Baaaad Time to Baaaaaack Out

VBS is rolling right along.  The first night, Jesus (Joe, our Youth Minister) and his disciples (Bob F. and Neal) told/acted out the story of Jesus and the Children.  *We have PEACE because Jesus loves us.*  Monday night, we had a life-size boat that the children sat in while the fog rolled in and a storm came up with all the special effects of lightning, and thunder.  The boat even began rocking harder and harder until (as teacher holds up her arms and says, "Peace, be still,") Jesus calmed the storm.  *We have PEACE because Jesus controls the universe.*  Last night was the parable of "The Lost Sheep," -- which became an understatement.  Neal had worked for weeks trying to find live sheep for the children to pet. A week ago, it was finally confirmed...we had 2 sheep!  Yesterday--THE DAY OF THE SHEEP STORY--the owner backed out.  Apparently one of the sheep chose Monday to birth a lamb and he was afraid to separate any of the sheep as it might cause undue stress.  Uh..hello...what about my undue stress???  Neal began a frantic search for more sheep, while I began a frantic search for another idea.  After all, it's a 3 minute parable and we are allotted 15 minutes for the story.  I remembered a box of beanie babies that had been donated for the Mexico mission trip and prayed that there would be a lamb.  We could play "hide the lost sheep."  Hmmm? Hmmm? Tell me that's not brilliant.  Well...miracle of all miracles...Neal found some sheep for sale and talked the seller into letting him borrow a couple for the night.  

These two were not quite as docile and "human friendly" but in a pinch, they would do.  It took several hands to get them in position and settled down.

The littlest one was easiest to manhandle, but the older ram was very protective and made sudden darting movements toward the kids to protect the little one.  Amy, one of my co-teachers was VERY nervous and had visions of Animals Gone Wild.  But there were no mishaps and the kids loved getting to pet the real sheep.  As my 3-4 yr. olds were leaving the area, I asked questions about the story.  Me: "How many sheep did Jesus have?"  Kids:  "TWO!"  Oh well.  *We have PEACE because Jesus watches over us.*

Best quote from Day 2:  Teacher:  "Who calmed the storm."  Kids:  "YOU did!"

Best quote from Day 3:  As "Jesus" makes an early exit to prepare for the final assembly--Kids:  "Where's Jesus going?"  Jacob:  "He's just going back to heaven."