Hi church family!

Today was our last full day at NAOMI House unfortunately :( But I believe that our team can agree that it’s been a lively week full of fun, amazement at God’s creation, and time spent with friends, new and old. This morning, we did our devotionals, ate breakfast, and planned for the youth ministry program. Today, we were doing water games so we lugged over coolers full of water balloons in preparation. Our session included small group discussion, bracelet making, and water games. After a soggy, muddy, and chaotic morning session, everyone ate lunch. Soon after, we all left for the Joseph City High School gym to spend time and play with the kids. There were many activities to choose from including volleyball, basketball, badminton, hockey, and lacrosse. After a few tiring but exciting hours, we made our way back to the house. Eventually, we all ate dinner together and had our last night of worship. We additionally had dessert and celebrated the NAOMI House youth that’re going to start school next week. The rest of the day, our team and the youth hung around playing card games, making friendship bracelets, and sharing some laughs. It was an amazing last day to bring our time at NAOMI House to a close. Thank you for everyone’s thoughts and prayers for every bit of the missions process! This trip has been so productive, fulfilling, and joyful. Your support means so much to all of us and I know we can’t wait to see you all soon :)

-Avery (youth team)

Although I've been a support person to the NAOMI House team in past years, this was my first time going. The thing that most struck me was how hard the WCCC team worked and how well they worked together. The start the trip was grueling with the 12 hour drive, many times at a standstill for 15 minutes or more without any places to stop for any kind of break, but they didn't complain. Each day different teams had chores like mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms, and they worked together to complete their tasks. They were also really kind and inclusive of the NAOMI House kids, playing games with them and sitting with them at meal times. I sensed God at work throughout this week and am thankful that I was able to participate!

-Renae (kitchen team)

The world I was raised in expected me to grow up as soon as humanly possible, demonstrate responsibility beyond my years, and excel in my scholastic and career endeavors. My parents can attest that I fell short of those goals as a child; however, a week amongst the kids at NAOMI House quickly turns those goals upside down. Scripture reads in Matthew 19:14 that “Jesus said “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” I admit that at times this week, I have reverted to the mindset of my elders, one that comes with judgement. But, the joy of the kids at NAOMI House and their laughter with our kids disarms even my most proud decorum and etiquette. These kids were showing why the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these….. they were living as in Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Having been on vacation for 2 ½ weeks and caught COVID in Japan, and then coming to NAOMI House a couple days after returning, I have been worrying about today, tomorrow, next week, and next month! Slowly this week, God has shown how special it is to be as a little child……and one of the big reasons: a lack of worry! Last year, I got to enjoy NAOMI House and see the new relationships our girls built not only with the foster kids, but also team members from WCCC. This year, I got to know the three young men on the facilities team better and see a new side to each of them. And once again, I was blessed through the experience. Thank you to the WCCC family for supporting our team and the work they are able to do here at NAOMI House on the three ministry teams. Being a blessing to the kids and staff onsite at NAOMI House is only possible due to your prayers and other support. Thank you!

-John (facilities team)