The summer is chugging along, slowly but not. I suppose it's slower since I still have coursework. I have two more weeks of clinic/diagnostics. Clinic has been going well, both of my clients will end up meeting/surpassing their goals, which is great. I'm always keeping busy during the week by helping with Summer Camp at church. Since I came in after the summer had started, I basically do odds and ends things (make sure the kids stay where they're supposed to be, help with assorted random games, keep order, etc).
This past week was extra fun for me though. Most of the kids were at camp, so there were only 7 kids, and very little structure. We let the kids play with water guns and sponges in the parking lot, fly kits, do sidewalk chalk, etc. Then once we got them dried off and changed out of their swim stuff, we gave them otter pops and watched an episode of America's Funniest Home Videos. I got ot actually interact more with the kids, especially the little girls. They were very inquisitive about Valencia, and shared with me all about their own pets.
The other fascet of church life I've gotten involved in at Mission is teaching Sunday School. Technically it was Tad who volunteered/was asked to teach, but he asked if I would help him. Last Sunday was the first week. We had 7 1st and 2nd graders to teach about God calling Samuel for the first time. The highlight of that was watching them (in re-enacting the story) trying to wake up "Eli" (Tad).
Amidst all this time with little ones, we have had some crazy summer weather! The first week and a half of July was oddly cold. It was like May Gray or June Gloom all over again. Lots of people were begging for the hot weather, I just wanted to see some sun. Well, be careful what you wish for! From last Wed on, it's been getting progressively hotter. Friday and Saturday it got up to 97 at my house, which is ridiculously hot for coastal San Diego.
Fortunately there are outlets available to escape the heat. Thursday Tad and I had planned to go to the beach, but thanks to a bad headache in the morning he wasn't feeling up to it. Instead, we headed the opposite direction into La Mesa to take advantage of the dog bed sale at World Market. They were $10 each, so I got one for at home and one for at Tad's. That World Market is right next to Grossmont Center, so we explored there for a bit. I assumed after that we'd come back to my place for lunch, but Tad went into surprise mode. He started driving even farther east. After a few wrong turns and some dodged questions from me, we arrived at Sonic in Santee.
That's the only Sonic in San Diego county, and we had talked about driving out there before, but always thought it was too far of a drive just for fast food. It certainly was quite a ways out there, but Tad felt bad that we hadn't gone to the beach like I wanted to. We were there a little early for Happy Hour, so we just waited and talked in the car for 20 minutes. Precisely at 2:00 we got a cherry limeade and a watermelon slush to share. We spent the rest of the afternoon flopped on the couch in my living room with the windows open and fans on to stay cool.
My mom picked me up Thursday after dinner to come home, and we've pretty much spent the entire weekend in the pool. Friday I did an afternoon swim AND a night swim. It certainly also helps that with the solar panels we can run the AC more. Plus the fact that this week will be a lot cooler, oh the ins and outs of summer weather.
Random unrelated side note, this is my 100th blog, woohoo!
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
6-3 Debriefing and Final Day at Peris
(I'm ashamed that it's 9 months later and I'm still finishing these)
As a special treat for us on our last full day in Romania, Jim announced a "special breakfast edition of hot seat". This was mostly so we could get through everyone before we headed home, but it was fun. Following breakfast, those who still needed to do some shopping (mostly for gifts for sponsors) went to take care of that while the rest of us helped clean up the team house. Most of our cleaning was organizing the things we were leaving for the kids.
When the others came back, we began our debriefing process. It wasn't until I got home that I truly appreciated that this was a part of our trip. I really went through a major culture shock when I got home, which I wouldn't have expected if Jim hadn't told us about it.
Jim had us all go around and say our highs and lows of the trip, and three words we would use to describe our trip. For me they were as follows:
Lows: thinking about the babies at the baby hospital during the thunderstorm, and having to leave the kids
Highs: worship at Alfa & Omega, and Marius' huge smile at Voluntar on Children's Day
3 Words: love, sovereignty, and fellowship
We paused our debriefing here for lunch, and our final visit to Peris. I spent my time there chasing Alina around the play yard, giving her and Ana piggyback rides, and laughing at some of the older boys giving Brinn a hard time about Volle. Goodbyes were hard, especially when some of the younger ones got emotional, but the H2H staff eventually ushered us back to the vans and got us back to Pipera.
