A day to Remember

Usually I don't post things about work, I guess I try to keep boundaries with work and our personal blog. But the other day was nothing but a personal great experience I will always remember. It all started 4 months ago when the relief society in my ward took on a great project to make 100 quilts for refugee families. After we presented them to the state representative and I started thinking about the many refugee students I work with in my schools. I went up to talk to this lady after the program and discussed how the church and school districts can better work together to provide support for these families. My thought was, though I'm not a missionary called to serve these families I can provide a lot of services, support, and influence. She gave me her contact information and I went home thinking how great it would be to do a service project with my entire school and community to make quilts to benefit refugee families. The next day at work with all of the commotion and drama that usually accompanies a work day I was ready to put off the entire idea. How would we come up with the money, who would volunteer, and how would I find the time in my already crazy busy schedule. But the spirit kept prompting and I realized with the position I am in I am blessed to influence and make things happen in a system that not a lot of people can influence, and in essence- with great privilege comes great responsibility. I had the opportunity to serve the lord and his children in a special way, I was going to try. Once I put forth the effort I was amazed how things began falling into place. I pitched the idea to the PTA and Principal who said they would be all for it if I could come up with the money. At first I was going to call businesses in the area to see if they would donate materials and if worse came to worse I would use my own legislative money. But then I was informed of a grant through the state for Community of Caring but we had already missed the deadline. I wrote the grant and sent it anyway. I was immediately called and informed it was a great project and the grant would be funded. But there was a catch involving some sort of learning component for the entire school about refugee's. How do you teach about refugees to young children? I searched the internet and found a children's book called Brothers in Hope, The story of the Lost Boys of Sudan, that would work for the younger kids. But I really wanted the older kids to have a more meaningful learning experience. I called over to Newcomer Academy (the school for refugee students in high school) and pitched my idea to the social worker. She loved it and agreed to come out with 3 of their student to tell their stories. We set a date, and I prayed I wouldn't get sick. Everyone came through and my mom was even their for support. Though I was entirely exhausted by the end of the day after trying to manage the logistics of 32 class presentations, 4 quilts tied, 4 fleece blankets finished by the younger kids, tracking 20 plus volunteers, and all of the crowd control, it was amazing to see the community volunteer, the students learn about refugees, and everyone's desire to serve. The kids loved the quilting and listened attentively and sympathetically to the stories and advice from the refugees. At the end of the week I realized how blessed I was to help this project happen. I was simply a tool in someone else's hand who wanted to bless his children and when I look at my job and my life this way I am so grateful I have the opportunity to do this.

Happy Valentines

I just love Valentines Day. Maybe because it is the holiday right before my birthday, maybe because I always associated it with candy and pink hearts but mostly I think because every year growing up my mom read us the story of St. Valentine and the first Valentine cards. News flash for many bitter Valentines Day haters, Valentines day was not started by Hallmark, Valentines day was not created for lovers. The first Valentines were given from children to a priest who was their friend. I look at Valentines Day as a day to do something kind for the people I care about in my life, and despite what Hallmark tells you, a homemade valentine is much more meaningful and appreciated. So this year I had a lovely Valentines week of making cookies for my coworkers, making homemade valentines, making Brad a special valentine, giving my counseling groups a valentine and treat, and having our parents over for dinner. Brad surprised me with a special date to Mazza- the Lebanese restaurant where we had our 2nd official date and where he first held my hand. Then he took me to our wards Sweetheart ball where I got to show off my electric slide and have chocolate covered strawberries. It was a perfect Valentines date.