Today was our free day so after devotions at 7:30am and breakfast at 8am, we loaded the bus at 9am and drove about 45 minutes to go zip-lining. Everyone did it and we had a great time. Afterward we went for lunch overlooking a lake. Just after we finished eating and as we were about to take a group picture we saw a storm approaching over the lake. We took our picture then ran for the bus as the downpour began. We then drove to the market where we did our souvenir shopping. We got back to the Villa at 4:30pm. We have dinner at 6pm then at 7pm we will be having an evening of fun interactions with the girls. 
During the summer we take a break from our weekly programs on the weekends and midweek. We do this on the biblical concept of Sabbath. We do it to give our regular adult volunteers a breather from the weekly preparations and leading, so they don’t get burned out. We also do it to affirm the primary importance of families, giving them the chance to sit together in church, and to encourage more quality time together while the kids are out of school.
In place of our regular programs we simply have weekly events designed around the value of fun and the purpose of fellowship. We want our students to enjoy themselves and have fun events to do and to which they can invite their friends. It’s also a great way to help lower the “threat” or “intimidation” level for students who are making transitions, whether from Kid’s Ministry to Student Ministry, or from Jr. High Ministry to Sr. High Ministry.
I also offer a Bible study in a casual environment for student who would like to intentionally deepen their faith during the summer. I do it late enough in the morning so that students don’t feel like they can’t sleep in (not to mention, because I am not a morning person) – usually at 10am. Last summer I had students join me at a diner and we did a study on the Holy Spirit. This summer I am inviting students to join me at my house for Philippians and Pancakes.
Tomorrow I will write about how volunteer Adult Youth Leaders can maximize their impact over the summer months.
Every summer we experiment and have fun. If you’re in youth ministry, I would love to hear some of the things that you do to change things up in the summer. Share some of your success stories, funny stories, as well as stories about things that were not so successful.
Jim Gaffigan has done it! He has found the cure for world diseases. OK, not really. But his contribution to the world does bring about healing (just not from food-related diseases). “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Food: A Love Story is one of the funniest things ever set down on paper. You will laugh your way through the entire book. Do yourself a favor and go buy it. It will indeed bring healing to your soul.
Tonight I watched the final episode of The Late Show with David Letterman. I am thankful to my dad for being such a faithful viewer when I was a kid and for instilling in me the importance of ending my days with Dave. All through college the guys from our hall would gather in the lounge and watch the show before retiring to our rooms for curfew. Climactically, last year Adriana and I were able to check something off our bucket list. We got the call and won tickets to go and see the show. It was only a couple of weeks later that Dave announced his retirement. We are so grateful that we got to experience the greatest-ever live and in person on March 4th.
Today Claudia and I enjoyed a leisurely visit and stroll through Old Westbury Gardens. Afterward we went to one of Claudia’s favorite restaurants, Mac and Melts. Very much enjoyed the time with my girl!
On Saturday Natalia and I went to the Yankees vs. Mets Subway Series game for a Daddy-Daughter Date. During batting practice I caught a ball! Natalia actually had one hit her glove, but she saw it at the last second and unfortunately it hit the palm of her glove and bounced out. (She did get one last season, though.) Although the Yankees lost, they did take 2 out of 3 in the series, so we retained bragging rights. 🙂
Yesterday my friend Nick called and asked if our family wanted to go to the Mets game. Unbeknownst to Nick, it was also my birthday. We accepted and were completely surprised to find ourselves sitting in a suite just behind home plate. The Mets beat the Braves 7-1. It was an amazing time with my family, Nick, and meeting some new friends from Christ Tabernacle and Hillsong Church in NYC!
Yesterday I took the day off so Adriana and I spend some time together. We went on two dates. First we went for lunch in Port Jefferson at The Steam Room where we enjoyed a delicious clam bake over a scenic view of the Long Island Sound. Then this evening we went to Huntington and participated in our second Paint Nite. It was a wonderful day with my best friend!
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