Day 6 of VBS

We finished up VBS with 39 kids from Sisseton! Our leaders from CCC were kept on their toes yesterday morning and worked hard.

As we finished up our time in Sisseton we had a few projects left to finish up and then some cleaning and packing before we all got back on the road.

One of the most important things that we try to do in Sisseton is to build relationships with the people there. This year we didn't see as many of the adults in Sisseton (at least during the 2nd part of the trip) as we have in the past but the days that we did see them it was important to drop what I was doing and make sure that the time I had was spent talking with them. Sometimes being a "Type A" person requires me to step out a bit of my comfort zone and initiate that conversation rather than focus on the list and tasks that are waiting for me. One of our devotions that we had during our morning before we got started for the day was done by Joe in our group. He talked about how he wished he would have spent more time with one of his friends by actually talking about the things that are important in life rather than having some of the conversations that seem to be more on the surface of topics. Meaningful conversations require effort but are so worth it when you really think about how important we spend our time with those we come in contact with.

One opportunity that we had that just sort of came together was the campfire on Tuesday night. What a fun time this was! I learned some new games, riddles and jokes but also got to talk with some of the people that stopped in from Sisseton. We got to reconnect, talk about the kids and previous years that we had been in Sisseton and even got a few ideas from those in Sisseton for what they want from CCC in the future. It was great to be able to talk with them again and hear some of the things that they need or what they are thankful for. I also got to spend a few moments with some of the adults on Wednesday as they were sitting outside while the kids were in VBS.

Building relationships and connections was a focus for being in Sisseton and having a lasting connection with the kids is something that I have wanted to see happen since we started going to Sisseton. I have seen some of the kids grow up and follow in the steps of many that are being taken in this town and always wonder if we kept up a relationship through the year if this would have helped them at all. We did find a way this year to try to establish a lasting connection with the kids...pen pals. Not only are some of our CCC kids excited about this but some of the Sisseton kids are as well. We have a list and hopefully will have some great letters being sent back and forth from our kids to the kids in Sisseton!

Everyone from CCC is either now back in Rochester or off to their next adventure.