Vacation Bible School

VBS 2008

I started this blog in hopes of keeping everyone informed of our ongoing ministry. However, the majority of the ministry happens on base or around military personnel. For those of you not associated with the military... you are not allowed to take pictures on base nor post pictures of the base online. We have rules regarding the Operational Security of the base, or OPSEC.

Fortunately, we have been given permission to post the success story of VBS 2008!

Outrigger Island

Yes, we used Lifeway even though Lifeway would not ship their curriculum or any merchandise to an APO/FPO address. My mother, cousin, and myself checked a total of 6 suitcases totaling 300 lbs. (Not all VBS supplies, a few house supplies, doggie treats, Lucky Charms, Gain, a 8 X 10 rug even made it.) You should have seen us…. 2 women and a 11 year girl trying to maneuver 6 suitcases and 3 carry-ons from Fort Walton Beach, FL to Atlanta to Athens then finally Crete.

Harry brought 1 car and another passenger to retrieve us from the airport. We stuffed 3 bags in the trunk dumped the contents of 2 bags into the small cervices in the trunk. We had 3 bags in the floorboards on 1 in a lap. Oh, what a comfortable 2-hour ride from the airport to home! Remember the Beverly Hillbillies, the Clampett’s? That's what we looked like! If I can pack it, stuff it, cram it, shove it, reshape it, or declare it through customs… I will or at least try!!

So if anyone has any Lifeway pull out there …. “Ship to APO / FPO addresses PLEASE!!”

VBS, a 2-week marathon! One week with our community Chapel and the next a VBS mission trip to another military installation on mainland Greece. My family and I arrived only days before the festivities started. And unfortunately, so did the supplies. “Sorry teachers, next year we will plan better.”

The Chapel was transformed into a Hawaiian island over the weekend. Luau themed, tiki torches, outrigger boats, leis, life jackets, and yes, pink flamingos adorned the interior of the Chapel. A total of 6 men work in this building and we had it luau decorated for the entire week. Not sure what the guys thought of the decor. But we thought it was cute! The kids loved it.

You see… our base is considered an unaccompanied billet. (Civilian translation: no spouse or families.) However, there are a few families brave enough to ride the storm and try. For those moms and kids, life on the island is tough. We do not have a school (kids are home schooled), no kids department, not even playground. The base is designed for sailors. Not that it’s right or wrong, that’s the way it is and this is the Navy.

The kids were able to enjoy a little socialized Christian education and a lot of playtime. The Chapel does not have a playground, but it does have a parking lot, olive tree, and a picnic table. Believe it or not….. the kids had a “blastedie blast” or that’s what they called it. The olive tree and picnic table turned into the jungle gym. The parking lot....a soccer field. Everyday for about 4 hours, that section of the base was swinging! Outrigger Style!

I will just let the video speak for itself….. Enjoy!

After a week long VBS, Harry planned a graduation / block party. I think he just wanted a block party...he invited the entire base. We sectioned off our end of the block (and medicals… sorry about that anyone needing access to the clinic) and had tents, water sports, food, a bouncy, and outrigger island music set up.

The Chiefs association donated the food items and their time to prepare the meal.
The Chapel community thanks you!
“Chief’s, know you made many kids very happy (and fed) that hot summer Friday in Crete!”

The Fire Department donated their time and water! They hosed the kids down with water in the parking lot! And a few adults. Again, hats off to the fire department.
“Firemen, know many kids enjoyed the surprise you had it store for them!”

A special thanks goes to the administration department, MWR, security, media, and the many other members of “Team Souda” that made this years VBS 2008 such a success!

These military superheros took time from their busy week to allow our kids a to have a memorable VBS. Thanks guys for making our kids feel loved and important!

Jesus said,
“Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them,
for the Kingdom of God
belongs to such as these.”
Luke 18:16 (NIV)

And to all of you, thanks for showing an interest in our ministry, thanks for being a part of our guided steps, and thanks for walking with us in this season of our lives.

Blessings until next time,

Kristie