No Concept of Time

Kids have no concept of time.

We're winding up the school year, and today was my last day to have kindergarten. Several of them said, "Have a great spring break."

Recently, I helped a friend when she was coaching third and fourth grade basketball. I know nothing about the sport. My job was cheerleader. I sat on the side and said, "Good job!" "You all are doing great!" I also answered questions. My favorite was "Is it halftime?" "No, it's the end of the game."

Religion Fair

Yesterday at school, we had a Religion Fair. It is a special day that happens every 4 years. It started with Morning Prayer in Church, and the kids did a fantastic job with that. After that, students went around to different classrooms, where they participated in several presentations, anything from Bible Storytime, to Gospel Tent, Sing-A-Long, or Bible Trivia, plus others. I led the Sing- A-Long session with the younger students. It was so much fun to see them singing and dancing and they gave me so much energy! I really enjoyed it and was inspired by their joy. We ended the day with a volleyball game- teachers v. 8th grade captains. They tied! It was a very fun day. I was very tired when I got home, but had joyful energy inside, though, too.

A Nice Surprise

I had a nice surprise yesterday.

Students usually bring in treats for their class to celebrate their birthday. If they have extra, the students go around and offer them to the teachers. Since my classroom is in a different building, I usually don't get to benefit from any extra treats. I jokingly lamented about this probably several months ago. Yesterday afternoon 3 students in the 5th grade remembered my anguish and answered my cry. I received a big cookie, a no bake cookie, a pretzel stick with white chocolate and sprinkles, and a 1 inch cupcake with 3 inches of icing. As tempting as the blue icing was, I just couldn't bring myself to eating it. I did enjoy the no bake cookie and the pretzel stick. I have the other cookie to enjoy later.

This reminds me that I need to start exercising, especially now that the weather is nicer.

Mission Trip to Nazareth Farm in West Virginia

This Saturday I'm meeting some of the students from University of Evansville and going with them on a Mission Trip to Nazareth Farm in Center Point, West Virginia. We'll be meeting and working with other college students from across the country May 16-22. If you have a chance check out Nazareth Farm website: http://www.nazarethfarm.org/.

From their website I've learned that Nazareth Farm provides home repair to families and neighbors in need throughout Doddridge County and surrounding counties. The labor is free: homeowners pay for materials only. We'll be working with homeowners and learn from their hospitality and faith, which are at the core of Appalachian life. Nazareth Farm Staff lead volunteers in a variety of projects ranging from roofing and painting to decking and siding.

Since Nazareth Farm's inception in 1979, thousands of volunteers have served the Doddridge County community as part of a week-long service retreat experience. The Nazareth Farm staff facilitates approximately 22 volunteer weeks a year with over 800 volunteers from all over the United States. Throughout the week, volunteers are invited to reflect upon and live out the cornerstones of prayer, service, community and simplicity, as well as explore the application of Catholic Social Teaching to their lives and local contexts.

As a volunteer, you can spend a week with other groups from across the country while repairing homes, visiting with the local community, and enjoying the outdoors of West Virginia. Nazareth Farm hosts high school and college volunteers throughout the year and also has a week dedicated to adult volunteers and a week for families.

I'm so happy I'll have a chance to be a part of this wonderful experience. I'll let you know how the week goes.