Thursday, July 3, 2008

It Grows on You

One of the skills we are working to develop in the kids is the ability to play, and loose, well. The kids spend about 45 minutes in the cafĂ©, each day playing board games, and doing other activities. It’s been a learning experience for all involved, as volunteers learn how to respond when a checker board goes flying after someone has lost, and the kids learn that behavior is not acceptable. The volunteers are doing a great job of helping the kids talk through their frustration. They’re slowly learning to talk it out and when in doubt take the issue to a leader, instead of handling it with fists and shouting.

Working with these kids can be a little overwhelming the first day, especially with the acoustics at the Community Canter, but it has been neat to see the volunteers growing in their comfort and ability when dealing with these issues. The first week, one of the volunteer asked another if she had fun with the kids that day. Her immediate response was “No, but I’ll be back,” and she has been, twice a week, every week. This ministry isn’t for the faint hearted - those who are seeking to stay comfortable. It’s stretching and even uncomfortable at times, but it’s also one that works its way into your heart. I can personally attest, it may take some time, but it grows on you.

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