We were given Schwarmas for dinner, and then ushered off to finish our debriefing by writing our story in one page, and then in one paragraph. We finished off the night with the final edition of hot seat.
As a special treat for us on our last full day in Romania, Jim announced a "special breakfast edition of hot seat". This was mostly so we could get through everyone before we headed home, but it was fun. Following breakfast, those who still needed to do some shopping (mostly for gifts for sponsors) went to take care of that while the rest of us helped clean up the team house. Most of our cleaning was organizing the things we were leaving for the kids.
When the others came back, we began our debriefing process. It wasn't until I got home that I truly appreciated that this was a part of our trip. I really went through a major culture shock when I got home, which I wouldn't have expected if Jim hadn't told us about it.
Jim had us all go around and say our highs and lows of the trip, and three words we would use to describe our trip. For me they were as follows:
Lows: thinking about the babies at the baby hospital during the thunderstorm, and having to leave the kids
Highs: worship at Alfa & Omega, and Marius' huge smile at Voluntar on Children's Day
3 Words: love, sovereignty, and fellowship
We paused our debriefing here for lunch, and our final visit to Peris. I spent my time there chasing Alina around the play yard, giving her and Ana piggyback rides, and laughing at some of the older boys giving Brinn a hard time about Volle. Goodbyes were hard, especially when some of the younger ones got emotional, but the H2H staff eventually ushered us back to the vans and got us back to Pipera.
We were given Schwarmas for dinner, and then ushered off to finish our debriefing by writing our story in one page, and then in one paragraph. We finished off the night with the final edition of hot seat.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
6-2 Trip to Rossiori
Tuesday was a very early morning for us. I believe we were on the road by 6:30. I spent a bit of the time sleeping, but was awake to see a couple storks' nests as we drove past and the city of Alexandria as we drove through. The big exciting thing on our drive was passing through a gypsy village. Oh my was that interesting. Everything was very extravagant looking, big ornate houses. Jenny told us though that those are all fronts, the real house are quite small and behind them.
Our home base for the day was at a local church in Rossiori. We set up and put on a concert and carnival just like at Peris, except that these kids were crazy. It was kind of scary doing the cake walk with them because they were doing so much running and shoving.
We recovered over some lunch and then had free time. I did a bit of shopping, tried authentic Romanian sausage (called "meech") and bought a scarf.
We put on one more concert for a second group of kids and another carnival. These kids were much less hyper than the first ones, thankfully. One little girl was very cute, when given her candy she exclaimed in Romanian "I've won something!"
After carnival we packed up, got sack dinners to go, and made the drive back to Pipera. We could tell on our way home that a storm was blowing in and just as our van got back to the team house, rain drops started falling. These were HUGE raindrops. I made a ran for the porch, and no sooner had I made it up the steps then it started pouring buckets. This was absolutely the biggest thunderstorm I have ever seen.
Some of the others were not quite so lucky and were drenched by the time they made it inside. Gusting wind, pouring rain, and booming thunder...definitely a good night to be inside. There was pizza waiting for us for a little extra dinner, now that's a good pizza delivery service!
Tues night was when I hit my low of the trip. I was sitting on one of the couches pondering the week and the storm, and then it hit me. I thought of the babies at the baby hospital, lying in their little cribs, alone, in the dark, in the middle of this storm. Babies who don't have parents to rush in and comfort them if they're scared and crying.
It only occurs to me now, several months later, that this could be an analogy for unreached people: alone, in the dark, in the midst of storms, with no one to shed light into their world. How important missions are for all the lost and lonely people in this world!
After pizza consumption we had night light and hot seat. Hot seat quote, Ryan to Katie D. (who are dating) as he picks up paper and pen "Describe your perfect date..."
Our home base for the day was at a local church in Rossiori. We set up and put on a concert and carnival just like at Peris, except that these kids were crazy. It was kind of scary doing the cake walk with them because they were doing so much running and shoving.
We recovered over some lunch and then had free time. I did a bit of shopping, tried authentic Romanian sausage (called "meech") and bought a scarf.
We put on one more concert for a second group of kids and another carnival. These kids were much less hyper than the first ones, thankfully. One little girl was very cute, when given her candy she exclaimed in Romanian "I've won something!"
