We Made It!

I'm not going to lie. Today has been a loooooooong day. Everyone had to be to the church at 5:15am, so we all had to get up really early to start with. Then we had a few mishaps getting here. Unfortunately someone (not from our group) ran over Stephanie's big toe with their suitcase and it ripped off a portion of her nail. We took here to the doctor here and they were really helpful, but she is on crutches for a day or two. Please pray for her!

Yes, it was a process and a lot of things did not go according to plan.

But now that we are here, we can really feel the love around us. We just barely made it to the first mass gathering, but the part that we did experience was incredible. The picture posted here (I'm too tired to figure out how to rotate it right now) does not even do it justice. At the center of the stage is a cross that is probably 40 stories high- reminding us of what we are focusing on. Our speakers were amazing, the music was awesome. We really made it!!! We looked around and there were Lutherans as far as the eye can see!

The youth have been such good sports all day long. I have not heard any complaining- just positive attitudes and patient hearts. They didn't get to eat lunch and we didn't get dinner until after 10pm (That's a long story.) But they are all still having a blast and glad to be here. I also appreciate the way that they are taking care of each other and being appreciative of the other sponsors. I am very proud to be their pastor.

Tonight the theme of the mass gathering was "Speak the Truth." Part of our calling as Christians in the world is to not be afraid to speak the truth about the world and speak the truth to the world. I pray that God's truth can be etched into our hearts this week.

Here are a few more fun photos from the day: