EFY is GREAT

Bethany had an awesome week attending EFY(Especially For Youth). This program is simply amazing. The money is well worth it and the spiritual growth that takes place in just 5 days is a miracle to see. This year the theme was the same as the Young Men/Young Women's theme for the year: an example of the believers. Bethany went with friends Alina Grawrock, Courtney Cray and Emily Basham. They attended a session in Tacoma Washington at the University of Puget Sound. It's a beautiful campus where the youth and youth leaders can feel the spirit. These wonderful leaders were great for Bethany to have around this past week. They prepared and studied so that they could be able to steer and help each young man and young woman.
Becky was an EFY counselor 5 years ago and she described it as a "mini mission". There were girls who had come to EFY only because they were forced to go...Becky saw the change in these girls and their testimony strengthen. I think for those that are struggling to feel and develop a testimony EFY makes it possible in a setting of cool counselors and great youth. For those that already have strong testimonies it only helps them want to be better.
It was a hot week for Tacoma..just as it was for Portland. Thankfully the campus has a lot of trees and that helped.
Pizza night is ALWAYS a hit! The girls gather with the other girls in their group and their counselor and share not only pizza but good times. Bethany has made friends with many this year and these youth are all sources of strength to one another.
These gals and guys are great examples of the believers.


Bethany was home only a few hours and wished she were back...she was obviously touched by EFY and had a great time this past week. It was great that she was able to spend some extra time with her "BFF" Alina too :)