Fourth of July Weekend

So the Fourth of July doesn't mean much to the average Kiwi, but we still had a busy weekend, so why not call it "Fourth of July Weekend?" We missed being a part of the many activities that my family does on the fourth, but enjoyed our weekend just the same. 

As July marks some of the warmest days of the summer in the States, the opposite is true here. The weekend brought with it some of the coldest days we have seen yet. We do our best to stay warm and bundled up. 

Friday night we helped with a lock-in or an all nighter with the youth. There were over 50 students there and many activities

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 Joe was in charge of planning  many of the activities for the evening and the students really seemed to enjoy them. Joe introduced the students to the "Gallon Challenge" - which is where you try to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without any of it coming back up. He renamed it the "Two Liter Lactose Eater" since there are not gallons in NZ. Two liters is about half a gallon so he challenged four students to drink the two liters in half an hour. Not only did they have to chug milk, but he got them flavored milk-lime, banana, strawberry, and chocolate. There was one girl who did not vomit, the others did but seemed to enjoy it.

     

The night was full of students doing crazy things, but all seemed to have fun! There was a bounce house, disco-dance room, Sing Star karaoke, movies, pizza, and many other fun things that accompany an all nighter. Needless to say we spent the first part of Saturday catching up on sleep! 

Sunday marked the last official day for Joe and I working in the children's ministry on Sunday mornings. We have enjoyed our time there but are excited to see the new leaders take over. Sunday was also a special day at church becuase Liam was dedicated. It is so amazing to watch our team mates and their new families!