National JBQ Festival...

Two weeks ago today Sarah took off with 9 other students and 8 adults to Dallas, Texas for the National JBQ Festival.

It would be the first time Sarah was traveling a distance without Jason and I, but she was in good hands with "Aunt" Melissa. Sarah's girlfriend Gabriella was also traveling without her parents, so Melissa had two adopted daughters for the weekend.

Their travel to Texas went smoothly and they arrived at the festival on Thursday evening ready to kick things off at the opening ceremony.

Much to all our surprise my family from Texas surprised Sarah by coming to see her at the opening ceremony. I was thrilled that my Uncle David, Aunt Evelyn, Jessica and her children Ellis and Jackie were there with Sarah. It was hard for me not to be there sharing the experience with Sarah, but knowing that some of my family was there with her at least for a little bit of time was comforting. You can read more about their visit on my cousin Jessica's blog.

Sarah's team being introduced and walking across the stage.

Sarah and Ellis

Jessica, Sarah, Ellis, Aunt Evelyn, Uncle David and Jackie

Cousins meeting for the first time.

Friday was a full day of quizzing.

Taking a few minutes to start off the day in prayer.

Garrett, Nathaniel, Todd, Gabriella, Sarah and Coach Ashley

The second Bethany team preparing to quiz.

Saturday was another day of quizzing until around 2:00 p.m.

By the end of the day Sarah's team came in 54th out of 80 U.S. teams.

The other Bethany team came in 7th place.

As a group they had set goals for the 2012-2013 season and with Nationals completed each one could be checked off.

To celebrate the kids spent time swimming and going out to eat.

Sarah had an amazing time away with lots of special memories. When she got home Sunday night it was a bit emotional for her. Since she is a 6th grader she has now graduated out of the JBQ program and will not be a part of it next year. Sarah has spent the last 5 years in JBQ with the majority of these students and they are a group that has really bonded. Even though she will continue to see them it will be different. It is hard to think about letting those things go as she moves on from JBQ.

Sarah, Gabriella and Cayla

Luke and E-Man

The BC United Girls

Wiped out or maybe just posing for a picture.

Sarah and Emma

The beauty crew

Sarah, Cayla and E-Man

Airline partners - Miss Aura, Sarah and Gabriella

Row buddies - Cayla and Emma

Girlfriends - Gabriella, Emma, Cayla, Sarah and Luciana

We are so thankful for the JBQ program and all that it has meant to Sarah. Not only has she learned God's word, but she has learned so much in the process about being a part of a team, serving others, preferring others, friendship, encouragement, support, humility. A lot of valuable lessons we know will carry with her.

We are so proud of Sarah and all that she has accomplished in the JBQ program.