After carnival we packed up, got sack dinners to go, and made the drive back to Pipera. We could tell on our way home that a storm was blowing in and just as our van got back to the team house, rain drops started falling. These were HUGE raindrops. I made a ran for the porch, and no sooner had I made it up the steps then it started pouring buckets. This was absolutely the biggest thunderstorm I have ever seen.
Some of the others were not quite so lucky and were drenched by the time they made it inside. Gusting wind, pouring rain, and booming thunder...definitely a good night to be inside. There was pizza waiting for us for a little extra dinner, now that's a good pizza delivery service!
Tues night was when I hit my low of the trip. I was sitting on one of the couches pondering the week and the storm, and then it hit me. I thought of the babies at the baby hospital, lying in their little cribs, alone, in the dark, in the middle of this storm. Babies who don't have parents to rush in and comfort them if they're scared and crying.
It only occurs to me now, several months later, that this could be an analogy for unreached people: alone, in the dark, in the midst of storms, with no one to shed light into their world. How important missions are for all the lost and lonely people in this world!
After pizza consumption we had night light and hot seat. Hot seat quote, Ryan to Katie D. (who are dating) as he picks up paper and pen "Describe your perfect date..."
6-1 Children's Day
(ee gads I need to finish my Romania journaling)
June 1st is Children's Day in Romania. It was established during Communism, which didn't make sense to me at first, why a communist dictator would care about children. But, if you think about it, children are a very important resource, and are easily brain washed, so it's prudent for a dictator to try to win them over.
Anyway, Children's Day still exists as a national holiday. Many museums offer free admission for children and there are all sorts of parties and carnivals for the kids.
Due to the late night we had had Sunday in combination with thelong day we were about to have, breakfast was made optional so people could sleep in a bit. I, however, never skip breakfast if I can help it. I ate rather quickly and then went with a few others to the Mega Image grocery store. I bought some more chocolate for gifts and some other Romanian snacks I had become fond of.
Back at the house we had worship and devotional time led by Matt and Amy Beth. Then the day got interesting.
The original plan had been: eat lunch, then go do a concert and carnival at Peris. However, after lunch we were informed that the orphanage directors had taken all of the "good kids" to an event at a different orphanage being put on by the Chinese ambassador. Instead, we went to where most of the kids were (an orphanage called Voluntar) and put on a concert there.
Favorite moment #1 of the day was as I was putting together my clarinet. I felt a little tap on my arm and turned to see Marius with the biggest grin on his face. I successfully said hi in Romanian as he gave me a big hug and asked him "che fach?" (how's it going?) his smile widened as he exclaimed "bine!" (good!) and ran off to greet other Winds members.
The concert was one of the most disorganized ones I have ever done, but considering it had been planned an hour before we put it on, not bad. After being thanked by the Chinese ambassador and the orphanage director, we loaded the vans and went to Peris where we did the same concert, but for ALL the kids.
Then, chaos ensued, carnival time. It was amazing how much we had been able to pull together. We had popcorn, face painting, hair wraps, magic show, limbo, ring toss, balloon animals, crafts, games, the fishing game, and a cake walk. Katie D. and I ran the cake walk. I took care of controlling the music and she did the number picking and candy giving.
After a few rounds we figured out we could just pick the number by looking at which kids had not had candy yet. I think only a few of them figured out we were rigging it, lol
Favorite moment #2 for the day was when Katie picked the number for an older boy and as she leaned down to get candy, he grabbed the little girl behind him and pushed her into his spot so she would get the candy instead.
We began the clean up when the kids were summoned for dinner and returned to Pipera for our own dinner. Night light was filled with excited chatter about our favorite kid moments of the day and instead of hot seat we had a special guest interview afterward.
Kostel is Jim's Romanian counterpart. He shared about his personal experience in the Revolution and about the effect of H2H's ministry in Romania. Kostel is extremely passionate about ministry and God, and also a very funny man. Favorite Kostel quote: talking about Jim always wanting to expand ministry "Jim like sin, bigger and bigger, but I like it." lol
June 1st is Children's Day in Romania. It was established during Communism, which didn't make sense to me at first, why a communist dictator would care about children. But, if you think about it, children are a very important resource, and are easily brain washed, so it's prudent for a dictator to try to win them over.
Anyway, Children's Day still exists as a national holiday. Many museums offer free admission for children and there are all sorts of parties and carnivals for the kids.
