Good News Gang

To ease Beth into her future school environment, hubby and I have decided to let her resume attending Good News Gang at Suburban Baptist Church from now on.

Last night was her first GNG session this year.

Good News Gang runs during school term every Wed from 7-8.30 pm. Most kids that go are either from HCC or GNLS. Under supervision, the kids play games like Port/Starboard, learn Bible stories the hands-on way (with the story of Elijah, they built a fire outside and burned a plastic toy cow!), enjoy snacks and drinks, make new friends and generally have a ball. They are divided into small groups according to their ages, so Beth gets to hang out with her school friends, plus other kids from GNLS.

Beth used to go to GNG with her best friend K, with K's mum cheerfully running a taxi service and picking up various other kids to go along. But K and Beth are in different classes this year, and the opportunities for interaction have been fewer. Which also means each of them has moved on and made other friends that they now spend more time with.

I used to be anxious about Beth's emotional and social development as she is an introvert like me, who takes ages to warm up and show her friendlier side. She doesn't even do hugs. She just stands stiffly with arms by her side and lets her friends hug her. A real durian.

Anyway, yesterday morning we met K at school and I nudged Beth to go over and ask if K was going to GNG. K said yes but she couldn't take Beth because she was taking Z and one more person would make it too squishy in the car.

When Beth came back with her report, I made a concerned comment, thinking she might feel rejected by K.

To my surprise, Beth said that was okay.

And she smiled.

Cheerfully.

Then she waved goodbye and went on her way to get ready for the morning line-up.

When I told hubby, he commented: "She has matured."

Good news indeed.