Aliens Among Us

My nieces and nephew are a blessing to me. I will love them forever. Currently, there are four, ages 3 (the boy) to 11. A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend time with them. We went to McDonald's, and I set them free in the play-place. Ah, freedom- except that my six-year-old niece, Missy, wanted to make friends with the boys... and they wanted to play, "Run away from the girl."... and except that one boy kept threatening to throw his new toy car at my eight-year-old niece, Katie...time for teaching.

But the best part was the drive home. When I was little, my dad told me I had to hold my breath and duck under all the bridges, to keep the cars on top from running over me.... I think I knew it was a game.... until my imagination took over. Well, he inspired me. I enjoy car-time with the kids. The world around us becomes a stage. We can be in outer-space, or deep in the ocean, and everything around us becomes aliens and secret communication centers, or fish and sharks and ships. So that day, we were in outer space. We had good aliens, bad aliens on motorcycles, alien-giraffes that resemble street lights, and communication towers that pick up human voices (shh, quiet!)

Yes, car-time is most definitely a good time. Next time, it's either fairy-land or monster-land. We'll see.

Imagination

My master has many skills. Among them is imagination. He is an artist like none could begin to believe. He creates with no prototype. Can anyone else compare?

I may design a vase, and sculpt it with care, but the idea comes from what exists. I may take wire, and shape it to create a pendant- circular, square, heart-shaped... can I invent a new shape; one that has never been seen? My imagination is limited.

I look at a tree at Big Bear, and see the shape of the bark. It truly looks like a puzzle. I peel it apart, amazed. Who invented the puzzle? What gave them the idea? From where, was the inspiration?

My master, he imagines things, and speaks them into being. As he assigns them names, they gain meaning and shape. Can anyone else compare?

Camp-ward!

Okay, so I realize that ideally, if I want to draw readers to my blog, I need to write regularly. And I want to draw readers- but my thesis is more important, so I'll work on that. Short stories is better than no story.

So, as I've said, I want to go into the camp industry. I want to serve kids in need. One day, I'd like to start a camp for kids who have been abused or are dealing with issues of violence- a camp that focuses on outdoor adventures and community service, incorporates environmental education, and has a Christ-centered leadership framework without requiring youth participation in religious activities. So I had an interview last week for a job at a camp that sounds amazing. It's far far away from here- more than half-way across the country. It has an extensive outdoor adventure-travel program.... it does not have any religious affiliation. It encourages volunteerism.... but serves youth who's parents have money.... but the incoming director is interested in developing a nonprofit entity to bring in funds for scholarships so other kids can attend... and he's interested in possibly having me work on getting that going!!!!! Wow! Oh, wow! Can I please? I really want to!!!!!!!!
Okay. Calm down..... but WOW!
So I have a second interview coming up, in which I get to explain how I would work it. Wish me well- pray me well. It's not exactly the camp I would start, but I would be a direct part of getting kids in need, into a camp that could change their world, and God could use me. Okay, so I want the job that is best for me. No: "Let her get the job" prayers. Just: "let her do well in her interview, and let them come to the best decision." Thank you :-)