Youth That Surround Us

Trip down memory lane in New Orleans

Shawn, Jon, and Doug

Doug received his first young men's calling while we were living in New Orleans. He was called to the young men's presidency and had the opportunity to serve with some of his close friends. Then moved on to the stake level. From the moment he was set apart he did everything with those boys. On one outing they even went to an ostrish farm and ate the eggs for breakfast (pretty exotic if you ask me).  He grew close to these boys, loved serving them and became their friends and mentors. He was able to serve for approximately two years before we moved to Texas.

San Antonio ward youth Sunday school class

About a year after being in our San Antonio ward Doug was once again placed as a teacher in the youth, but this time as a Sunday school teacher. He truely loved that calling and I never (if he did I don't recall) heard him complain a single ounce about teaching. He held onto that calling for the remaining 5 years in San Antonio. How? I really don't know, perhaps because he did such a great job. He was released the week before he moved to Arizona. I think it was bitter sweet. He definitely loved it, but I think was ready for the next chapter.......

Youth Trek, March 2009

Little did he know that was just a stepping stone for what he was called to a month after moving to Chandler. He is now officially going on his second year as the Young men's President. I think initially he wasn't sure how he was going to juggle a new job, adjusting to a new city, family AND a huge calling. But, somehow we have just made things work and I know for certain our family has been tremendously blessed because of it.

We have had the opportunity to meet some amazing kids. Once again, Doug has some how managed to be loved by the youth (not that it's to awfully hard in my opinion) He has a connection, a gift, and I really admire him for all of his hard work and time he puts toward these boys. He has been contemplating a challenge for all of the youth. And when his brain gets set on a project/challenge he can't stop thinking about it until it happens. Back in July Doug really felt strongly that his priests (including deacons and teachers) should read the Book of Mormon.  Afterall, they are now in the path of getting prepared for their missions.  That small idea arose into a HUGE combined activity. This activity pretty much as consumed his mind, thoughts and resources for the past few months.  With the help of friends and other leaders they came up with the BOOK OF MORMON CHALLENGE amazing race style.

The kids engraved their names at one of the stations

I will have to say I am in awe with how awesome it turned out. It was a pretty cool production, I only wish I could have captured more images (I got there super late).

Captain Moroni (aka Joe)

He broke all the kids into 6 teams of 12 (orange, red, black, camo, purple, and green) each was given a challenge which consisted of a decoder. Each team had to go around to a leader (dressed in book of mormon characters)

Samuel the Lamanite (aka Mike)

In order to get their clue for the next station they had to "guess" who each character was. Some were good and some were bad. Obviously the bad was just there to taunt, try and deter them away from the correct path.

Laban and Lemuel (aka Mark and Bryant)

They tried to trick the kids by offering brownies, which ended up being full of salt. So sneaky!

I am bummed I didn't capture more of the teams.  The orange team (seen above) was trailing behind finding clues. I think they may have been tempted too much eh um by those brownies. Overall, the activity was pretty powerful I am excited to see how the school year goes, they have until May to finish The Book of Mormon challenge. Way to go honey you are one awesome leader!!