This weekend our adult volunteers went above and beyond. Waaayyy above and beyond. We were planning a discipleship retreat in the mountains (details here) and had to come off the mountain because of blizzard-like conditions that would have stranded us up there until today. Instead, we did a full-on overnight at The Refinery to end the event. Kind of a “bait and switch” that was beyond our control – but out leaders TOTALLY stepped up without flinching.

Here’s what our team sent out today, excited to deliver goodies to them this week:

Chi Alpha team!

Wow … I just wanted to shoot you a quick note today and let you know that you are LOVED and APPRECIATED. You must be exhausted! How do I know? I’ve attached an image of the first draft of this very letter that I started to write last night. Ha!

Click image to enlarge

I can’t tell you how thankful I am for you. I watched you all serve so selflessly this weekend. Long bus rides, terrible food, harrowing bus rides, rustic to rough accommodations, great teaching, awesome cabin time, kids who just wouldn’t fall asleep, patrolling for make-out sessions, having life-changing conversations, caring for students, snow ball fights, long talks about big things, having a total blast and counseling students in need. I am blessed to share the calling of youth ministry with you. Wow.

This week, HSM is going to deliver “recovery packages” to you at the office or at your home. You’re going to need some extra kick to get back up to speed again, so let us help you and at the same time say thanks for going WAY BEYOND what you signed up for. I will brag on you for months (especially at the conference in March), because you’re the best of the best.

So expect a special delivery no later than lunch on Thursday! It will be delivered by someone who is probably hopped up on caffeine or somewhat illegal chemical substances, too, so watch out if they start twitching.

Thanks for loving God and serving students.

JG