What is it you're doing?

About a year ago, my churches, friends, and family all supported me as I applied, interviewed, and accepted the call to the Young Adult Volunteer program. Throughout the process of discernment and the journey of getting here and being here, I have been overwhelmed with the support of everyone who knows about this year. I'm impressed with all of you because when I think about it, you might not know what I do all the time. Hopefully in the space I fill I can give you a better idea of what I do all week so when I write about these projects, you know more about my involvement and can feel more a part of the vision of each.

Here is my typical week:

Monday:
Meet with Doug(every other week)- awesome site coordinator who brings Tesco doughnuts, leads us in Bible study, and helps us think through creative solutions to burning questions

Afterschools- We're starting a mural project on "Respecting Differences." We've secured an artist, but continue to pray that funding comes through and we can communicate the idea to the children in such a way that inspires growth in their perspectives and artistic hemispheres.

Girls Allowed- The new girls group (ages 12-17) that I'm trying to start up at the 174 Trust. The past 2 weeks we've not had anyone attend, but I'm not discouraged! Jonathan Temples, a Whitehouse Alpha goer, made us some brilliant professional posters and I plan to pound the pavement to get the word out. So, keep that endeavor in your prayers.

Girls Brigade- The Brigadiers are currently involved in competitions, but we get together and do a bit of Bible study.

Tuesday:

Whitehouse Primary- I work with the Primary 4 class, which is about the same age as Third Grade. This week I helped with watercolors and how to use commas. I also had a bit of a slippery walk since all the sidewalks were frozen over!!

Coffee Morning- I drink coffee and eat May's wonderful scones whilst talking with the Whitehouse ladies. I even sometimes venture over to the boys' table!
Healing Service- Directly after the coffee morning we go into the church for a brief time of prayer. This week I led the prayers, but sometimes I sing with the spectacular accompaniment of Sam.

Staff Meeting for Whitehouse- aka. Lunch with Liz and Doreen where we get a few minutes to discuss the progress of various things and they divide up the visiting for the week.

Afterschools

Youth PHAB- The youth disability project involves outings and times in as well. Tonight we made chocolate covered bananas. But the best part is riding the bus with Pat, which is a lot like a ride at Carowinds.

Wednesday:

Sleep in!!! (or catch up on work and planning)

Meeting with Bill

Staff Meeting at 174- Led by Pat who calls out whose turn it is next to speak and moves us all along. I've been in awe of how many grants people apply for. In the US, I remember how difficult the grant process is, but here funding is in such demand that anything that can be applied for, is. It's admirable and humbling. I'm still waiting to hear if the grant I applied for has come through. It would fund the Girls Allowed group.

Afterschools

Alpha Bible Study- Following up to Alpha, we are studying the NOOMA videos by Rob Bell, author of Velvet Elvis. They are amazing for discussion and our group continues to grow in number, depth, and sincerity. We are also raising money to be Hope Builders for Habitat for Humanity. If we raise 1235 British pounds we can fund a house in the two-thirds world. We've gained a really passion for Habitat since working in Downpatrick at two of the houses. We'll also be holding a sponsored fast at the beginning of Holy week to raise money for our project.

Thursday:

Ballygolan Primary- I volunteer with the Primary 4 and 5 classes, both with about 10 students. I've made circuits, helped with telling time and fractions, and discussed the construction of imaginary candy bars. The school is a Protestant state school in a primarily Catholic area. A few weeks ago I was in and the class size was almost double, because a teacher was out and they couldn't afford a substitute. The same day we visited the library that a teacher had organized on her own. There is so much we take for granted. Art teachers, librarians, the money to get a substitute, and issues that are so much larger. At the same time I find that some struggles are similar,for example, respect for people with cultural differences, how to increase connectivity between home and school, reaching students of varied abilities, and having time to cover all the material.

Friends and Neighbors Lunch Club- I play boccia and eat lunch with all my friends over 50. They freely tell me how awful my aim is and also freely celebrate when I have a seriously lucky good one.

Afterschools

Adult PHAB- Shopping, dinners out, and learning how to make tea are among a few of the things I do with Adult PHAB. I've written about this group before and they continue to be friends of mine who make me feel welcome and teach me lessons about sincerity and friendship.

Friday:
I usually sleep in on Fridays and spend the day working on planning for any number of things coming up in the week. Or I spend it catching up on things I should have done all week.

Saturday:
My day off!

Sunday:
Church- Anne picks me up, I put on my lipstick in the car, and we get to church in time to practice with our respective groups. I sing with the praise band and she with the choir. I sit in the back with the youth who run the AV equipment and they make fun of what I wear and say. Sometimes I do a children's sermon or lead prayers. I also teach Sunday School for the 11-14 age group every other month.

Lunch- I get the priviledge of being invited to people's homes for lunch some Sundays. I really enjoy this gift because I actually get to spend time with people I see and may not get to speak to at length. I get time to get to know them and their families and share a meal together. Sometimes I don't get home until dinner time, but I love the fellowship.

Nap- wishful thinking

Contact Club- Youth group with an awesome group of young people who have been such an inspiration to me already in a short time. They want to change the world, starting with their corner, and I think they are capable. We're planning a weekend away for March. Also they are working with me to plan a service of prayer for March 16 and the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq.

The schedule is different everyday. People often ask, "What do you do?" I find it hard to reply because God knew I needed something different everyday. The variety and the challenge of each facet are stretching me. Sometimes I feel like Jacob, wrestling with God for what the blessing is I'm supposed to get. I love this journey and this opportunity every second. Thank you for believing in me a year ago when I made this choice and for reading this blog today and thinking of me. I am thinking of all of you and your prayers and spirits encourage me daily.

I know Miss Landmark!

My "little" cousin Cameron was recently chosen as Miss Landmark 2007 in her school pageant. I remember hiding Easter eggs for little toddling Cameron and being so excited to have a younger cousin. She's not so little anymore, much taller than me anyway! But I have lots of memories with my little cousin and I was so proud of her that I had to put her beautiful picture up for everyone to admire.

My mom and two of her sisters are also in this picture, and my cousin Leigh. The women of my family are amazing and have taught me so much about family, strength, integrity, and faith. It did bring a tiny tear to see this picture, just because I mis them so much and I haven't seen their faces for so long (hint, hint, send me more pictures!!), but I'm just so glad they were all together. Our little tomboy is now a grown up beauty!

Thanks to Julie Resua for the photo.