First, we enjoyed cake and ice cream with Mitch and his friends.
Then, Mitch picked out some books on poetry, and read them to us. I was amazed at how well he reads. He told us he likes poems, and we laughed at some of them he read us. Then, we went into the computer room, and he showed us the math games he plays. There are loads of educational games to choose from. First grade is sure different from my days in it. We really enjoyed our time with Mitchell.
Then, on Sunday, we joined Chris, and Lorrie, and Alaina, and Jonnie, watching Ashley in the play "Oklahoma". It was a fun play with lots of music, singing, and dancing. Ashley did a beautiful job playing "Ellen". Everyone acted great! I loved her costume.
Sunday night began our combined 4 churches, called Area Faith Community, mission. It consisted of 5 nights of talks, followed by socials, led by two Redemptorist priests, Fr. John, and Fr. Jimmy. A different subject was discussed each evening. I was able to attend Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, as I worked Tuesday, and Wednesday. Dad got to all of them. Would you believe that there were 450-500 people there each eve., and on Wednesday, the youth were invited, and that topped, 850 people. It was great to mingle with people from the different parishes, and unite as one church. We both got a lot out of it.
The most important thing I got out of it, though, was how important it is to keep learning about the faith i profess to believe. No matter how much education one gets growing up, it is a never ending process. What one doesn't understand, must be pursued, to find the answers. We will never completely understand God's ways, and must trust in him. I know some don't like rituals, and rules, but for me, by understanding why they are in place, what they represent, makes me feel part of our salvation history. It is what Jesus taught the apostles, and what guides the Church and his people. It brings me comfort, knowing if I follow his teachings, I will forever be with Him for eternity.
Then, on Saturday, I went with Earl, to help with Camp GK Bear. It is a camp, esp. for children, who have suffered a loss of a loved one---mother, father, brother, sister, friend. It's purpose is to let them express their feelings, and make memory boxes, and let balloons go in their loved one's memory. I was reluctant to go, at first, not sure what was going to take place, if I was going to be any good at helping, etc. But, one thing I kept hearing myself say was, I must die to one's self, and let the Holy Spirit guide me. So the day began. We each are assigned one child to be with as we do each activity, and sing. I had a little boy who lost his brother, a stillborn. It was such a wonderful day, I had such joy in my heart by the end to see each child express their feelings, and interact with each other. I truly felt the holy spirit was in me.
Today, our parish had their annual St. Patrick's Day Ham dinner, and Dad and I helped seat, and give them coffee. After our shift, we were joined by Lorrie, and all the family, and had dinner together. What a nice way to end this week! Or begin the next.....Love to all my family.
