Blessings

Every day while I wait for the bus to come in the morning, there’s a man standing at the corner of the street. He holds a cardboard sign with something written on it. People at the stoplight sometimes hand cash through their windows. I don’t know what his sign says, but every time I see him, I think to myself: I am blessed. But yet I also think to myself: what is his story? What does your sign say? Why are you standing on the corner every morning? Everyone has a story, a reason for doing what they do. And yet I really doubt that anyone has stopped to ask that man how he’s doing or if he’s okay. And maybe he is…but shouldn’t he feel blessed too?

So what does blessed me for me this week?

It means…

-interacting with people at work who make me smile and laugh….a lot

-getting a taste of crisp fall weather mixed with some warm sunshine

-having fun at the bowling alley

-painting pottery and picking raspberries

-feeling appreciated when someone lights up when they see you

-seeing God in those people around you and in His beautiful creation

This past week was good. I worked mostly day shifts in the adult program this week and I think I like working with the adults the best so far. They have a lower energy level than the kids and for some reason I just like working with them better. Which is surprising since I have wanted to work with kids since I was in high school, but that’s what experiencing new things is all about right? Finding different passions and discovering new realities. This job is so out of the ordinary and it encompasses so much. I met with one of the therapeutic staff earlier this week and it was great to get a glimpse of the work that is beyond all the “fun”. Each participant has a treatment plan, which is implemented in order to set goals and expectations, as well as make changes in the person’s behavior, etc. Each person is unique and has different needs that are catered to by the staff. Throughout the day, staff pay close attention to their assigned participant’s initiation of conversation, eye contact, involvement, and fulfillment of expectations that have been set. This is what is later documented on for funding purposes. Funding is whole different bowl of cherries. There are a lot of stipulations that come with Medicare and Comprehensive Services, as well as maintaining child licensure and HIPAA codes. But I won’t bore you with the details of that.

Sometime it feels like I’m not really using all my Social Work skills, but then I realize that I probably am without noticing it. I am constantly using interpersonal skills as well as meeting people where they are. If you don’t meet someone at their level, you’ll never be able to fully help them. You also have to use creativity in how you approach a situation and I am constantly using positive thinking and motivation to get others and myself through the day. The job definitely is teaching me a good dose of patience. Most of the activities involve the participants doing and the instructors helping. So that requires waiting, driving, waiting, instructing, changing, waiting- you get the point. The job also requires putting yourself out there. There is no time to be selfish- it’s about others.

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is: what would I be like if I wasn’t a Christian? Because at work I am constantly asked what a Mennonite is and our beliefs. And it gets me thinking about the salvation of my co-workers and the lives they lead. I’ve grown up semi-sheltered in that I’ve never really had friends who weren’t Christian or Mennonite. I went to a private, Christian high school and then a small Mennonite college. We tend to gravitate towards people who are like us, so I guess that’s what my problem is. I need to branch out a little more and understand others. But I’ve been thinking about what makes me different or how do I stand out from my co-workers? How am I being Christ-like? What are my actions or words? Lord, let me be a light. Let my thoughts, deeds, and words reflect your perfect love, patience, and kindness. I hope that people are able to see you through me and I can perhaps make a small difference in their lives.

Romans 8:10

But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

*His Spirit lives in me and will emulate into other areas of my life*

Pictorals

A view from the camp where church retreat was

The "backyard"= the Flatirons (a chain of 5 mountain faces near Boulder)

The front of our house

A street performer at Pearl St. mall

Friday was kinda a frustrating day at work. It felt like I was running after my participant or asking him to do things and going unheard And then I was given another participant in the afternoon and felt the exact same way. Like I was unheard. Plus I feel like I’m already getting fed up with the commute to work. It takes so much time and it’s tiring. I wanna stick it out for awhile…just to see if it gets better. And I'm not sure how I feel about the weekend work shifts. Today wasn't bad since the participants are low maintenance- but it's still the concept of working on a Saturday that gets me. I feel like it cuts into community living and my personal life. But I like to give things a fair chance and want to have an open mind. Maybe it won't be that bad. We shall see. (famous last words)

It has been interesting to "start over" here in Boulder. I had an awesome group of friends in college and in my home area, so to come here with none of that network- has been challenging. I’m such a social person that it’s difficult to start over and not really have any friends. Co-workers are really nice and fun- but definitely not friend level yet. My key word this week has been: TIME. Just like a wound needs time to heal or a broken heart- that is what I need right now. Time. Makes me think of the Rolling Stones song “Time is on my side”. The lyrics don’t really pertain, but eh.