Due to the late night we had had Sunday in combination with thelong day we were about to have, breakfast was made optional so people could sleep in a bit. I, however, never skip breakfast if I can help it. I ate rather quickly and then went with a few others to the Mega Image grocery store. I bought some more chocolate for gifts and some other Romanian snacks I had become fond of.
Back at the house we had worship and devotional time led by Matt and Amy Beth. Then the day got interesting.
The original plan had been: eat lunch, then go do a concert and carnival at Peris. However, after lunch we were informed that the orphanage directors had taken all of the "good kids" to an event at a different orphanage being put on by the Chinese ambassador. Instead, we went to where most of the kids were (an orphanage called Voluntar) and put on a concert there.
Favorite moment #1 of the day was as I was putting together my clarinet. I felt a little tap on my arm and turned to see Marius with the biggest grin on his face. I successfully said hi in Romanian as he gave me a big hug and asked him "che fach?" (how's it going?) his smile widened as he exclaimed "bine!" (good!) and ran off to greet other Winds members.
The concert was one of the most disorganized ones I have ever done, but considering it had been planned an hour before we put it on, not bad. After being thanked by the Chinese ambassador and the orphanage director, we loaded the vans and went to Peris where we did the same concert, but for ALL the kids.
Then, chaos ensued, carnival time. It was amazing how much we had been able to pull together. We had popcorn, face painting, hair wraps, magic show, limbo, ring toss, balloon animals, crafts, games, the fishing game, and a cake walk. Katie D. and I ran the cake walk. I took care of controlling the music and she did the number picking and candy giving.
After a few rounds we figured out we could just pick the number by looking at which kids had not had candy yet. I think only a few of them figured out we were rigging it, lol
Favorite moment #2 for the day was when Katie picked the number for an older boy and as she leaned down to get candy, he grabbed the little girl behind him and pushed her into his spot so she would get the candy instead.
We began the clean up when the kids were summoned for dinner and returned to Pipera for our own dinner. Night light was filled with excited chatter about our favorite kid moments of the day and instead of hot seat we had a special guest interview afterward.
Kostel is Jim's Romanian counterpart. He shared about his personal experience in the Revolution and about the effect of H2H's ministry in Romania. Kostel is extremely passionate about ministry and God, and also a very funny man. Favorite Kostel quote: talking about Jim always wanting to expand ministry "Jim like sin, bigger and bigger, but I like it." lol
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Son Rock Kids Camp
I just completed 6 days of Vacation Bible School at church. I promptly dubbed myself in "VBS recovery mode", but it was definitely a great week.
I led a group of 5 pre-kindergarten boys with the help of my VBS partner Jarin, who's going into 8th grade. Our theme this year was Son Rock Kids Camp: Where kids learn to build their lives on the Rock. It was most definitely crazy at times, and I was glad I didn't have more than 5 in my group.
The kids learned that they are: accepted, protected, forgiven, saved, and living for Jesus. I learned that I'm glad I'm not going to be a classroom teacher :)
The low for me for the week was seeing some of the attitudes of some of the high schoolers, who wree clearly only there to be with their friends.
My high for the week was on the last day when one of my kids, without help from me, said word perfectly one of the Bible verses, not just the simplified kinder ones we'd been teaching them, but the whole thing. :)
I think next year, if I'm feeling brave I might teach 1st and 2nd grade. If I'm not feeling brave, I might just go back to teaching music, but I'm glad I did kinder this year.
I led a group of 5 pre-kindergarten boys with the help of my VBS partner Jarin, who's going into 8th grade. Our theme this year was Son Rock Kids Camp: Where kids learn to build their lives on the Rock. It was most definitely crazy at times, and I was glad I didn't have more than 5 in my group.
The kids learned that they are: accepted, protected, forgiven, saved, and living for Jesus. I learned that I'm glad I'm not going to be a classroom teacher :)
The low for me for the week was seeing some of the attitudes of some of the high schoolers, who wree clearly only there to be with their friends.
My high for the week was on the last day when one of my kids, without help from me, said word perfectly one of the Bible verses, not just the simplified kinder ones we'd been teaching them, but the whole thing. :)
I think next year, if I'm feeling brave I might teach 1st and 2nd grade. If I'm not feeling brave, I might just go back to teaching music, but I'm glad I did kinder this year.
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