The Spirit of Ms. Pat

As many of you may know, Friends of Refugees was started by a wonderful lady named Ms. Pat. As the Clarkston community changed with incoming refugees in the early 90's, Ms. Pat saw an add in her church's newsletter about needing volunteers to help with newly resettled Bosnians in the area.  She answered the call and soon after Friend of Refugees was founded. Ms. Pat is still a full-time volunteer and board member for FOR. She has a passion and love for the people of Clarkston like no one I have ever met. We sometimes refer to her as "the Mother Teresa of Clarkston" because of the ways she is always willing to give everything she has for those around her.

The "original" FOR programs were food and clothing distribution and youth programs. Summer camp has changed a lot over the years, but it all started because Ms. Pat saw a need and did something about it. I have been lucky to talk to some people over the past couple of months who were some of the original staff for summer camp over the years who helped transform it into what it is today. They all said the same thing, it's the spirit of Ms. Pat that makes things go. he has a way of doing things before having everything exactly ready and it always seems to work for her. There's a level of faith that you do what you can, but it's really up to the Lord to make sure it happen. If He's not going to bless it, we probably shouldn't be doing it anyway.

In YP in particular, Ms. Pat has left a legacy of love and faith. We are always striving to keep that legacy in our DNA as a program. It's hard for us because sometimes that means executing plans before you have everything exactly right and ready. We can be so focused on completing step two after we finish step one that we can forget why we are here. We're here to love people. And we don't need anything to do that.

So please pray for us as we gear up for summer camp and a new year of after-school. We are excited to see what God has in store for us and for the youth through the rest of this year.

And praise the Lord because He is so good. We have all the teams we need for summer camp lined up. Interns are coming. Food is falling into place. And the youth we work with just keep getting cooler and cooler.

You can play a part in the YP team by helping us with some basics. Sponsorships are coming up. There will be an opportunity to sponsor a camper or an after-school student. This is a really fun way to get involved. You will be assigned a student, get their picture, and some basic information about them. We had a blast with this last year. You can also buy a shirt now through April 6th. All proceeds will go toward gas for the vans. Just click this link to order your shirt.

Thanks, guys!

"Beautifully in over my head"

Whew. The last couple of weeks has been intense. In case you missed the email update we sent out, the Youth Programs team looks a little different than it has in the past. Read up on that here and let me know if you would like to be added to the email list. As a group, we are so excited to see what is in store for the youth of Clarkston. Already, our young leaders are making an impact in the lives of their peers that is completely amazing. I'm so proud to work with the people listed in the update and the many more who support us by volunteering, supporting financially, and keeping the pantry full of food. We are blessed. 

With the changes that have come and the time of year, it's felt a little overwhelming. January and February is a time of recruiting interns and volunteer teams. Thankfully, we already have 6/7 teams and a few interns committed to the summer. We are not finished yet, but it feels good to have a strong start. 

February is also the month we are launching our monthly donor campaign. Youth Programs is looking for 15 new monthly donors to support youth programs. I explained our ultimate goal in my last post to cover the whole youth programs budget, this is one of the ways we are looking to meet that goal and invite more people into the story. I must admit, you who read my blog are make up monthly donors already. BUT if you're not and you want to join that club, we can make it happen. :)

At the start of the year, Freinds of Refugees revamped their logo and colors. Youth Programs decided we needed to do the same. There will be a YP logo to share with you soon. We are also working with our advisory team to set some core values and further define who we are. And let me tell you, it has been a blessing to dig through the history of our program and look at the threads that have been woven in since the beginning. I love learning how each person that came before us added something unique and special that propelled us to where we are today. 

My job now is much more than manufacturing fun at camp. I have had to learn to overcome many of my own weaknesses when it comes to paperwork and tracking numbers. The things that come naturally to me are not the things that are required of me every day. Ask my mom, I'm not known for my organizational skills or ability to remember details. But I'm getting much better. I'm learning and growing and finding that I'm thankful for the opportunity to be stretched. I am fighting to be good at administrative tasks so that we can continue to have a safe place for youth to come and grow. I can be easily overwhelmed. Probably because I care so much. But I like to think of this new state of constantly feeling swamped as "being beautifully in over my head" instead (thanks for the perfect words Bethel). No worries, though. I may feel overwhelmed now, but I fully intend to come out on top. :)

Thank you, readers for reading. I'll be praying for you as you are hopefully praying for me. 

