life that these people had.  They have nothing- but they live like they are on top of the world.  Not carrying what anyone else thought.  It was amazing. I got home around midnight and decided to go back once gain the following day.

Thursday- i got their earlier than expected and helped cook the meal.  It felt good to be a part of something that these people would enjoy.  That night i was all over the place.  Playing with the young kids until about 9:30 when they went to bed, and then in another Bible study until i had to leave knowing that i would never see these people again.  It was sad.  I had only known these people for such a short time but some of them opened my life to so much.  I couldn't help but tear up as i said my goodbyes to everyone. But i knew- that God would keep them safe.

Friday i got up super early to make my way on the Youth For Christ Rafting Trip.  It was a LONG drive, but it was well worth it when we got on the River and went rafting.  It was  a beautiful day.  My raft which was Denny, Tim, Noah and I came in first place. Everything about the rafting was amazing.. The view, the people the stories and the nature.  After rafting we made our way back to the camp where we set up tents showered and sat around the campfire.  It was so fun to reunite with people i knew from the previous years and meeting new people.

Saturday was by far my favorite day again.  It was when we would participate in Silence in Solitude.  A day where we would hike into the woods and be alone for a few hours to spend time with God.  My time was precious.  I was reading the book of John and i came across a verse that said  "Jesus WEPT"   Jesus was sad because of the death of his friend Lazarus.  I felt as if God had me read that verse to realize that it's definitely okay to grieve- because Jesus himself did.  It was just amazing.   The rest of the day we climbed the rock wall and did whatever.  The day ended with Dirk getting drowned in shaving cream, which was hilarious!

Sunday i was dreading the day. I  didn't want to say goodbye to everyone.  But we did and i came home to Rylee at my house.  I spent the whole evening outside with her and her brother just hanging out.

I spent the night at her house and hung out with her all day.  Made cupcakes, and played dress-up with her.  It was a good day.

Tuesday- wasn't so hot.  I don't know exactly what i ate, but i got food poisoning- which was horrible.  I'm better now- and still having a great summer. Looking forward to going to my grandparents on Saturday to spend time with family from all over and most importantly- my mom.

Feeling truly blessed <3