The update I've been putting off

Normally I avoid writing because I have nothing to write. This time I avoided writing because I have way too much to write.

It all starts way back when, in April in fact, when I took a 6 hour flight (technically two 3 hour flights) to the OC. I went to a Children's ministry conference with Dawn and Jen. It was very good.. Inspiring and exciting. I really love working with children!

They were also really funny. One of the guys that attends the church is an Emmy winning puppeteer. He has such a cool puppet voice and sang all about a "one ton tomato". Hilarious. He also got some guys up to copy a really stupid skit that actually had me crying cause it was so funny!

So the church we were attending was Saddleback, the church started by Rick Warren author of Purpose Driven life. It has 40,000 members!!!!! Such a nice church with pretty new buildings and stuff. It started 25 years ago with 7 members and is the first church to have 10,000 members but no building!! They have a website you can look at to find out more interesting facts.

So the Sunday I got back from the conference I was totally excited about Children's ministry and got some new ideas on how to interact with the kids. It really has been working. I feel like I'm building friendships with them rather than just teaching them- and they are learning their bible verses for the next week of class! The first Sunday was nice because one of the girls, Jessie (who is pretty new) came running back to class 10 minutes after it had ended to show me that her Tamagotchi had evolved. She's so cute. She's been back 5 weeks in a row and every week she's as excited as the first. Could be because I let them play twister!

The Monday and Tuesday after were spent on Staff retreat and I spent most of the time smiling and nodding. I'm a professional now! I did talk a little bit and told about one of the things I learnt at the conference.

I found out that I'm a golden retriever! I'm also pretty high beaver too! There are 4 different animals...

The lion- Driving, Ambitious, Pioneering, Strong-Willed, Forceful, Determined, Aggressive, Competitive, Decisive, Venturesome, Inquisitive, Responsible.

The otter- Magnetic, Political, Enthusiastic, Demonstrative, Persuasive, Warm, Convincing
Polished, Poised, Optimistic, Trusting, Sociable.

The golden retriever- Relaxed, Resistant to Change, Nondemonstrative, Passive, Patient
Possessive, Predictable, Consistent, Deliberate, Steady, Stable.

The beaver- Worrisome, Careful, Dependent, Cautious, Conventional, Exacting, Neat, Systematic, Diplomatic, Accurate, Tactful, Open-Minded, Balanced Judgment.


Which one are you?

On Saturday we had another work day. My team was Charles, Lora, Eli and Patricia- two couples! I first thought, "Charlie what are you thinking?" but they worked really well together. Then I found out our task- painting an entire house. I suck at painting. It actually worked out really well though. We finished the house after working from until and the couple were so happy. I was happy that they were happy. It was a fun day although I really hurt yesterday and kind of today.

Yesterday was mother's day in America. A hard day cause I miss my mummy. But Dawn has been so good to me and Sharon has been just like a grandma. It's really nice to be apart of their family. We went on a boat trip after church yesterday along the canal at the back of the house. It was lovely. I spent the time up the front of the boat with Dawn and Sharon just catching and enjoying the breeze. Becca was out in a tube at the back of the boat with her friend Kristina. They were bouncing about on the wake. It was quite a funny sight!

I did get a little sunburnt yesterday but nothing compared to Kathy and Christine cause they didn't wear any sun cream. It was a fun day though. We went out to dinner afterwards and I managed to get Gary to be nice to me for another full day (running joke) by eating a piece of steak- GROSS! I really was nearly sick. I also tried some hog fish stuffed with shrimp, which was edible. I preferred my coconut shrimp though!

When we came home last night we did presents. I bought Dawn a gift voucher and made her and Sharon cards. It was so much fun to make them and then I filled in the entire card with my tiny writing. I didn't think I had anything to write and then I ran out of space!

I also made my parents cards and I'm so excited about them getting them next month.

Okay, so that's you pretty much up to date with my crazy life. I'll write soon, I promise.

xox.