Here is a group picture of the teens and leaders that was involved in the skiing event on February 21st. There were 15 of us that went (5 leaders and 10 teens). The leaders and teens came from the Louisville and Cincinnati region. We began our day at 9am where we met at St. Rita School for the Deaf, split into three different cars, and traveled to Lawrenceburg, Indiana to Perfect North ski slopes.
It was a windy, cold, and wet day! Despite the weather conditions, we all had a lot of fun. It was an awesome opportunity for me to connect with the teens. I spent the first half of my day skiing with one teenage girl. I had plenty of time talking with her about many different things as we were waiting in line and in between lifts. I was nervous about giving my time and energy on this one teen, but I discovered that she cared more that I was there for her more than anything. I have known this girl from school and have seen her walk around with a serious look that reminded a lot like me. I also seen this same girl at several deaf socials and she would spend a lot of time talking to me. I’m not that important or cool, I thought, and she’s interested in me? It’s not that she’s interested in me, but because I give her my time. We talk about a lot of things and found out we have a lot of similar interests. I was told by a co-worker of mine that she has never seen this girl smile at school as she did while she was talking to me. I thought that was pretty amazing. This reminds me about a passage in the Bible when Jesus welcomes the little children.
Mark 10:13-16, “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Teens today crave for attention and the attention they get is not always positive. My role as a leader is to love on these teenagers by being there for them as much as I can! You know, it’s funny, I’m leading a group of girls in the DeafTeen Quest group twice a month and I’m always a nervous wreck! Why? Because I’m the only white girl! I remember asking myself the first day, “What the heck am I doing in Cincinnati!” I don’t think I can survive! I had to laugh out loud because I never thought I’d be in this situation. I have a really tough group of teenagers. Despite their tough exterior, deep down inside I know they are gentle and crave for the love only Jesus can give them. Every teenager is different. I could connect real quickly with one, but with another it takes more work. I realized that cannot just buy their trust…I have to earn it! These girls will do everything they can to test me and my motives before they can even trust me. I’m okay with that. I’ll just be there for them and show them that I love them despite of who they are or what they have done.
Lord, Jesus, I ask that you bless every one of these little children of yours. Protect them from any harm and soften their hearts so they are willing to receive you. I pray for all the leaders out there that give their time and energy with the teenagers. It is your will for these children of yours to come to you and into your kingdom. Thank you, Lord God, Amen!
It was a windy, cold, and wet day! Despite the weather conditions, we all had a lot of fun. It was an awesome opportunity for me to connect with the teens. I spent the first half of my day skiing with one teenage girl. I had plenty of time talking with her about many different things as we were waiting in line and in between lifts. I was nervous about giving my time and energy on this one teen, but I discovered that she cared more that I was there for her more than anything. I have known this girl from school and have seen her walk around with a serious look that reminded a lot like me. I also seen this same girl at several deaf socials and she would spend a lot of time talking to me. I’m not that important or cool, I thought, and she’s interested in me? It’s not that she’s interested in me, but because I give her my time. We talk about a lot of things and found out we have a lot of similar interests. I was told by a co-worker of mine that she has never seen this girl smile at school as she did while she was talking to me. I thought that was pretty amazing. This reminds me about a passage in the Bible when Jesus welcomes the little children.
Mark 10:13-16, “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Teens today crave for attention and the attention they get is not always positive. My role as a leader is to love on these teenagers by being there for them as much as I can! You know, it’s funny, I’m leading a group of girls in the DeafTeen Quest group twice a month and I’m always a nervous wreck! Why? Because I’m the only white girl! I remember asking myself the first day, “What the heck am I doing in Cincinnati!” I don’t think I can survive! I had to laugh out loud because I never thought I’d be in this situation. I have a really tough group of teenagers. Despite their tough exterior, deep down inside I know they are gentle and crave for the love only Jesus can give them. Every teenager is different. I could connect real quickly with one, but with another it takes more work. I realized that cannot just buy their trust…I have to earn it! These girls will do everything they can to test me and my motives before they can even trust me. I’m okay with that. I’ll just be there for them and show them that I love them despite of who they are or what they have done.
Lord, Jesus, I ask that you bless every one of these little children of yours. Protect them from any harm and soften their hearts so they are willing to receive you. I pray for all the leaders out there that give their time and energy with the teenagers. It is your will for these children of yours to come to you and into your kingdom. Thank you, Lord God, Amen!
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