Awana's lock in 2013!

I love going back to Midway for lock in's. I love seeing how things have changed since I was a member.  I love seeing the children grow. I love the way the people there still come up and give me a hug as if I never left. I love that the church is actually the church, and is welcoming, loving, excepting, and growing in the Lord. I love it all. I especially love the kids!

 The kids who had all of their verses memorized and were up to date in their Awana books were able to come and have pizza, play games, and enjoy a night of fun and fellowship. 

I really love these girls so much! 

I think I did about 15 heads of hair...

Jeff and I went to the Lock in ready for the excitement and craziness. Jeff planned some games, and was in charge of the all time favorite scavenger hunt that my mom spends hours writing each year. He had a boys team and I had a girls team. I don't think you'd be surprised that my team one :) Girls are just better at coming up with creative ways to pose for pictures in scavenger hunts.. and since there were bonus points for creative poses, the girls kinda had one up on the boys.

Oh and two more pictures of this cutie.. just because... who can resist those big blue eyes?!?

Going to these lock in's always brings me back to the days when I was participating in these events as a little girl. I would get all ready to stay up late, talking and giggling with my friends, doing crafts and playing games.. Lock in's were always a highlight, and God used them to grow me, even when I didn't realize it. During those lock ins I remember reaching out to someone who needed a friend, that reminds me to be more compassionate.. or spending time singing songs, that helps me memorize scripture.. or playing games, that instills the importance of teamwork and getting along with others. All skills I still am working on today. All skills I hope these two can continue to learn...

Anyway, Jeff and I had a great time learning from the kids, playing games, and spending time with my family. We left both talking about and looking forward to the day when we can do things like that at our church :)