So now I have a few days off work before back to the grind. This past week of work was good. I am still getting to know the participants and their level of needs- as well as getting to know my co-workers. It has been interesting working with participants who aren't verbal. At times it feels like I am talking to myself, but I realize the importance of treating them like any other person and I believe that many of them do understand what you are saying and have some way of communicating with you- it just may not be the perceived "normal" way. It is amazing how natural it feels to hold conversations with the participants. They are easy to talk to and many are very social and personable. Being out in the community- I do feel stares from others, watching our group. I think most of them are curious glances and I would like to think that they find our outings (work) to be meaningful and important. Because I know that's how Out and About sees it. Today when we went to pay for our two bowling lanes, we discovered that someone at the bowling alley had covered our cost. I was pleasantly surprised and it felt like someone understood.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. -Henry David Thoreau-

The first week of work was a bit overwhelming. Between all the information that has been thrown at me, to all the names of participants I have to learn, to all the directions to various schools, venues : there is a lot to take on. But I am up to the challenge.

I have had opportunity to meet and work with the participants and other workers and I think that I am really going to like the work. I think the most challenging part of work will be being open and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, so that the participants feel safe and comfortable. I have a lot to learn in terms of doing lifts, changing diapers, understanding their likes and dislikes- but this will come in time with the training and involvement.

The other workers explain to me how "Sally" needs diapers changed or "Bill" has seizures on a regular basis- as if this is just normal for me to witness and take care of. But I am slowly discovering that indeed that is one of the main purposes of Out and About. To make participants feel that they are a part of a community that desires to integrate them and grant them social interaction while promoting their strengths. If you treat people with respect and they in turn can feel empowered (despite their social, physical, or mental limitations) you can’t help but notice how they really aren’t that different.

My daily work as a Recreation Instructor varies, but I will give an overview of what I am to do. Every other day I will divide my work between the day program (that works with adults) and the after-school program with the kiddios. Let’s say I am working in the day program. I go into the office and pick up a vehicle for transportation. Then I would pick up anywhere from 1-4 participants and take them to activity for the day, which could include bowling, swimming, field trips, etc. At that activity we would meet up with other participants and instructors. Then I would be responsible for taking my participants home or to an allotted base site. So the job description requires me knowing my way around the Boulder area and the surrounding counties (which I don’t….so that is the fun part). And it also requires a lot of independence and motivation because while I am surrounded by other workers; I am still solely responsible for my participants and their needs. So far I have gone swimming with the after-school program, bowled and swam with the adults, participated in rhythm and movement with kids, and also attended an Irish/Scottish festival in Estes Park.

This weekend I have been contemplating on my time here thus far and I think the best phrase that sums it up is that this feels like a “God-thing”. I have been amazed at the friendliness and openness of the Out and About staff and how real they are. Paid positions at the agency aren’t really that great of income- so to see all these young adults working full-time for little money, while enjoying what they are doing- has been a blessing. They are passionate about the relationships they have with participants and it definitely shows. And the church community is so welcoming and loving. We had a church retreat up at Glacier View Ranch and it was a great time of playing games and getting to know some of the members. I had the opportunity to talk with several members about their experiences in the Middle East and that was a joy. Plus it snowed and hailed on the ride up there, so that was fun to experience in September!

