I love Friends we call it (Friends Place, a place to meet old and new friends and Jesus)

The kids love it. I have seen many wonderful things take place.

We have had children saved through this program. Two of the children lost their mother and gave their hearts to the Lord.

I do not judge this program exclusively by how many children were saved.

I have seen kids make friends with those they never hung around with, I have seen kids who never smiled, now come in smiling, I have seen kids who stood back and not want to join in, now eagerly join in. I have seen kids who were upset because they could not come that week. I have seen kids when asked what they want Jesus to do for them, only said pray for my school work, now they ask prayer to get along with their brothers or sisters, help them to be kind to their neighbors, help them clean their room. So many changes. This is progress. I have seen kids so excited that they did a challenge.

I have four center leaders, and five circle leaders. They all do a wonderful job. We only have an hour, so we do (opening/worship - 2 15min centers - and Journaling) I never thought that I would say this, but I wish I had more time.

One of my circle leaders is a teen, He does such a great job. I have two other teens that help with the circle leaders.

The teens came to me last night and asked it they could bring their musical instruments and play for worship. I am so proud of them. I see a change in them too. We will try this out this week.

We had a anniversary party this week, (I had gotten some little pads that had squares to put stickers on them, we call them our Challenge Pages, throughout the year the children got a sticker to put on their paper) At our party I had counted who met the most challenges and got a nice gift for the winner (We had a four way tie) If you could have seen their faces. They did not know I was going to do this. But now I pray that they will be more eager to complete their challenges.

Friends is a wonderful program and I am so happy that I found it. I love it so much I feel guilty. I have changed a lot also, as well as the workers in the program. I can't say enough about it.

What I reccomend, Give it a try, love the kids, have fun with the program. I always say It is not written in stone. If the lesson wants something you don't have. stop and think of another way.

We are still working at changing things that work better for us. I just moved a boy into another group, because I believe it would be best for him. I love my kids and leaders.

We will be doing our annual Kickball this summer (June, July & August) the Deciples against the Apostles. It was great last year and the kids love it.

I always have a part the last day in May. I always start the new year with Snack it Cafe.

Well I am so sorry for taking so long of your time. But I can't help it. Everyone says all she talks about is Friends.

God Bless you all, and remember give it time. Make changes but most of all have fun.

Evelyn