12 September, 2010

Youth group?!

My eldest son is old enough to go to youth group. Shock!

How do these things creep up on a person?

This afternoon he went along to a youth group run by high schoolers (and one teacher) from his school. It is an unusual situation we find ourselves in. He doesn't understand much Japanese despite living in the country 8 out of his 11 years. Our church has Sunday School until the end of elementary and now he is in church with us. Most times he's able to listen to an English translation of the sermon but today it didn't work out. So he patiently sat through a whole service understanding very little. Not an ideal situation for someone approaching adolescence.

Thankfully others have gone before us in this challenge and an English speaking group for middle schoolers is run on campus on Sunday afternoons. Lots of fun and food and some Bible input too (though we heard practically nothing of that from him). I am thankful to be close enough to school to make this an easy thing for him to be involved in. I am also very thankful for high school role models, many of them guys, who love the Lord and are willing to reach out to their just-younger peers.

But my son goes to youth group? Next thing he'll be shaving and using deodorant! Arggghhhh!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

yes, they grow up so fast - enjoy the journey :)

Anonymous said...

Don't close your eyes Wendy or they will be gone! I can't believe that Bek is about to finish Yr 12. Seems like only yesterday, she was in Yr 1.......

Footprints Australia said...

Yep my Mr 16 is shaving, using deodorant & learning to drive ... picking out uni courses ... and now he's growing sideburns and chest hair!!! Not to mention he's taller than me and only an inch off his dad's height! I still remember the little bundle I brought home from hospital many years ago ...

Ken Rolph said...

No, the next thing you'll hear is:

"Mum and dad, can you mind the kids this afternoon. There's something I need to do in the city."

And here's a tip for when that time comes. Don't leave a large pump action bottle of Sorbelene sitting on the end of the bath at little hands height.