Awana

The kids are now in their second week of Awanas and they are loving it.  We really had no intention of getting them involved or even really knew what it was.  A lady that was in my bible study brought it to my attention at the David Crowder concert and invited our kids to go.  Josh and I talked and decided to try the first night to see if the kids liked it and they loved it.  Chaney is able to see some kids from her school and Tucker loves to go play with new kids.  They meet every Wednesday evening for 90 minutes at Brandywine (BRCC's daughter church here in town).  It runs from August to April and basically runs of GCHS's school calendar so we get fall break, Christmas break and spring break off.  We wanted to get the kids involved in something for the winter but were not sure what to do.  We are trying to hold out on sports until the last possible moment.  (All parents have these visions of their kids being NBA, NFL or Major League ballers so I guess it doesn't really matter when we get them started, right?....insert sarcasm:-)) I have this wise sister who said once you start sports then all your kids will want to do it and you will be running everywhere so wait as long as you can. Personally, for us, family time is a big deal so we are not wanting to run all over creation just before we have to.  In my opinion, I hate to waste money for my 2 year old to be on a soccer team just to watch her pick grass or flowers....this is just my opinion.  In addition to this we want our kids in the Bible and memorizing scripture.

Chaney is in the K-2nd grade program called the Sparks.  To even be called a "Spark" she has to memorize John 3:16 and say it to her leader.  This is a long verse for a kindergartener.  After she memorizes the motto or this verse then she will get her book and vest and move through bible verses at her own rate.  She loves to go and see some of her school mates and playing games.

Tucker is in the pre-school program called the Cubbies.  In one week he memorized the motto and the first verse.  His version of the verses are a bit shorter but he still does a good job learning them and is eager to do so each week.  Paislee will even work with him and learn the verse too.

This last week has been an adjustment especially for Chaney because she has to get used to doing her school homework and now we are adding on more homework for her in memorizing her verses.  In addition to the verse each week the lesson has a story and is a great time to spend one on one with each child.  Tucker already received his book and will get his vest in a week or so.  They can get patches for their vest which serves for more motivation to do more things.  Tucker is thriving in it.  Last week he ran up to his leader and said his verse and motto before class officially began.  We are so happy that he is loving this.  Each month they will have a fun night where they can do fun things: crazy hair night, beach day, BARF night, etc.

Another great thing about this is that they can continue this through sixth grade.  Awana actually has programs from ages 2 through a senior in high school.  However, Brandywine is offering it from ages 3-6th grade.  We are hoping the kids will enjoy it enough to stick with it for a few years.