In Case of Rain...Plan B...

Well...despite our prayers, today was definitely not a sunshine filled day. Thankfully, Team Central is flexible and spontaneous...and can have a blast hanging out with each other regardless of the surroundings! The students got ready for a day at Clay's Park for swimming, laying out, hanging out, lunch, and beach volleyball. So, with swimsuits and towels in hand we headed out the door for the day. We handed out allowance and made a quick stop at WalMart, which makes a day exciting just on its own...so at least we had that! As we loaded back into the bus it became quite evident that the dark gray clouds were coming closer and growing larger...showing no sign of letting the sun peak through. In fact...sprinkles began to fall in the parking lot...

...which only meant one thing...no Clay's Park...no beach volleyball...

Determined to still have a fun and relaxing day off we quickly came up with a Plan B...bowling! Everyone loves bowling, right?? Well at least everyone on Team Central does! The Lord blessed us with a fabulous deal at a local bowling alley that gave us 6 lanes for 2 hours...shoes...pizzas and drinks...for the same price as Clay's Park! Definitely an answer to prayer! The students LOVED being silly with each other and bowling the afternoon away. With music blaring in the background, we bowled, ate pizza and just enjoyed each others company. Even though it was a "day off from scheduled ministry" the students still looked for opportunities to talk with people, share their faith in Christ and serve. And...just because its a day off CERTAINLY doesn't mean its a day off from "Don't Stop Believing"! When the Journey song began playing at the bowling alley, you better believe that all of the Team Central students broke out in choreographed dance as if it were a park program. It was so entertaining, in fact, that a woman at a nearby lane requested the song a second time just to see it again! It was a wonderful opportunity to start conversations with other bowlers as the students stood in front of the lanes 30 people strong...dancing. It definitely drew attention...and was definitely a highlight of the day.

Having a little bit more time to pamper themselves this afternoon, the students looked dashing as we headed off to Olive Garden for a nice dinner. The girls were beautiful...the boys were handsome...everyone was still hilarious. It was lovely to strengthen friendships and catch up on life with each other...over pasta and breadsticks.

We ended the evening with some team time and ice cream. The students read through 1 John together...and then split into guys and girls groups for Q&A with the leaders. Matt and Jeremy joined the girls while Stacie and Sara met up with the guys. It was an opportunity for the students to get to know their leaders a little better...and ask any questions they had regarding, well, anything! All joking and silly questions aside, the students were challenged to become godly men and women in every aspect of their lives. It was a sweet time to encourage each other while having a little fun...and a perfect way to end a fabulous day...

We are thankful for the rest we had today...and the energy that we were able to restore. Tomorrow we will travel to our last church before debriefing and pray that we finish this adventure serving the Lord strong...

From Norton...Goodnight!