Can I be anymore neglectful?  So, it has been FOREVER since I wrote anything.  We are in the middle of FPTC (Future Preachers Training Camp).  It is encouraging to watch individuals grow during this week.  Some grow by leaps and bounds and others in minute increments (some barely visible), but there is always growth in all the guys.  And the training they are receiving is so valuable, for any Christian male.  They are learning important skills for study and sharing their faith.  I wish we had more willing to take advantage of such an amazing opportunity as this, but with the smaller numbers it is a bit easier to manage and contribute more individual time with those that require it.  This year we have thirteen or fourteen, I can't remember which. 

The week before last was FTTC (Future Teachers Training Camp) for the girls.  That was one of the most encouraging weeks that I have experienced in a long, long time.  The girls were amazing and their attitudes could not have been better (and that is saying a lot).  They came out ready to absorb everything they could and to contribute all they were able.  They had so many brilliant ideas and possessed a hunger to glorify God and obvious aspirations to become the Christian women that he instructed us to be.  Although I was thankful for the weekend to be able to get some sleep, I really wished the week had gone on longer (and not just because it meant I had to go back to work or because my inflatable mattress was more comfortable than my bed at home).  I am really looking forward to next year's session.  Although, I don't know how we could top or even match this year's. 

Wow!  What a weekend.  Saturday morning we made breakfast for the students who take Bible classes each Saturday morning.  Thank you for all your help Kayla...you are a life saver.  We could not have gotten all done without your help. 

Then Kayla and I picked up the few odds and ends needed for the babysitting that afternoon-"Holiday Helpers."  We found a great craft project for the kids.  We swirled the acrylic paint inside of glass decorative balls for the Christmas Tree.  They came out really well. 

So we babysat from Noon until 4:00pm to give the parents some kid-free time before the holidays (for shopping, a date, to clean house, etc...).  We had so much help.  The teens really came through for us.  Thank you to all of you that helped.  We had a great time and the kids really enjoyed themselves.  You all can be proud of yourselves for the work that you did on Saturday.  I KNOW the parents appreciated it.  

Sunday, after services, we had a delightful lunch with an elder and his wife.  Then I had to spend the afternoon at work, but I leased an apartment so it was really worth the time that I invested.  Upon arriving home (with not much time to spare) we quickly cleaned up a motorcycle so that our friend, David, could pick it up on Monday (it will have a better home with him than we could give it).  At 4:00 we took the bus to Muskogee to Teen Topics and heard Willie Franlin speak.  Eleven of the teens showed up.  I am very thankful for those that showed up.  I am sorry for those that missed out on a very good time.

After getting back, I needed to go shopping for company coming over for dinner Monday night.  It turns out that they will be unable to join us.  I was looking forward to spending time with them, but I also was trying to figure out how I was going to get everything ready while I was at work today.  Well, no worries or fretting here.  Maybe, I will get to make some apple bread.