I've got to be honest: this entire trip to Birmingham, AL with these great students was one of the more tiring things I've done in awhile. The entire weekend had me exhausted. Today has been a day of recuperation and I am thankful for this Sabbath.

I don't really understand why this strong passion in my heart is for teenagers to know and understand God. Sometimes I feel like everything that means youth ministry gets under my skin. The speaker’s jokes, though I know they can be a bridge to some youth in the room, kept me biting my lip over and over again. The band, well I'm beginning to understand an observation from a fellow youth worker: "Have you ever noticed how most of our praise songs are about praising us praising God?"

At any rate, the relationships and ministry our volunteers were able to form with the students on the five hour ride there and the five hour ride back made the whole weekend worth it.

Still, I wonder how beneficial a trip of our own would be for our group. Perhaps since this is the last Student Life tour, we might begin to look into having our own retreat next year. Much prayer is needed on this subject and I would appreciate your prayers for us as we venture forth from here.