I grew up in the 90s, and can still remember when I watched the movie, “Field of Dreams,” for the first time. It was kind of a weird movie, to be honest, but what stuck in my mind, was that phrase, “If you build it, they will come.” And I totally had that kind of moment, this afternoon, at Hangtime. I looked around, at our 54 students and leaders and as silly as it sounds, it was almost as though I had my own Field of Dreams moment and it was awesome.
Let me back up a bit. Just over eleven years ago, I was finishing up college, with my heart set on teaching. I’ve always loved working with children and so a teaching career just made sense. It was a noble calling and a profession that was close to my heart. Where Jeremy and I found out by surprise that we were expecting a baby, my plans changed dramatically. I earned my teaching degree and certification, but those were put on the back burner. Being home for those first years with my children was so important to me, and over time, I realized that balancing a teaching career was not God’s plan for me at that time.
Fast forward to the past few years of my life and I’ve come to realize with gratitude, that I’m right where God wants me to be. I’m a wife and the mother of two amazing kids. I’m also a pastor’s wife, who truly enjoys ministering along side of her husband. And the best, unexpected gift of these past years, has been being able to build a successful photography business. I get paid well to do something that I love and it’s been a truly wonderful blessing, to me and to my family. And on top of everything, starting up a new ministry this year has brought me back to my first passion, working with children.
Hangtime has been truly amazing.
It was a simple idea for an after school program, that for the past two weeks has become an amazing reality.
This week, was especially fun, since it was the first week of our workshops. The cooking workshop was a great success and this fun group made some delicious cookies and learned all sorts of good cooking things.
The Drawing workshop was also a fun endeavor.
The kids did a wonderful job working with Ms. Angel and it was fun to see their finished products.
Jeremy and Justin led an outdoor Basketball workshop using our beautiful new basketball hoops. Their group had fun while getting some fresh air and exercise.
And just behind the church, the Arts and Crafts workshop kids had fun creating.
They all worked so carefully on their projects and enjoyed some fresh air as well.
Side note: This might be my all time favorite picture of Ellee and her friend Sofia. These girls are just too funny.
Moving on. I have to admit though, that my favorite workshop was the Reading Room. Ms. Tuttle read the children a story and then had a fun activity for them to do. It was peaceful and cozy and awesome.
In addition to homework and workshops, the children enjoyed a snack and we also had lesson time. We talked about the story of Joseph and how God can work good into any terrible situation. And in the in between homework and lesson time, we played this game to see how much we all had in common with our friend Lexi.
With the help of an amazing team of Leaders, we finished our second week of Hangtime. 40 children came, to be loved and encouraged and supported and it was a beautiful thing. I hope these posts aren’t too redundant, but it’s just so exciting to me to share about this new program and the wonderful things that are happening in it. If you are close to Eastport, and have a child (or children) in Kindergarten through 6th Grade, we would love to have them join us. This free program runs every Wednesday, from 3:30pm-5:30pm at Eastport Bible Church and everyone is welcome.
Laura Herr Photography 