This Shine On Story is highlighting -- Selah & Abbi Hess, Wil & JJ Pauli, Cainan Bartlett, Blake Smith, Cruz Jorgensen, Sophia Santman and Ayla Wellnitz

I volunteer on Sunday mornings to be with preschool children because I receive so much joy from that age group. I would have looked forward to each and every Sunday because of that alone, but, as an unexpected and incredible bonus, I also get to serve with a core group of teenagers who add immeasurably to my Sunday morning joy! I could have had disinterested, sullen, moody teens who maybe are helping because their parents “make them” and, honestly, at 13-16 years old, that’s what a lot of kids that age are like. But not my PreK “Dream Team!” They genuinely seem to love the kids, they are creative, witty, fun, courageous (taking on leadership roles enthusiastically), they make me think deeply (you know who you are!), laugh hard, and give me such great hope for our future. They are also so kind to each other and even to this older lady who pesters them with questions and dances and sings obnoxiously to all the songs and they still talk to me! 😂 They demonstrate the love of Jesus in authentic, organic ways and also all from their own unique style and gifting. These young people “Shine On” and I hope and pray they all continue to lean into their leadership skills with faith, love and joy even when adulthood threatens to rob them of it. I love my PreK Dream Team!