Saturday I had the opportunity to take a few kids to Virginia City to have some fun and be in the Christmas Light's Parade.
The day was so cold, but we made due and there was considerably little complaining considering we were walking in 15 degree weather.
We started our time taking a train ride from Virginia City to Gold Hill. Emma's music teacher works on the train singing Christmas Carols, so she got recognized. She was a little embarrassed, but she was happy I think. Anthony Really enjoyed the train, and honestly, I think the highlight was that he got to sit all by himself. When we got on the train there were a few snow flurries, so it really did feel like we were on a train to the North Pole, minus the snow on the ground, of course. Missy was trying to play it cool the whole time, saying that the trip was okay, but by the time we pulled back into the station she seemed to be really excited.
After a stop for donuts we made our way to Comstock Community Church. The kids were amazed that the church didn't look like a "normal church." The building is an old cafe, so they were right, its not what we think of when we think of church, but the kids were happy to learn about the "Cowboy Church." The kids had a great time meeting people and prepared to carry their baskets full of goodies for parade goers. We bundled up as best possible, put Christmas hats and reindeer antlers on our heads and got ready for the parade.
All the kids had a great time handing out items to people along the route. The weather was freezing, but the kids did a great job of focusing on their tasks at hands. At the end of the route we decided to have dinner and then go back to the car. Anthony had left his Santa hat with a church member, so we went to the church to get the hat. By this time we were exhausted, but the church members all said that the kids did a great job!
As we were driving home I asked the kids if they knew what type of work they had done that night. They said no, and I let them know that they were missionaries that night. Their faces lit up as they realized that they were actually doing ministry. It was a great time for the kids and for me. They want to go back next year, so hopefully things will work out for more ministry opportunities this year.
