THE NEXT DAY...
I got up really early and headed down to the church to tell James my decision without having everyone nag me about it. I wanted to do this myself without anyone's impute until later. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car making my way up to the building.
"Thanks for meeting me." James said as he hugged me and we entered through the doors that would lead to the new children's area.
"I've made my decision." I told him as we walked down the halls and I admired all the pictures they still had up of the kids playing and having fun.
"You have?" He asked.
"Yeah- I've thought it through. Listened to what God's been telling me, looking over the pros and cons, and I've decided that yes, I would love to be the new children's director- but only if Liam and David can help. I'm still trying to finish up my basic college course and it's a lot even if I am doing it over the computer." I rambled.
"That's great Leah- and of course Liam and David can help. I understand that you're juggling college as well." James smiled.
"Thank you very much. Oh well it looks like they didn't sleep too long- I'd told them I'd tell them my decision today." I laughed as my phone rang.
"Hello?" I answered- seeing it was Riker.
"WHERE ARE YOU?!?!" I heard them all yell- including Sophie, David, and Liam.
"At the church." I giggled and hung up knowing they'd be racing to get here.
"They're really interested in my decision." I shook my head and rolled my eyes.
"Oh Leah- Tracy and Rusty are here in the library." He said.
"Great! I'd love to speak with them." I nodded- so he led the way and as soon as I entered through the doors Haylee came running.
"Hi." She grinned- I crouched down to meet her.
"Hi! Where's my hug?" I asked- she giggled and threw her arms around me.
"Leah- you've decided?" Rusty asked and I nodded standing again.
"Yes I'd love to be apart of this, if you'll let me?" I asked.
"Of course honey. We need someone young and experienced with kids too. Knowing you have a little sister and everything." Tracy smiled.
"Leah!" Riker yelled coming in.
"What?" I asked putting my hands on my hips as everyone else raced in behind him.
"Well?" They all asked- I just nodded and laughed at them as they cheered and Riker picked me up and spun me around.
"I'm so proud of you." He whispered putting me down- then he kissed me deeply.
APRIL 12...
(Riker's P.O.V.)
"Yes I'd love to have Haylee stand out in the front with me." Leah told Tracy and took Haylee's hand as they left the classroom. Today was the official Sunday that the new children's area would be open. Leah had thought about what to name it and finally she decided on, 'The Lord's Little Blessings'.
"You know Leah has been such a blessing to us with being apart of all of this." Tracy gushed.
"Leah's a very determined woman, I've loved seeing this side of her." I smiled.
"Are we ready for this? They already have families lining up outside." Liam said coming in.
"I guess it's time." I said looking at Tracy and Rusty. We went out to the front finding Leah already talking and telling families where to go and where to fill out forms for emergency information.
"I'm so proud of you." I whispered as I watched as Leah got down to face a young girl, the little girl smiled at something Leah said and hugged her- it was amazing to watch.
"She's amazing, isn't she?" David asked coming to stand next to me, and I noticed Ross snapping some photos of her with the kids.
"You've got that right." I chuckled as we were both handed pamphlets to hand out. After about fifteen minutes of helping families, we were finally able to take a break.
"I'll be back before class lets out- I've got to go help James with opening, Liam, David, you are both in charge. But if you have any problems tell Rusty and Tracy." Leah nodded before leaving out the door.
"Woah- she's taking on a lot." Savannah sighed.
"She's determined." I shrugged before I left as well. I ran over to the youth building and raced in and found Leah already on stage.
"Morning everyone! Great to see you! Now let's stand and praise the Lord!" Leah exclaimed and got off as the band came out. I went over to her and stood by her as I watched her raise her hands up and started singing along with the band. She was right where the Lord wanted her- and it was amazing to see.
AFTER CHURCH...
(Leah's P.O.V.)
"Leah!" Haylee and a group of other girls yelled coming over to me. Everyone was playing outside as we waited on the parents.
"What is it?" I asked as I noticed all of these girls were in Haylee's Sunday school class.
"We all made you pictures in class today- David put them up in the art gallery." Haylee told me.
"Well how about we go take a look at the work of art you each made." I suggested leading them inside.
"Yeah- come on!" Haylee said leading the way. I laughed and let her attempt to lead us but helped along the way there, we even picked a couple of people on our way, Rocky, Rydel and Ell.
(Rydel's P.O.V.)
"See I made this one!" Haylee exclaimed pointing to a picture that had a big heart around what she described as her and Leah.
"These are beautiful girls, thank you." Leah smiled. Leah truly was amazing with young children, something God has obviously blessed her with, and it was beautiful to watch.
"Dove?" A woman asked entering with David, one of the little girls ran over to her Mom.
"I apologize Mrs. Jones, the girls were just showing me the pictures they drew today." Leah explained.
"Honey, it's no problem and please call me Maggie." The woman smiled.
"Maggie your daughter is such an amazing child, she's very smart and I hear she's one of the best students in class." Leah gushed- then gave Dove a hug.
"Well I'm glad to hear that, you know this is an amazing building you have here. God's really got His hand on this place, I can't wait to see what He's got planned." She told Leah.
"We all can't wait." Leah agreed.
"We'll see you Wednesday." Maggie said before leaving. It was true God not only had His hand on this place, He also had His hand on Leah. After wrapping things up with everyone and the last family left, we all realized Leah wasn't around.
"Where would she be?" Liam asked after we'd searched every class room and all the offices.
"Found her!" Ross called out through the halls over the loud speakers.
"She's out at the playground!" He added, in an instant we all took off finding him standing at the doors that led outside.
"What's she doing out there?" Lila asked.
"Praying." Liam answered- then he cracked one of the doors and we could hear her praying for each and every child, over each family, over the building, and over the church in general. Liam started to go out the door so we followed- he went over to Leah who was seated on the swings and he laid a hand on her, she smiled up at him.
"Praying?" He asked, she nodded. Liam looked at us and then he looked back at Leah, just as he started praying we all laid our hands on Leah or on one another, Riker and David each holding one of Leah's hands.
"Lord, we just want to thank You. You've given us so much, and now Leah's getting to use something You have blessed her with for Your glory Lord. Please lay Your hands on each and every child that's been here today. We know You've got some amazing things planned, and we can't wait to see them. Amen."