soccer camp

Hunter participated in a soccer camp and the last one was today.   

Our sweet (and very talented) friend, Mandy, put together an awesome camp for the kids that included soccer skills, a memory verse, a weekly value (patience, teamwork, courage, confidence), and a Bible story that went along with the value they were learning that week. 

Our first day was pretty typical for our little H man...

tears. 

begging me not to leave.

telling me he didn't want to do it.

slight frustration from his mother.

notice the only sad child in the photo below?

I'll admit, after the first day I was ready to give up and try it again next year.

It's a fine line we always walk with Hunter...

being sensitive and understanding of his very tender heart...

but also knowing when to push him a little and break him out of his comfort zone.

Thankfully, Mandy was so sweet and encouraging and wanted us to give it another shot.  We decided it would be best to come early, get him settled, have me leave, and bribe encourage Hunter to do his very best and at least try things once.

It was a success!!

Hunter learned so much and was excited to go after that.  He participated, didn't cry (too much), and took home many important lessons.

He practiced his kicks during the week, re-told the Bible stories they read, and memorized his verse like a champ.

We all learned some important lessons about not quitting and trying our best.  

I'm pretty proud of the little stinker.  

Even if it did take a little bribery along the way.

And just for grins...

Thank you so much, Mandy.  

You have such a heart for our children and teaching them about the Lord...

while also improving their soccer skills!

What a blessing you are.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

 just like you are working for God."

Colossians 3:23