Little worshipper

Today we got up and went to our dear friend's church in Athens. We've visited there when Bradley was 8 months or so, but not since then. I knew it would be difficult for the kids(and me) since they are never left with strangers. But, I know we can't get used to new people and new things unless we try it. The church is contemporary and it's very casual. The first half of the service is spent in worship; singing and praying. All the kids are allowed to stay in there and hear the music. Rachel and Bradley did remarkably well. Rachel was so cute and noticed everything. She was listening to the worship songs, looked at me with big eyes and said, "they said, Jesus". She also wanted to clap when other people were clapping and even raised her little arm when other people were raising their hands in praise. It was very sweet and heartwarming to see. She was very excited about being in church and although I know she wasn't grasping the meaning of everything, she was absorbing so much. After the singing ended, she asked me, "where's Jesus?" Her natural curiosity and innocence was just so precious and such a reminder to me as her mommy the importance of raising her to know about Jesus. I know how important church was in our lives when I was a child and I want my kids to have that same foundation.

Anyway, back to the service. After the worship ended, I took both kids to the nursery and Rachel was fine. She jumped right in and played with some of the other kids. Bradley did well at first. He walked right in and started exploring the toys. I told the nursery worker where Bay was and to please come get me if he got upset. I went back to the service. About 20 minutes later, the worker came to get me. She said Bradley had gotten okay with Bay, but he was "fragile". When I got in there, one of the workers was holding him and he was sniffling and doing the pitiful "can't catch a breath" sighs after a big crying bout. So, I stayed in there for the rest of the service. He was fine after a few minutes and even played some on the floor. But, if I approached the door, he panicked. So, I may be in for that for several weeks, but that's okay as long as we get adjusted. It was still a great experience overall. I can't wait to go back!