Love is...

Last week I had a phenomenal experience visiting Brittany in Jacksonville, FL, 

and serving in her "world"-- 2nd Mile's Summer Day Camp.

I thought I had gotten a taste of what 2nd Mile was all about
when we were there in March, 

but working with the kids of the neighborhood made it even more real for me!

My heart was captured right away!

I was truly seeing God's love in action.

There were 50 kids at camp, divided into 3 age groups:

Soccer Ball, Basketball, Football.

My job for the week was to be one of the shepherds (leaders)

for the Soccer Ball kids (ages 5-8).

Since I'm certainly experienced with this age group, 

it was a good fit!

Being "Miss Brittany's mom" was like I was related to a celebrity! :)
(She is well loved!)

From Yard Time (choice of outdoor activities)
to Challenge Circle
(team time, building good sportsmanship and learning about the Gospel)

to Lunch (great time to interact with the kids)

to Large Group time

 (Bible verse of the day and cheers that are still stuck in my head),

and Stations
 (art, dance, sports, games, Bible, education & Snack).

All of this made for very full days!

And then there was "Water Day" on Friday!

An obstacle course complete with a slip and slide

 and water gun shooting at a human target
(me!)...

Water Balloon fun...

Water Games: 

Drip, Drip, Drop 

(like Duck Duck Goose with a pitcher of water!)...

Relay races with a kiddie pool!

Such a totally cool day!!

The 2nd Mile Staff is amazing!

They are creative, tireless and fully invested in these kids.
 They are spreading the Gospel throughout the neighborhood,
 building authentic relationships,
and showing God's love in tangible ways!

I'm finding it difficult to fully convey exactly how extraordinary

2nd Mile Ministries is...

One of those "you have to be there" experiences, I guess.

It was awesome to be part of Brittany's world for a week

 and getting to spend some "one on one" time with her.

I definitely "get" why she is so passionate 

and I believe she is following God's call on her life.

I love my Florida girl!
I'm so very proud of the work she is part of!

And now I can say

"Thank You Blackhawk"

and mean it with my heart!