I definitely feel God’s presence in this place and am reminded daily of His beautiful creation and amazing grace. I don't have to be here right now- could be making money somewhere. But honestly, I don't think I would want to be anywhere but here. Such a great, life-giving experience ahead and I am so glad that I have felt called by God to embark on this adventure. Many people at work have asked me what I'll be doing for a year or who the Mennonites are- and it's refreshing to tell them. All seem pleasantly surprised to know I will be volunteering for a whole year.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. Romans 5:1-4

Here, at last

Well today was my second full day in the great state of Colorado. And I must say, from my first impressions...it does seem great.

My flight on Wednesday went smoothly with only a small detour around Denver because of smoke billowing in from California. But I still made it on time. A woman from the church picked me up and we had good conversation on the ride back to Boulder. And after rising a hill on the interstate, I was able to get my first awesome glimpse of the mountains in all their splendor. That is an amazing view. You should all come visit just so I can drive you back from the airport just to see that view :)

Wednesday evening I met one of the current MVSers (Kara- who will be here until Sunday) and we ate a late supper at a sub shop filled with college students. It felt oddly familiar to be surrounded by college students again. Thursday I went with Kara to run some errands. Let's just say it was an interesting experience because we took the unit car (which is a really old Honda Civic and I might add probably the filthy-est car I have ever been in--thanks mom for raising me to be a clean freak). The car is standard (shoot I have some learning to do!) and Kara hadn't driven it that much and her last drive in it was months ago. So it was "little" jerky..haha...but I was empathetic because I can't drive stick so I rolled with it. We went to the bank, library, and grocery store which are all within walking/biking distance from the house.

The house: is very nice. It's in a residential court, mostly with elderly- but not sure. Right off the highway so I hear traffic all the time. But also a view of the Flat Iron mountain range. Beautiful! There is a hiking/walking/biking trail 100 yards from our house and we have access to the court pool. I decided to take the basement room of the house since I have access to my own bathroom and the hot tub (just kidding). A guy previously lived in the room so Thursday afternoon I spent cleaning the room and bathroom. Maybe my standards are high- but it doesn't seem people really take care of things. Supposedly the house WAS in really bad condition right before I got here, but the support committee and Kara cleaned it majorly before my arrival. Thanks to them I suppose I have less work to do. I have already vacuumed out the car and cleaned up the outdoor deck area. And there is a really sorry looking plot for the garden, which is currently filled with lambsquarter and crab apples. So I will probably clean that up sometime and figure out when the prime growing season is. It would be nice to plant some vegetables or flowers there. We shall see.

Tomorrow I am hoping to do some more exploring since I am settled in for now. I would like to see the Pearl St. Mall downtown and figure out my bus route to my job. It seems pretty straight forward but since I am a "country girl" and not used to city transportation- I would like to test it out before starting work on Tuesday.

My one room mate, Sam will be arriving late tonight from orientation- I am ready to finally meet him. As I said, Kara moves out on Sunday- and now Josh (also from the previous year) has moved back to the area and is crashing at the house for who knows how long. Should be interesting... Oh and also is has been a God-send to have Kara here for my first few days. We have had some great talks about the house, MVS living, her experiences, etc. So that has been great- plus it's nice to have a girl around for a little bit before I'm the only female.

I will leave you with a Bible verse that a friend left me with:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13

Peace-

What I'll be doing

I will be working with an agency called, Imagine! and more specifically Out and About. Out and About is a private, not-for-profit agency that works with people of all ages and the model used is called Therapeutic recreation. Therapeutic recreation uses treatment, education and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life.

I will be a Recreation Instructor, splitting my time between working with adults in the day program, helping kids in the after-school program, as well as helping on some evenings and weekends. I am really excited to work with Out and About and am sure I will have many stories to tell.

You can visit their website to learn more at: www.outabout.org

My contact information for the year is:

3985 Apache Ct. E.

Boulder, CO 80303

720-304-8066 (home)

540-421-8808 (cell)

The time is drawing closer and I am getting more and more excited. Prayers would be appreciated as I continue to prepare and I'm sure some nerves kick in.

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:6-7

-L-