...

Then You crash over me and I've lost control but I'm free

I'm going under, I'm in over my head

Then you crash over me, and that's where You want me to be

I'm going under, I'm in over my head

Whether I sink, whether I swim

It makes no difference when I'm beautifully in over my head

Whether I sink, whether I swim

It makes no difference when I'm beautifully in over my head

I'm Beautifully in over my head

I'm Beautifully in over my head

Joy in the Ordinary

Sometimes life moves really fast. There is so much to do that you can't even think about doing anything more than the giant things already on your to-do list. Forget making time to stop and smell the roses, you don't even have time to find the roses! And it's true. We are busy. Usually for a good reason like we are trying to do our jobs well as an employee, a family member, a friend, and a neighbor. BUT, when we are so focused on the task we can forget to enjoy the moment. And I've learned that the moment is always worth your attention. 

Long ago when my one of my 9th-grade friends was just a 3rd grader, I got to climb Stone Mountain with her group from camp. When we got to the top, she sat by herself taking in the scenery around her. When I approached her she said, "I've never been on top of the world before. It's pretty cool." All I could do was agree. Even though Stone Mountain is only 1,686 feet tall, that's still a great feat! From that day on, we stayed friends and I've always appreciated the way she sees the world.

Years later, the two of us were on our way to dinner. As we got to the top of one hill she pointed out the Atlanta skyline against the sunset. It was beautiful.  I had driven that way a thousand times and never seen the glimpse of the city visible for just a moment at the top of the hill. I now live less than a mile from that very spot and have to drive over that hill to get home every day. I find a lot of times I'm in a hurry, my brain is full, and I don't see it. But when my mind is not overwhelmed and when I am fully present in the moment, I get the gift of the truly remarkable sight of the barely visible cityscape against the sunset sky. 

See, one of the things I enjoy so much about my job is what I get to learn. These youth have so much to teach me. When I remember to be a learner instead of always a teacher or a leader, I find myself filled in a new way. The lessons I have learned from these friends vary from learning to cook new foods to speaking new languages. From this particular friend, living in the moment and finding joy in the ordinary is one lesson especially dear to me as my to-do list just gets longer.

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about a very ordinary task for most organizations: fundraising. We have $117,000 to raise for Youth Programs this year. That's a really big number. But there is joy even in this daunting job because the reason that number is so big is because we are growing. We are reaching more kids than ever, going deeper in relationships, and finding new ways to meet people where they are. There is SAT/ACT prep, bible studies, arts and crafts, soccer, dance, entrepreneurship, preparations for driving tests, homework help, and so much more all happening at once. We have invested volunteers and staff that as tired as we may get, just has to sit back and celebrate because it really is such a joy. If I stay too focused on where we need to be 2 weeks, 3 months, or 5 years from now, I miss the special moments that make it all worth it. $117K is a huge amount of money, but the Lord provides and He is good.

I hope you will pray for Friends of Refugees and Youth Programs specifically as we seek to reach this goal. Every dollar will be celebrated and I have faith that we will be successful. And despite my optimism now,  I'm likely to lose sight of this. So when you see me and I'm stressed about how we are going to complete this giant task, remind me what an awesome challenge it is to take on. Make me remember to live like my friend, taking in what's around me and appreciate things for what they are because the moment (however difficult) is worth your precious time.

This is the silly group that made Stone Mountain
a whole new kind of adventure for me. 

Inconvenience

I’ve recently been convicted about inconveniencing my life for the sake of others. I know what some of you are thinking...yes, I work for Friends of Refugees.No, I don't get paid very much. Yes, we give rides to kids even though it adds at least an extra hour (or 2) to program times. Yes, I spent 2 days making four pans of food for Friendsgiving. But remember, our job is to serve. And while you know how much I love what I get to do every day, after I hit 40 hours it can be hard to keep serving. When I get a call to run an errand for a friend on my day off, when I pass someone I know is in need, when I dread working on Saturdays because I just want to sit at home and finish Gilmore Girls…that’s when I have to check myself. We don't get to clock in and out of representing Christ.

