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.
____________________....___________________
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?
____________________....___________________
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
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
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