June's Annual Peach Trip

Today was a glorious day! I saw God's hand in so many things. It was a beautiful, sunny day--perfect for exploring a Georgia peach orchard and tasting fresh grown fruit right off of the tree. The skies were bright blue as 15 of the AWO kids traipsed amongst the peach trees at Brooks Burton's Peach orchard today. Picking peaches in Barney was a family tradition for me when I was a girl and it is one I have incorporated into this ministry with delight. I happen to think it's pretty special to get to see firsthand God's provision of food from nature. I love to see their faces when they first see what a peach tree looks like, what a fresh peach looks like hanging on a tree, and hold a peach in their hand for the first time. Many of these kids have never seen a peach other than one that is cut up into small pieces and soaked in heavy syrup--in a can. It is truly an educational experience for them and one they enjoy. After our orchard visit we love to visit the little ice cream stand for a delicious cold treat. Unlike previous years, this year I chose to visit the peach orchard on a church day, so after spending the day in Barney, the kids all attended Youth Group at New Covenant Church. It was a fun and very full day for them! Pastor Zakk had the kids engaged in an energetic assortment of field day type activities, and there was a smile on every single face when I picked them back up tonight. Sprinkled throughout the day I saw God's hand in a few other places, too. First there was my restroom encounter with an angel (I hope you don't mind me referring to you this way, Ms. Castle)--truly that is how she seemed to me! Have you ever felt like you have met a kindred spirit? Have you ever had a Divine Appointment with a person of God? Well, I experienced both rolled into one today! I have no doubt that God's hand was in that meeting and that she and I have a future in ministry together. I love it when God surprises me! Then there was the man at Taco Bell who literally raced my van to bring me part of the order they had forgotten to give me--I have never seen a man in uniform run like that! Never underestimate your place in God's plan for a day--you never know how BIG the "little" things you do may be to those you meet along the way. Speaking of "little things," I had the opportunity to plant some seeds in and build relationship with a couple of kids today. We had one new girl accompany us today, and we also had several kids attend who do not come regularly. Today I had my first real chance to minister to them! I had a long heart to heart with a boy that I had not previously connected with--it is moments like those that make my whole life worthwhile! I love connecting, pouring into others. It is what I LIVE FOR! And God isn't done yet! Is there still time in the day--yes there is! When I arrived home I see that one of our biggest supporters has been working behind the scenes to help gather supplies for camp (and I didn't even know!). What a blessing!! I recently commented on how God provides for us even when we don't fully know what it is we need--I am seeing the truth in that more each day. He provides physically, financially, spiritually, and emotionally, and sometimes those provisions come through complete strangers! What an awesome God we serve!