Jesus scolded his disciples many times for not understanding this exact topic. When individuals asked for special favors and healings on the spot while Jesus was on his way to a scheduled event, the disciples would try to shoo people away. But Jesus never did. He always made time. He might have been hungry or wanting a nap, but he would be there and do something. Even when you think about Jesus praying the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46), he asked the disciples to stay awake and pray…even though they had just had a huge meal and were really tired. He begged them. He woke the up and all he wanted was for them to be awake. And they couldn’t do it. I think about how many times that’s me. I know what I’m being asked, but I just don’t want to. I feel tired or maxed out.

I’m on a mission for the youth of Clarkston…but that doesn’t mean I get to exclude their parents, my neighbors, or the stranger I pass on the street.

As I sit and reflect on this recent life lesson in respect to the current advent season, I find myself with the perfect opportunity to practice living inconveniently for others. I invite you to join me as I consider saying "yes" more often than I say "no." As we are preparing for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, there's not a better way to get your heart in the right place than opening it up for others.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic

On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”

 Luke 5:17-26

Be willing to let your plans change to help someone else. Be willing to carry your friend and lower them in from the roof. Be glad for inconveniences.  

Grateful

'Tis the season to be thankful. Here's my gratitude list:

1. Successful Celebration Dinner

Thank you to all the people who helped make the Celebration Dinner a memorable and impactful night. You know who you are. I so appreciate you!

I think it's easy to say that most everyone's favorite part of the night was hearing from the youth about why they are a part of Friends of Refugees. A lot said it was a place where they had friends, felt like they belonged, and were part of another family. Others said they enjoy learning about the Bible and having a safe place to talk about struggles and seek support. They also pretty unanimously agree the food is awesome. If those aren't reasons to celebrate, I don't know what is. 

2. Fall Parties

One of our previous High School Helpers reached out to a staff member to let her know that she missed her and wanted to catch up. This prompted the planning of a fall party for our High School Helper girls to reunite for a night and get together with the staff still in the area. It was great to hear them reminiscing about the summer and teaching the girls about the goodness that is a warm bowl of chili (almost none of them had eaten it before). 

During a time of sharing what we were all thankful for, I was surprised by the answer of one of the girls. She shared that she had been in a pretty bad place and was having a hard time loving herself and making friends. Sumer Camp was a place that loved her anyway and made her feel like a part of the whole. I had no idea she had been struggling so much, but to hear that just being there had healed her soul, even a little, was such a testimony to me of all the other stories of hope and encouragement that I may never know. I realize what a blessing it is to have people share what it means to them to be a part of the Friends family and I hope I continue to learn the stories of those involved.

3. Friendsgiving

We have worked long and hard to make the youth programs feel like a family. This time last year was a struggle, but we've grown together and celebrated our first ever Friendsgiving. With all the traditional favorites, staff and volunteers have worked (and cooked) to share this very American holiday with our friends.

White table cloths, candles, and flowers made the room feel extra special as students wrote what they were thankful on a banner before getting in line for Thanksgiving classics. Explaining cornbread dressing and green bean casserole was harder than I thought it would be! But sharing culture is one of my very favorite parts of my job. :)

4. Christmas is Coming

I won't say how many more weeks there are until Christmas...just know that it's coming. I love Christmas. I love traditions and gatherings and the food associated with the holiday. And I love that it's a time to give. At FOR, we make it real easy to have a great Christmas by helping some other people have a great Christmas too. I'm sure you've seen me post about the Christmas Store, but I truly hope you'll get involved. Go to this link or email christmas@friendsofrefugees.com and find a way to help spread Christmas cheer. 

5. You

I've thought long and hard about it and I finally came to a conclusion. I have the best job ever. And I wouldn't if it wasn't for people like you who support me financially, spiritually, and personally. I'm so encouraged by you getting excited about the future with me, wanting to know about updates, and caring about the wonderful people I have the honor and pleasure of working with.

Look at that tasty food from Friendsgiving!

One of the photo booth pictures from a fall festival

You're the best! 

Happy Holidays!!!

