… alien motherboard ships are also copy machines?!

First of all, I hate to burst your bubble. In reality, copy machines are not alien motherboard ships (insert sigh of disappointment). But, I’m happy to…inflate your bubble (because that’s totally a thing), the kids that are considered the most troubled and damaged to society are capable of bringing joy to others. It’s true, kids say the darndest things. And in my opinion, these things are gems of joy. So, I want to share some of this joy with you by telling you three of my favorite stories thus far.

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COPY MACHINE=ALIEN MOTHERBOARD

Who would ever think that two kids would rather try to “fix” a copy machine than go play outside at a park? Well, this is how this adventure began.

Staff gave the kids finger flashlights that came in an array of colors. After the finger flashlight activity, one of the kids was instructed to go to the bathroom before the next activity began. Of course, going to the bathroom turned into a private Frozen concert that could be heard all throughout the halls. After this pop star rocked out in the bathroom, the kiddo tried to fix the “broken” copy machine (which was really just unplugged).

What? You think that the finger lights are merely the kids’ toys? You’re silly. They’re definitely a handy flashlight that is used specifically to fix copy machines. Well, at least that’s what the kid thought. The kiddo began lifting all of the lids, opening every compartment, pushing all of the buttons, and turning all of the knobs of this mysterious machine. Nothing was working. Well, if none of these methods worked, why not shake the full container of dried ink by the machine while staff isn’t looking? The kid obviously thought this was a good idea, and ended up with dried ink all over their shirt, face, and hands.

When some of the other kids came to help fix the machine, they all shared a seemingly unconscious understanding that the copy machine was no longer a copy machine. It had become an alien motherboard ship that spits out oodles of alien babies ALL OVER THE BUILDING! The flashlights became investigation tools and the building became a hazard zone with slimy alien babies. However, the only way to communicate with the rest of the team was through the “radio,” which was a part of the alien motherboard machine.

The kid sprinted over to the machine while aliens were violently attacking his comrades, and out of breath, radioed for backup. They yelled into the alien motherboard transmitter; “DO YOU COPY?!”

Some say that ignorance is bliss. But in this case, ignorance is blissfully punny.

MEDITATION SNACK TIME

Kids are chosen to come and get snack by having “calm bodies” while sitting at the table. Yes, I understand this phrase leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Some may interpret this to mean that you’re supposed to sit in your chair and keep your hands to yourself. But come on, that’s grown up talk. Our kids understand this term to mean…MEDITATION TIME! Obviously. I’m sure that in the kids’ eyes, the kiddo with the best meditation technique will be chosen to get snack first. Now, imagine seven kids sitting at a table, immediately turning into young “yoggies.” Just in case you’re wondering about perfect meditation form, it includes sitting “criss-cross-applesauce” in your chair, closing your eyes, and intertwining your fingers to make an intricate, yet impressive design. After about two months, I have never been to snack time without one of the kids showing off their yoga form.  

GOD GIVES YOU LIFE

Snack time offers kids the opportunity to practice their boundaries, social skills, and to show that they are able to listen to directions. Some kiddos come to the table and talk about the new movie they watched. On rare occasions, the kids have a substantial answer when staff asks how their day was. However, some kids take this opportunity to preach about their understanding of God.

One day at the snack table, a kid insisted on telling all of the others that they love God; “He gives me life!” Yes, it was pretty adorable. But this precious moment quickly turned into a bundle of giggles…at least for me. In agreement with this God loving statement, another kid added to this thought by saying, “Yeah! He helps me live, eat, drink…He even helps me poop!” I thought that all of the other kids would start laughing (why wouldn’t they?! It’s a poop joke!), but instead, they all quietly nodded their head in agreement as if it was a wise statement. The one time the kids calmly reach an agreement is when the conversation involves God and poop. Who would have known? 

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For the first time in my life, I am getting paid to work with kids. I was initially nervous to work with this young population because of my lack of experience, but everyone told me not to worry; “they say the cutest things.” People are right! Their nonchalant statements bring me joy that often bubbles up in the form of giggles. These gems of joy have equipped me with hope that I often remember when all of the social justice problems become too overwhelming. Hopefully these gems of joy can do the same for you.

