kristyn-concepcion

No matter which school you go to, each one is the same.  Both students and teachers alike are antsy to get out of school and on with summer.  The same is true of Nickleson Elementary.  Linda hooked me up with her Friend Lynn, Principal of Nickleson, for a couple days of work.  I did a few odd jobs, sat in with counselors and therapists, substituted an art class, and more. 

My favorite part was working with the ESL kids.  I was asked to prepare a little presentation about what it is like to be an American in a foreign country.  The purpose was to show the students that they are not the only ones who struggle with learning a new language and a new culture.  It happens to many people and they feel the same feelings; embarrassed to speak the language, can’t understand, hard to complete assignments, and not knowing where you belong.  I really felt like I could connect with the kids and show them genuine transparency on the issue.  I really enjoyed that.  

I have spent the last couple days shadowing Anna, a school social worker.  I love what she does.  She took me to the Juvenile Court with her yesterday for an intervention meeting.  The girl involved had missed more than 3 months of school.  It was very interesting to watch the process.  Anna represented the school and the girl and her mother pleaded their case while a mediator sat in the middle.  The process seemed to be very effective.  Later, I went back to Campbell Middle School (where I spent the day before). 

Today I went back with Anna, but this time at Campbell High School.  I sat in a group with pregnant teen age mothers. I was able to gain a new appreciation for what these girls have to do and the responsibilities placed on them as mothers.  My original instinct was the same as most people's; to judge.  Jesus Christ came to earth for people just like these girls.  He loves them the same now as the day they were born.  Why should I be any different?  Talking to these girls and hearing their stories was a blessing and a lesson for me.  

I love the areas of work that involve trust of teens that have lost their way.  I admire people who are willing to be loving and accepting of teens in bad situations but are willing to give tough love along with loving guidance.  I can see how the teens really need and want that.  I like the setting of these schools.  As Linda put it, "You get to reach kinds that fall through the cracks.  It is a mission field!" 

I have been had a little trouble lately with being social and building relationships since this part of my internship is mostly observing and not hands on.  Today I was able to seize an opportunity and get to know the girl I met at the Juvenile Court yesterday.  I hope that I was a positive influence in her life and reflected the love of my Savior in my words and actions.

I am in a new location again, this time it is Marietta, Georgia.  I am living with a couple that I met on our Road Trip.  Linda and John were both on my team in Gulf Port, Mississippi doing Katrina Rebuild.  They are a very sweet Italian couple full of energy and Zeal. 

Linda works as a counselor at an elementary school in a little ways from her house. The school is in a very poor area.  It has 97% Free Lunch because most families cannot afford the meal.  The school is almost 50% black and 50% Hispanic.  For the past few days, I have been doing an array of jobs in many different classes.  I have been to a class in almost every grade helping with things like reading, writing, games, and English.  The school has given me an awesome opportunity to use my Spanish.  I have had several kids look at me and tell me I look like I speak Spanish and they get so excited when I do.  I really love working with kids, but it is hard moving between classes so much.  I feel like I can’t really connect with the groups because I have so little time.  Same with the teachers.  

 Linda has also had me sit in when she sees a couple kids individually.  She really just gives them a time to have one on one attention while getting to color, build, or play games. She has also set up for me to visit a Middle School, High School, and go with a Social Worker to Juvenile Court next week.  That should be really interesting.   

I am interested in the counseling field and hope to learn more about it through this experience.  I am nervous though because I'm afraid any type of counseling will seem boring compared to the Niyelo Counseling I did for 3 weeks.   Please pray that I would grow in my willingness and boldness through this experience and also that I would be filled with energy and enthusiasm.  I have really been struggling with that lately as I have felt so drained and exhausted.  I have also felt like I have been "missing God" this week.  I get up at 5:30 and am so tired by the time school is done that I have struggled to do anything but sleep.  I desire to have more time with God, but I have struggled with it this week.  

Like the kids in schools all around the country, I am ready for a break!  Lord, help us all hang in there!

Niyélo is officially over.  We finished out this week with a big bang.  I learned to step up my leadership skills 100%, but further more, I learned how to be a witness, even in a place where God is forbidden. 

On Tuesday, I co-lead a group with a team member we all call Coach.  Coach and I provided our group of 5 high schoolers with a day on the high ropes.  It was really very thrilling.  Jamie gave me the rundown of safety and technique before I ever set foot on the course so I was able to lead with out her assistance (accept for spotting).  I got a lot of positive feedback as well during our debriefing of the day's events. 

Wednesday was a bit crazier.  Jamie and I lead a group of 15 to 20 middle schoolers in high ropes elements for their final day of Niyélo.  Our main concern was safety as well as fun.  I had a lot of fun, but also felt the stress of working with a wild group of kids.  I really feel that God has given me a heart for these kids though.  They are all looking for something more and not finding it.  They crave attention.  People see them as the "bad kids."  Looking at where they come from, it is no wonder they are the way they are.  I truly admire those who are willing to dedicate their time to these kids who are just kids mislead by the world. 

My final day with the Dawson County Alternative High School was on Thursday.  It certainly was not a typical day, but was fun none the less.  The High School has a film class that is making a promotional video for a Niyélo Summer Program.  We became actors for the day as we tried many different activities out for the camera.  At the end, we had a real heart-to-heart chat as a group.  I was really surprised at some of the feedback I received.  The group really included me as one of their own and further more, as one of their friends.  In such a short time, I grew to know a group that I otherwise never would have connected with.  I invited them all to the RAD graduation in hopes that the Holy Spirit may be able to water a seed within their hearts.  I really hope they can all come.  I know a couple of them are seriously interested in RAD.  Praise God, for all things are made possible through HIM! 

Ok, I just thought I would share a funny story that has been unfolding the past week or so over here....

Jamie has had a slight bear problem, or so we suspect.  Her garbage has been spewed across the yard and driveway several times.  She got some very "trustworthy" advice from her fun loving neighbor; "Hang donuts in the trees around the trashcan about head high and the bears will stay away."  Last night (after hanging donuts in the trees) Jamie discovered that this may have been not so reliable.  So we sat on the roof late last night to see what critters would try to capture the dangling donuts.  Thankfully, we saw nothing but a curious opossum and the garbage was still in the bin this morning.  I thought the whole thing was rather funny. 

We are open for ideas in how to prank the neighbor back!  Seriously...