Celebration

One of the absolute most fun things about working with youth is getting to throw parties for anything that can be celebrated. Planning events for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, Birthdays, or just because is just one way we create shared experiences with youth. Having common ground to stand on goes a long way in building meaningful, lasting relationships. Our homes, families, friends, and favorite foods may look really dinnerent...but we can all look forward to youth program specific traditions of celebrating everything. We can create shared memories and start conversations with "remember that one time at Friendsgiving when..."

When I was in youth group at McKendree UMC, there were some things we could always count on. We knew there would be a confirmation retreat, fall retreat, winter retreat, and summer retreat. There would be at least one option for a mission trip over summer and/or spring break, and some sort of Christmas party. As a 7th grader, you could look forward to being at the beach or mountains for your last retreat as a senior depending on if you were graduating in an even or odd year. Leadership changes happened, but these events stayed the same. They helped us form a group identity and provided stability we needed.

BUT, in Clarkston that can be hard. It's a transient town. Not only are our refugee neighbors in and out, but volunteers and leaders are even less consistent much of the time. This poses a real problem. How do we build common ground and fight for meaningful relationships if people are always coming and going? How do we maintain tradition if there are none?

The good news is that there are a lot of people who care about these things in our town. They know that if we pull our resources and focus, we can help create something really awesome for the youth.

Which brings me to tonight, the THIRD ANNUAL DODGE/DANCE/GLOW HALLOWEEN PARTY! We are expecting close to 150 people to participate in a dodleball tournament followed by our version of a rave (it involves a lot of neon, glow in the dark paint, and black lights). This is a victory to be celebrated as FOR youth, CIBC youth, Northlake Church of Christ youth, Proskuneo youth (click the link and learn how cool they are), and a few other groups all come together. We've worked hard with the help of many to prepare for this day. Decorations have been made, streamers have been hung, snacks ahve been prepared, the gym has been set up, coloring pages have be colored with highlighters to make our own black light posters...and it's finally time to bring it all together and have a really fun night with a whole lot of people.

As one who works with youth, I've learned that even the little things are worth celebrating. I hope you can celebrate with me that we have a 3rd annual event in a town searching for stability.

Look for pictures later on and find any reason to celebrate in your own life!

PS: Speaking of celebrations, we still have seats available for our 2nd annual Celebration Dinner. Please let me know if you are interested in joining. :)

Fall...

It's fall, y'all. In college, the first day of fall was just as celebrated as Christmas with the old roommates. There were decorations and special foods and let's be honest, I lived with a group of people that would celebrate anything (including fictitious people's birthdays that we made up) and sometimes I miss those days a lot.

Now fall is still one of my favorite times of years. Seriously, what's not to like. But it also looks pretty different now from back in college. At home, there is still decorations and such, but at work when the seasons change our focus changes. As it gets colder out, the focus switches from catching your breath from the summer to preparing for the next summer. There is traveling for intern recruitment, fundraising events left and right, and keeping up with the grades of a constantly growing number of teenagers. 

Interns. I can't believe it's already time to be looking for more interns. I'm still missing the ones from this past summer, it can't already be time for new ones. But it is. And while I have a few things lined up, if you know of a connection at a school, ministry, or anywhere else that may let Friends of Refugees pitch an internship, let me know! We could always use more help. 

Events. Anyone that is a part of a family knows that October-December is full of all kinds of events. You've got Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. In our world that means, glow in the dark dodgeball tournament and rave, our Celebration Dinner, Friendsgiving, and who knows how many Christmas parties. Let's spend a second on the Celebration Dinner. It's going to be really fun. There will be great food. And you are welcome to join us for this one. Let me know if you are interested in celebrating a great year in youth programs with us. 

Teenagers. They are everywhere. And I love them. They can be moody and full of sass, but when they notice your haircut, care that you missed because you were sick, or thank you for helping them with their project...it's easier to remember why this job is so awesome. Our middle school girls have jumped into volunteer opportunities with both feet. They are great. Our high school girls are working on resumes and learning how to change a tire. Our boys are making great grades and having great conversations about the Bible with their leaders. We also have an army of volunteers that love the youth and make our job so much easier. 

Thanks for your time, guys. I always appreciate your encouragement and kind words. Enjoy your fall!