I was nervous today going into a new group of people beginning a new ministry at the church. Some teens and young adults who are in foster homes met with a group of adults such as myself to make a big spaghetti supper for their families. This was the first time the organization had planned such an event. The goal is not only to get the kids together and perhaps learn something about cooking, but also to possibly make connections with other adults who can help them launch into the next phase of their young adult life. I learned that most of these kids really struggle at this point and many end up homeless. I just don’t think it is right that they had difficult situations growing up not by their own choice and because of that, have trouble just surviving. Because this was the pilot program and first time tried, none of us knew what to expect. Yesterday I received step by step directions for each “team” to prepare the meal. It was all very well planned out and organized. The kids and the adults were divided into teams and assigned a part of the meal to prepare. The sauce recipe we used was the pastor’s mother’s, so there was only a little pressure. There were a lot of people in the kitchen and a lot of chatter going on – but good chatter. The kids had all different interests and many were eager to talk about them. They brought a certain energy that only teens can offer. It seemed so familiar as youth ministry to me and I became very comfortable and enjoyed the interaction. Although things took longer than anticipated, the meal all came together at the end and was delicious. Each person had played their small part and reaped the benefit of their teamwork. The families who came to join were as diverse as the youth themselves. One family consisted of a mom, a dad, and 9 kids who ran the gamut of races and colors. But that didn’t seem to matter to any of them as they interacted like a natural, loving family. It was a thing of beauty. I realized that kids are kids and at the heart of it all is the same thing for each one of us – we long for and need unconditional love, acceptance, someone to trust, and to be able to contribute to the world around us.

I Found God today in teens on their journey, caring and generous adults, and loving families.