Bright Ideas

I know I have not written in a couple weeks.  Even though I feel I should write more, this entry will be a little bit more of a teaser.  This time last week was a sleepless night for me.  I got two, maybe three hours sleep.  I got to bed around my usual time a little after midnight, very tired from a long day.  I had most of the week off, and would be working a long day, early in the morning, and most of the weekend.

As I climbed into bed, I thought about the poster above my bed.  It is a collage of papers I led my green group at PSP in making two summers ago.  This year would be there sixth grade year, their last.  No future years would allow them to participate as campers in the program.  The facts of this makes me so sad.  These are my kids.  My first year helping PSP as a volunteer, I spent that first week with the first graders.  These very same kids.  When I first was able to intern the next year, I co-lead the second graders.  I have watched these kids grow into incredible people.

Portland is the best place to be in the summertime.  They have the best weather.  There is SO much going on ALL the time.  I have been planning my next visit for the summer.  One of my former roommates is getting married July 5th.  I figured I would go up about a week early to help out where I could.  While thinking of my kids, I thought I should make some time to visit them while I am up there.  This idea rolled into a plan to put on a mini-PSP for this summer.

I started getting really pumped up that this could actually happen.  I was so excited, I could not stop my thoughts from flowing.  I wrote down as much as I could, but then I had to make attempts to get some sleep.  I have just started the early planning process of this.  I do not want to say much more about this because I want to hear some confirmation from some people I have contacted first.  I will keep you updated as plans do come to life.

Take Care, till next time!

Meet Project Network

        In today's post I want to introduce you to one of PumpWorks partners: Project Network and the kids that got to participate in PSP this year thanks to that connection.  This place is a residential treatment facility that cares for women and their children.  The facility serves to help females overcome addiction and become productive citizens.  Everyday one of our interns (Bianca) drove out to pick up 3 children (Ziaere, Lily, and Miya) that call this place home and drove them back each afternoon.  I never had the opportunity to visit Project Network nor did I get to participate in the picking up and dropping off of these kids.  However, I did get to hear from Bianca often, how blessed she felt to serve in this way.     

Ziaere and friend Pablo experimenting at OMSI

Ziaere observing friends Jemila and Keziah

The Children in this group were rather quiet.  They were not outspoken in any way.  I always saw them on their best behavior.  What I observed most from these kids was the loyalty they had between each other.  They were always together.  Each of them made some friendships with different kids in the program, but when they were down and really needed a friend, this was where I saw their bond the most.  It brought so much joy and inspiration to my life to see.  One instance I will never forget about them was when we were riding on the bus back from one of our field trips.  I was seated at the back of the bus with a few 5th and 6th grade girls.  Across from me was Lily and Ziaere.  Soon into the way home, the conversation between the girls I was sitting with turned to teasing Lily.  She just sat there quietly, tears trickling down her cheeks.  I quickly put a stop to their jokes, and made them realize what their words had done.  They learned their lesson and tried apologizing to Lily, but the damage was already done.  As she tried to stop her tears from coming, her friend Ziaere simply put his arm around her for comfort.  She laid her head on his shoulder and felt safe in that spot.  The other girls continued to try to show their regrets for what they said to Lily.  I saw that she just needed to have some space from these people during this time before she could let them in so easily as friends.  I told thanked the girls for apologizing and to just leave her alone for now.  Lily and Ziaere fell asleep not long after, safe in their friendship.  Once we were back to St. Charles, I talked with Lily about what happened between the girls and her.  I think this was where my friendship with her began.  As the summer progressed, these girls did become friends with Lily, as well.  I loved the little chats I got to have with her in the morning as she would arrive.  I learned about her Native American background and the pride she had in it.  I hope I get to watch her grow in her strength and power as the years go on, along with Ziaere and Miya.          

Miya on the bus

Lily on the bus

      For more information on Project Network and on ways you can volunteer with them please check their website at:  http://www.lifeworksnw.org/

      Saturdays are often their preferred day.  They are located in North Portland near Legacy Emanuel Hospital and the Rose Garden Arena.  There is always an opportunity to serve in this place.  If you can't give your time donations of goods or monetary means would be greatly appreciated.  

Miya and Lily riding together

Please be praying for the women who live in this residence and their families.  I thank you for reading this week and I hope you come back to hear more about the program that I seek to continue to serve for many years to come.  Till next time, take care.