Hey this is Bailey, I would like to start off with saying West Virgina is such a blessing to me!!! Today we went to the pool with all of the middle schoolers, and then came back to the church and played with the after school care kids. All of the kids here hold such a special place in my heart. All of us are having such an amazing time. We have met so many nice and fantastic people, such as the Brevard team and all of the staff and kids. Sometimes I wish I lived in West Virgina. I have to say the most exciting thing that we did was a make a tunnel for the kids to run through, To see the light on their faces when they saw all of us made the tunnel for them to run through made my heart melt. So we have had a long and tiring week but it was well worth it.

Hey this is Courtney Stroud, this is my first youth mission trip and i am loving every minute of it. These kids are so sweet this one little girl named Q'aliyah she came running towards me the first second she seen me and we have been buddies every since. I loved meeting Star Jae, Myracle, and Jamiese. They are so nice and funny. Today us and the middle school kids had water balloon games. We all got soaking wet. We then came inside to just chill till the after school kids came. We meet up the other youth group from Brevard and we had snack with the kids and worship time, and also supper. To experience how the kids live and how they may not be loved anywhere but here is gripping to the heart because they are all so nice and sweet and need love and to give it to them makes me feel amazing. Having fun with the kids and showing them God and love is the best thing. I am gonna be so heart broken to leave these kids on Saturday. I hope to see them again sometime.

Hey this is Brett Miller. Today we took the older groups up to the pool. We had lots of fun, and two of the kids learned to swim! When we got back to the church it was "chill time." There is another youth group here to help with the kids, and they come later when the younger group arrives. This year is my personal favorite out of the past year because there are more people, and the kids actually like me. :) I have grown close to my little buds, Javon, Xavier, Keyonte, and Mickey. One of the kids even remembers me from last year. I'm excited to see how the rest of the week goes, and what God will do in our lives. It is gonna be very sad to leave but I look forward to seeing them again next year.

Day 1 - August 1, 2011

Wow - what a busy but wonderful day! We arrived in Charleston, WV and hit the ground running immediately. After a quick unloading of vehicles, we walked to the new school just down the road to pick up the after school children with Pastor Norman. What a great afternoon we had sharing the love of Jesus with them. It was awesome to see some of the children run up and give hugs, remembering our youth from last year's trip.

We have also made new friends already. The smiles of the children are such a blessing to us that we often feel as if instead of sharing a blessing....we are receiving one.

The afternoon was spent doing homework, playing games, having reading time and eating dinner with the children.

We are excited about our busy day tomorrow. We will be spending our time tomorrow with middle school age students, many of which we know from last year. We are praying for a large group and for the love of Jesus to come from us!

Please continue to pray!