Thoughts...and an Update

I haven't posted anything in a while, and I thought I should write something to let those of you who check this site regularly (hey Mom & Dad - love ya!) know what I'm doing.

We're in the midst of volunteer training and, to tell the truth, we don't have nearly enough people this year. On top of that, most of the staff who are planning the programs are brand new, and are nervous about how it's all going to go. I tried to convince them that their newness is, in itself, a plus - they can bring their own ideas and vision to what's going on. They seem to still be insecure, however. I don't blame them - they are all about 22 years old. I could never have done this job when I was that age. I respect them for their maturity.

I'm involved in 2 programs (in addition to my "admin" work): Homework Club for younger kids (4-8) and Tiny Lights (same ages, but a Bible study, instead of tutoring program). I've been assigned the position of "disciplinarian" for the Tiny Lights program - which means I'll be sitting outside the room with the kids who misbehave, and calling their parents (read: mother) when necessary. If you had seen me 6 months ago, you would understand what a job this is for me. I used to not be able to talk to the kids about the trouble they were in without laughing (they can be awfully cute when they're in trouble)....now I'm dead serious. I've progressed quite a bit. I am, I have to admit, pretty nervous about the contacting parents part. Sometimes they can get quite angry. In the past, it's always been Miss Linda who has handled this job, and the parents have known her for ages. I'm a new face, and it will probably take them a while to get used to me calling them about their children. I don't blame them for that. My hope is that I learn to talk to them about their children's problems in a loving and honest way.

My job with Homework Club is to be the "Science Lady" designing science experiments for them to do. It's fun, because I worked as a research biologist for a couple of years and LOVE science (plus, I have a degree in the History of Math & Science - finally I can put it to use!). I'm hoping to instill the fascination I have with these fields into the kids I work with. I'm finding it difficult, however, to come up with experiments that they will both enjoy and learn from (and that they can do in 30 minutes).

On the homefront, Ola is doing well...in fact, he's better than well. He actually is more lively and affectionate than he was before. The other day I was in my room working when the doorbell rang. I went down there to find Ola & Georgia. I asked them what they wanted (to be honest, I was a little annoyed about being pulled from my work, and not in the mood to hang out with anyone - those of you who know me well will understand this side of me). They told me they just wanted to say "hi", and give me a hug. Once again, I learned my lesson, and was humbled. These kids teach me all the time about God's love - it shouldn't surprise me anymore.

There is something you all can pray for: the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) came up with a new lease for the residents of Potomac Gardens (and, I'm guessing, the other public housing facilities). It basically makes it much easier for people to be kicked out of their apartments for infractions that they might not even know they are committing. The DCHA is having a hearing on it tomorrow night, in order, they say, for residents to voice their concerns. The problem is, the hearing is not close to the Gardens and is right at dinner-time, when most of the parents (which is a large percentage of the adult residents) cannot get away. I'm going to see what happens. Pray for the residents of D.C. public housing. They are in a very vulnerable position right now.

Sorry for such a newsy post with no pictures. More pictures will be coming next week, after programs start.