Milwaukee? Why not Cape?

So, here's the big question. Why do we need to drive all the way to Milwaukee to expose our youth to service opportunities - when we have many of these same opportunities in Cape? Well, the answer lies in the question.
We take these kids away from home - away from all the comforts they are used to - away from their family and friends - away from FaceBook, YouTube, texting, etc. and get them in a location where they can focus on one thing. Serving. This week, unlike much of the rest of their lives, is not about them; but about being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to others.
Can we do that in Cape?
Of course we can. In fact, our kids have served in a variety of ways in our own town. However, in that setting, at the end of the day, they often return home and go on with their normal activities. In this setting, at the end of the day, we come together as a group and process what we saw, what we learned, what we think God might be telling us through these experiences. We spend time in prayer and without distractions - are able to think about what it is God is trying to teach us and where we might be able to use this experience in our lives when we get back home.
The crazy thing is...it works for adults too:-) I've spent the last two days in a nursing home...a big giant step out of my comfort zone. Throw me in a room of 12-15 year olds and I'm golden. Add on 80 years and I'm like a fish out of water.
Yet, in two days time, I've developed a real sincere appreciation for these senior citizens. I've talked with them, gotten to know about their lives, and realized how very lonely they are. I've watched the way their eyes light up when anyone (especially these teens) ask them a question and actually listen to them. And it's made me sit back and think...how hard would it be for me to actually do this at home? How much of a difference could an hour of my time make in the lives of the many senior citizens living in nursing homes right there in Cape Girardeau? They totally just want to be loved. Don't we all?
And I think that's what we've discovered at the heart of each of these ministries...no matter where they are in life, what kind of hand they've been dealt, what difficulties they have to overcome...everyone just wants to be loved. And as we process it at the end of each day - over and over you hear kids talk about the experience they had and how much fun they are having...which is when we remind them...it doesn't have to end here...
which leads us right back to good old Cape Girardeau:-)
I hope Cape is ready for this group when they come back...because, seriously, with Jesus on their side (and he is, BTW:-), they have the ability to change the world!!!