A Surprise Shower

So after all of Wednesday's craziness (I'm dizzy, but my dress is in!), I debated whether to go to youth group (BYG) where John and I volunteer on Wednesdays. I decided that since the night was one of my favorite annual topics (affirmation), that I'd go and just try to take it easy.

Good thing, because we walked in and found out it was really our surprise shower! (And affirmation!)

The HS'ers were so awesome in all that they did. They made us this fabulously collaged card. And there was cake, punch and snacks galore. We enjoyed the food and then got to the affirmation-poster making (each person puts his/her name on a poster, and then the rest of the group writes positive messages or pastes down pictures that describe that person.) It's always such a positive night.

And then, all of a sudden, the night's leaders (seniors Neil and Grace) told everyone to halt the poster-making, and told John and me to sit in chairs at the end of the room. They told us to share our words of wisdom ...

My brief advice "If anyone has a graduation party, go because you never know who you might meet."

But then we found out the real story, because they brought us out TONS of presents. It was amazing and so unexpected. Director of youth ministry Sue had gone to all 3 places we were registered and bought tons of utensils, pans, pot holders and more. We just kept unwrapping things. There were also two roses, which was very sweet. I guess behind the scenes she had had the HS'ers give her money for gifts and then she went and purchased them. I can't believe that so many of them were so generous because we got so many things. This is my ninth school year (and John's second) volunteering with this fabulous group of teens (well, the teens themselves have come and gone several times over ...) so if anyone wants to make a derogatory remark about teenagers today, just look at the time and effort they put into making this card for us.




The messages were so heartfelt and thoughtful. Working with this group has definitely been one of those experiences where you go in thinking "give, give, give" but end up getting a whole lot out of it as well.

When the night ended we went outside for what I thought was our typical closing prayer. Instead, it was a blessing over John and me where each teen (and the other adults) could bless us and say what they hoped for us in our marriage. Yes, I fully admit I got a little teary and had to go in for a tissue before concluding with BYG hugs.

Sue is going to try to send some pictures of the group, and I will post them if she does. I took these pictures of the giant card when I got home.

But THANKS to all the teens, volunteers and Sue for making us feel so loved and appreciated. It was an awesome surprise!