If you want to read more about the Juneau JVC NW experience, then check out my roommate’s blog at http://bearb8.wordpress.com/

Also, you can see the photos that my housemates and I have taken in Alaska by going to flicker.com, clicking on people, entering “bullwinklehaus,” and then clicking on the link. Or, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/126652901@N03/

Thank you for reading. I deeply appreciate the support. With love and blessings,

Genevieve

…there is hopeful joy in Juneau?!

Let’s take it back to about a week ago. The anticipation to arrive in Juneau was killing me! The mixture of my impatience (as usual) for JVCNW to begin and the exhaustion of my emotional funds from my excitement early on in the summer left me with a bitter, yet emotionless “taste” in my mouth when hopping onto the plane to Oregon for training. The weeklong training was a roller coaster. I was battling this bitter taste that continued to seep into my present experiences, tainting their unique value, and hindering me from fully expanding my palette of experiences. But, I was also blessed with many positive experiences with the community, staff and the Oregon environment at orientation. Furthermore, I felt like I was living in the “in-between.” I was in-between living the dream at Regis University with the right amount of support and challenge in almost every aspect of life, and a completely new environment without a foundation to take an intentional step.

But, as usual, I was cleansed of this bitter taste. My community’s program coordinator (PC), Sally, plunged into the sea of my confused emotions and grabbed ahold of my heart by peering into my eyes, grabbing my shoulders, and giving me a blessing the night before my community headed to Juneau. Her blessing immediately reorganized my emotions and thoughts that were engendering this bitter taste of dissonance. After the blessing, every aspect of my being at that moment pointed towards the kids that I will be serving. Every piece of my past that led me to Juneau was now given a concrete purpose, and I felt empowered and honored to take on this challenge of being a Behavioral Health Associate at Catholic Community Services.

 

In retrospect, I find this roller coaster of emotions, or lack thereof, perfectly nestled among other experiences. While in Kansas during the summer, I began reading about the new Pope. After all, he is the leader of the Catholic faith! I figured I should learn a little about him. While reading some of his meditations, I stumbled upon a helpful meditation about “hopeful joy.” This meditation called the reader’s attention towards “Christian fear, Christian sorrow.” Jesus himself had fear when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, in regards to his crucifixion and what God was calling Him to do. Furthermore, I am not sure if the Pope has seen Batman, but he similarly commented on the fact that it is always darkest right before the dawn. Christians experience pain that sometimes seem inescapable. But, this pain covers the joy of the Lord; “a joy that is purified in the fire of trials.” This joy is not felt in the difficult times, but comes after. Following God’s path is not always easy, and when we are called to embark on His journey, I can anticipate these mixed emotions and “Christian sorrow.” But, more importantly, I can anticipate these sorrows and pains being purified into a joy that warms me to my core and from my head to my toes. Now that I am living in Juneau with my community, I am cherishing this hopeful joy.

 

I SAW MY FIRST BALD EAGLE!! Apparently there are two who are mates, and they have lived in the ridge by our house for several of years. Surprisingly, they must seem to get along with their noisy neighbors, the Seagull family. To add to the list of joyful experiences, my community and I broke bread with our support community who are mostly past JVs (Jesuit Volunteers) in a welcoming and beautiful house. My tummy and my spirit were overflowing with joy. They have plenty of connections to help my community and I get involved and they are eager to make our service year the best that it can be. I learned that there is an active ice hockey team, volleyball league, and plenty of fishing, hunting, and whale watching that I am planning on participating in. To make this visit even more joyful, the scenery is unbelievable! We are nestled in a valley between massive mountains (that are different than the classic rocky CO mountains and are instead covered in deep forest green pines) that are entangled in fog. I’ve never seen so much fog in my life! To make these mountains even more epic, there are lines of waterfalls that cascade down the sides. It’s been such a deeply felt blessing to live in this mystical and appreciated environment. Furthermore, my community is wonderful. I’ve been told we’re in the honeymoon phase; we all listen to each other and get along so well. We’re a goofy group that enjoys expressing ourselves to music in the mornings, but who can also engage in thoughtful discussions. I am growing where I am planted.

 

I greatly appreciate the support. I have been tapping into my prayer bank often these days. I hope all are doing well. Peace and blessings.

 

Love your Alaskan friend,

Genevieve


ps. pictures are coming (it's taking waaaay to long to upload them). And my community and I start at our service sites tomorrow, so please keep all of us in your prayers.