Valentine's Day Dance and Banquet...

 For the past several years, our church's youth group has put on a special Valentine's Day banquet.  The youth plan, decorate, serve, clean up, and even do the entertaining at this banquet.  The past two years, this event has raised money specifically for the Haiti mission trip.  In addition to the meal, there was also a silent auction. Individuals and businesses from the community donated items to be put up for bid.   

John Wesley has gone to Haiti with our church group for four years in a row, now.  I went with him one year, and this year, William will go for his first time.  This banquet is special to our family because it is for a very precious cause.

 

 Here is Cody, looking very handsome as he balanced several plates, serving our table.

 Jonas and Jared were preparing to enjoy their salads.

 William also looked quite dapper as he served Grandma and Grandpa's table.

 I thought the youth did a fabulous job decorating.  They always try to do these banquets on a shoestring budget because the more they can save on the actual banquet, the more they can put toward the Haiti mission trip, and that's the whole point of the banquet!  The kids spent hours planning and preparing for this event.  I am so proud of all of them!

 This year's theme was 1940's era New York City east coast swing.  Several of the youth put together a dance to perform and to my great surprise and delight, William and John Wesley both chose to participate!  They had so much fun!  There were several practice sessions, and they learned something new--broadened their horizons, so to speak. 

 John Wesley and his partner, Bre, did a fabulous job!

 William and Dani also did great!  I know that I would never have been able to remember all the steps they learned!

 Makayla (also part of the youth and also a four-time Haiti mission trip participant) actually choreographed and instructed the kids as they learned the dance steps.  She also sang several songs for us.  She has a beautiful voice!

 The dance floor was opened up to the rest of the folks in attendance, so MaKenzie got out there and did her thing.

 The youth took a minute to rest from their work of serving and dancing.

 Harold took Lena, Jared, and MaKenzie out on the floor for a spin.

 Jared has music in him!  He loves singing and dancing.  He stayed on the dance floor the whole time swaying and moving his chair to the music.

 What a great night we had!  I love that our church family not only worships together, but also "plays" together.  I also love that missions are a true priority and that our YOUTH are putting their time and talents to work to make a difference in their world.   But what I really love is that it gave me an excuse to have a nice dinner out with my very own Valentine!