My Unlimited Journey

Today was a great day! Tim came up to encourage me and to meet some of the teachers at the school.  As we got chatting with one of the teachers, we began to find out some of her passions for teaching in an environment like this. At first, it was a necessity for a job, but soon she began to share that she is motivated by the close interaction with the students. We shared about our goal to connect with youth and then provide opportunities based on need. She identified a key time during the day, which is 1:00-3:00pm. School happens from 9:00 til 1:00 and then the teens are in limbo until the bus comes at 3:00. That’s it. I had noticed this previously as well, but it’s great for her to suggest that. And, it gets better. She is also giving me a ‘formal’ chance on the mornings I am there to interact with the students to brainstorm ideas they would like to do in that 1:00-3:00 slot. All this happened because both Tim and I care about people and want to here their story.

  I just received an unexpected boost. I was having an unsure day. I spent the morning at the school, and few people were there. I had 2 or 3 great chats which I wouldn’t normally have had. After burning a grilled cheese sandwich I went to Subway and this is where a fellow from my church came out from behind the counter to greet me and say hello. He had such a huge smile on his face.

I was sitting at home chatting and doing some email when the phone rang. I could tell a bit of panic was setting in as Harry spoke. It was 5 days before the big departure and a van driver was needed. I was asked to serve the missions team (MT2) and drive them to the airport on their way to Mexico. I thought, how can I re-work my schedule to help out. I soon found out that they were leaving at 11:00pm as their flight left at 6am. I still said yes, and knew it would be a little sacrifice. My work with Youth Unlimited is focused on connecting with students and here was a new opportunity.

There’s something amazing when teens say yes and desire to serve God and travel to another country. They had been working hard to raise all the required funds. I have been on a few mission trips and have seen God move in mighty ways. Here were a bunch teens giving up their week off and to do something positive. There was excitement as the teens arrived, loaded their gear, and waited. It felt great to be part of this excitement and to connect with several of the teens and leaders.

It reminds me of why I serve. I was chatting with a friend awhile ago and he shared how people benefit from serving. The person serving gets a boost and fulfills something in them. The person who receives, gains something. And God gets the glory. So everyone benefits. I serve God in many ways out of my passion. Serving often requires us to sacrifice something and put our own needs aside.

Perception is everything right? I was invited to attend a panel discussion to hear some thoughts on  a research project. It consisted of school principals in the area, a person from one of the local churches and myself. Not knowing what exactly to expect, I took it as an opportunity to connect. The study was looking at the oppressing forces on the youth of Haliburton County on three levels. Education, Law Enforcement, and Municipal Government. Two questions were asked 1. What determines Success and 2. What are the barriers? Lots of discussion was raised as we began to discuss some of the perceptions of the teens interviewed. One question was is the perception linked with reality. It’s one thing to see something from a teens point of view, but is that what is really happening. One need seemed to emerge and the researcher mentioned that the Youth of Haliburton County need a voice. This excites me as part of our vision of Youth Unlimited is seeing the lives of Haliburton Highlands youth attain their full life potential as God designed it.

A week ago, I was connecting with some students on a school field trip to Camp Wanakita. It was a sunny day and we had the opportunity to participate in high ropes. Part of adventure programming is Challenge by Choice. This means you are in control of how much you challenge yourself. You are never forced into something, but oftentimes encouraged to push limits. It was a great day. For me, it was a chance to connect, but to work as a team to complete the task.

I am also learning the art of hacky sack.  Have you ever felt part of a group, a connection that is real? I had this encounter while playing hacky sack for the first time with some students. Being a newbie to this activity left me in the dark in may ways. I’m athletic in many ways, but this activity requires lots of coordination. However, the students made me feel part of the group. A connection was made with the group of students. The best part is the ability to chat while playing. I thought, here’s a group that has a voice, a voice to include others. You may overlook this trait at first glance from a distance.