Nacho Night

Last Sunday we had a youth nacho night.  We'd done once before and few years ago with random youth.  It was fun but i was hoping to create an actual feeling in our ward with the gathering this time.  After much thought and input from the kids and Sister Gilliland I felt the Spirit prompt me that I KNEW WHAT TO DO!  I was filled with a confidence from my teenage years that i knew how to throw a party.  i know what it takes for people to feel loved and included.  I didn't need advice from anyone I just needed to do it.  So "nacho night, social experiment #1" was born.  I sent an email to the young mens mass email list and posted a small blurb on the YW Facebook page inviting all the youth to come over for Nacho Night from 730-830.  i wasn't sure who would come but i was sure that whoever came would be welcomed and loved by me. 

One thing i have learned is that life can be hard.  youth can be hard and mean to each other.  they exclude and sometimes unknowingly do mean things to survive on their own.  the lesson they will hopefully learn is that they will be the happiest and have the most confidence when the learn to be kind to everyone and exclude no one.  as kids continued to ring the doorbell i was astonished that so many were coming.  in the same moment i realized each person who came was looking for something.  either to feel included, to have fun, or just to eat food!  one thing that was for sure is that i was going to be nice to every single person who came, talk to everyone and do my best to make each person feel important/cared about.  when 830 rolled around we had about 25 youth and no one wanted to leave.  everyone had felt something and it made me feel terrific and empowered that i don't have to wait for people to take the lead.  I KNOW HOW TO TAKE THE LEAD.  it is a gift i have been given to organize and make events and activities where people want to be and i was proud of finding that inside myself once again.