I managed to keep Anna as busy as I could for the first month that she was out of school. July was marked with numerous trips to the local beach area, the park, a trip to New Hampshire, a weekend spent camping, and near-daily visits to the Y. By the last week of July, I was breathless and panting, trying to keep this sheep-dog of a girl busy. She is an absolute love most of the time, as long as she's "working" in some capacity. But too much downtime creates Bad Mood Bertha.  She needed a change, even for a week, but what?

I never thought I'd send a child of mine to Vacation Bible School since I'm not actively religious, but that's exactly what I did. Last week, our local Congregational church offered a traditional week-long VBS program, and along with her friend August (whom she has known since they were both in utero), my little Anna turned into a camper for the first time.

I was tentative the first morning, not knowing what she would learn, not knowing what I wanted her to learn.  My feelings changed the minute I saw her in the afternoon, sitting between her counselor and the other Preschool Pandas. She had the biggest, silliest grin on her face. Every afternoon after that, that grin got bigger and bigger.

First day of VBS

The following photos were taken throughout the week by one of the VBS teachers. 

Quite possibly, my favorite photo ever of this sweet girl.

Every day the children had sports, did science projects, listened to a Bible story, learned new songs, and did arts and crafts. It was a very lovely week, spent in the care of the warmest, most loving adults and teenagers. Today she looked at Eliza, who was throwing her breakfast food on the floor, and said solemnly to her sister, "God loves you, no matter what."

Yes, VBS was a huge success. And perhaps my search for a church has ended. I think we have found a very special place.