VBS

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus...who...endured the cross...and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Vacation Bible School was a huge hit with Jeremiah. Every night he was excited to go and he eagerly participated in the songs, games, and activities. I got such a kick out of watching him enjoying it so much, taking everything in as well as learning so much about being around other kids and obeying other adults.
These are just a few snapshots because on the last night when I finally thought to bring my camera the batteries died.

All ready to go!

Jeremiah had a little bag that he was given by his teachers so that he could carry the stuff he was supposed to bring back every night (his book & name tag) as well as the crafts he did.

Name tag

Jeremiah has a fixation with name tags. We wear them in church on Sunday morning and it is probably his favorite part of Sunday. So image his pride and joy at getting to wear a bright read button with his name on it! We kept it so that he can still wear it when he wants to.

Puppet friends.

The main program had fun puppets that would pop up from behind the scenery to help sing songs or tell funny jokes to keep the little kids interested. The puppets were one of Jeremiah's favorite things and he talked often about seeing a monkey, giraffe, mouse, turtle and little boy puppet. We got there a bit early every night so I could help with some things, and one evening Jeremiah got to "meet" the mouse puppet. The wonder of a child's face!

Lining up.

VBS started every night with all the classes lining up in a straight row. Whoever lined up the straightest and quietest got the "gold ribbon award." It is not easy to get 15 4-5 year olds lined up straight and quiet for about 15 minutes, but they did really great job and even one the ribbon one night.

Bible verse

Jeremiah did a great job learning his Bible verse. Every night they learned another sentence, were supposed to practice at home and then come the next night and say the verse to their teacher. One evening when we were driving to church I asked Jeremiah if he wanted to practice his verse so that he could say it to Miss Karen. He said very mater-of-factly, "No thank you, I already said in once."

Singing Songs

Of course Jeremiah loved the music! He learned a lot of new songs, most of them scripture verses. During the singing time the leaders would go up to children and let them sing into the microphone. Jeremiah thought he was something else to get to do that!

Evening Program

I just loved to sit and watch Jeremiah perched on his front row seat, his eyes wide, observing and participating in the main program. He was soaking it all up and would have lots of things to recount to Aaron when we got home at night.

Making friends

Jeremiah did pretty well in his class of about 15 other 4 & 5 year olds. He did pick up some new habits (whining being the prevailing one we are trying to nip in the bud) but in general I think it was good for him to learn how to function in a larger group and where he wasn't the center of attention. He was so well behaved and generally seemed to get a long with the other children.
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I am so thankful to be in a church with people who love our kids so much! All of the VBS teachers and helpers were so kind, encouraging, and fun. It was such a blessing to sit back and watch my son being taught and loved by others. We feel this blessing not just during VBS but every week. When we leave Nathaniel in the nursery and return to find him playing happily or being snuggled by the nursery workers. When we hear Jeremiah's stories of what he learned in Sunday School. Being a parent now I understand how much it can mean when someone takes the time to nurture my children. I encourage anyone to bless other parents in the way that I am being blessed: help with VBS, teach a Sunday school class, volunteer in the nursery. You will never know how much it means to the parents of the children you care for!