Day 2 of Voices of Youth began as the staff prepared for Orientation at the Blacksburg Christian Life Center. Time for unpacking shirts, making buttons, organizing music, making posters and practicing skits, which are all in a day's work. Later in the morning, we were joined by Rev. Brad Dulaney who talked to the staff about how to help the youth hear God's calling in their lives.
The wait was finally over and the youth started arriving. The staff were ready and waiting to greet them with open arms and smiling faces. It was time to check-in and then see if the youth were really able to carry all of their belongings that they will have with them for the rest of the journey.
Once everyone had arrived and settled in, we had a time of worship with the parents. The youth staff shared a brief explanation about why they love Voices of Youth and how they see the program impacting their lives. Rev. Dulaney spoke about his mission experiences and how our lives can be transformed by the simple gestures demonstrated by people we come in contact with. We joined in song, celebrated with communion and were led in a commissioning service for all those involved.
After the service was over, it was time to say goodbye to the parents and begin our group time with the Rules Skit. The youth staff helped all of us remember why it is important to leave our cell phones behind and be fully engaged in our mission and the relationship opportunities presented every day. Most importantly, they helped remind us that "purple" is not allowed.
Our next activity was a group rehearsal. We could tell right from the start that they were listening to every word that Jordan said.
We had a great time singing and the group is really sounding great. We were blessed to have two different accompanists join us for the day (Carter Edmondson and Brandy Buckels) to help complete our adult staff and allow us to make the most out of our rehearsal time. Once the rehearsal was finished it was time for the family groups to get together and learn more about each other. These pictures are evidence that we get to know each other pretty fast!
Later in the evening we enjoyed some fellowship and ice cream sundaes as we planned our next family group activity.
After the plans had been made and the shirts had been rubber banded, we had a great time tie dyeing our white VOY t-shirts. We're anxious to see what they will look like. Only time will tell...
Now it is off to bed so we can dream about the great experiences will have and the many friendships and blessings that God will bestow upon us in the rest of the journey to come!
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