Letting Go

We've all heard that cheesy saying "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans," and maybe it's just me but I never thought it was as cute as everyone else seemed to. I love plans. It is probably because I was raised by project managers, but I rely heavily on making my weekly to do list and consider the monthly calendar one of my best friends.
Unfortunately for my anal retentive tendencies, I have found that working in ministry, and working specifically with kids does not allow for this heavy reliance on plans. Planning is essential, but in the execution of those plans fluidity is key.
Each morning I am tasked with teaching drama to  four thirty-five minute sessions of campers. I come in every day with a thought out lesson plan. Warm up- 5 minutes, introduction- 5 minutes, activity one- 10 minutes, activity two- 10 minutes, wrap up- 5 minutes. And each day, it changes drastically. Sometimes campers don't like an activity or game that I planned for them, sometimes they are tired from playing outside, sometimes they don't want to listen to the instructions, and most of the time they just want to play freeze dance.
I have one group of third graders who never wants to play the games I plan. I can implement a lesson perfectly in each of the other groups and get to this one and have to give up half way through.
So what do I do? I have the choice to try and force my plans, or I can turn to God for the strength to let go. I have to trust that he has a plan that is bigger than anything I could foresee. So I turn to a proverb I have heard many times in my life.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV)

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A Bigger Question

Just yesterday I was sitting by the swings with a little girl, when she told me that Mrs. Wanda had said I was going to be here all summer, and that I was doing it for free. I told her yes, that my expenses were all covered, but I didn't really get paid to work there. She was shocked, but quickly replied with a question more difficult to answer.

"Why?" 

Campers, staff, family members, and friends back home have all asked me why I would want to spend my summer in Homestead. I have thought a lot about this question. Why do I want to spend my summer in the heat?  Why would I want to work for free for two months? Why not get a real job? Why not take summer classes instead? When I applied for this internship I faced a lot of whys and why-nots, but I think I have been ignoring an even bigger question.

Why has God called me here? In 1^st Peter 4:10, God calls us to use our gifts to serve others. I believe that God has called me to use my theatre education to teach these children and youth about the performing arts, something they have had little exposure to. I can only hope that in the process I help some of these students find their own gifts and talents to share with their community.

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a few old pictures

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Student Dot Going to Homestead

More than six years ago I got in a van to Homestead, FL excited to have an entire week without my parents. I went in to the trip thinking it would be a fun way to spend a week of my summer and to have a little bit of freedom, instead it was a hard week, where I really began my journey with Christ. I have spent the last six summers being challenged, loved, needed and changed. Open House has been a part of my life, and a part of growing up.

This summer I will be interning as the Arts Instructor at Open House Ministries. I will be working with both the children and youth integrating the arts in to their camps. I hope to be able to teach them performance skills and to give them the opportunity to create their own theatre.

I believe that the performing arts are can be used in a number of ways. It helps build confidence and allows for creative expression. Theatre, music, and dance can all be used as vehicles to teach, whether it be social skills, teamwork or your basic school subjects. In high school, I was a part of a class that taught second graders math, science and English through art lessons. Last summer I went with Theatre on a Mission and did a ten day theatre camp at an orphanage in Kenya. I have seen firsthand how the arts can enrich lives and build relationships while crossing cultural barriers. I hope to share this passion of mine with the children and youth at Open House Ministries.

The Student Dot Go internship program through CBF has been home to many HAB students over the years, and I am proud to be a part of that relationship. This program gives me the privilege to share my love of God and my love of the arts in a ministry that I have long been a part of. Thank you to my congregation for teaching me to be a faithful steward, and for supporting me in my endeavors. 

I hope that this blog will allow me to share with you many wonderful experiences this summer. 

Camp starts next Monday, and I am driving down on Thursday. 

Wish me luck!

Meredith

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