Back in Arizona high on a mountain somewhere it was a water gun fight. Today you are out on a field exercise that probably looks just a little bit different than this one. Oh, the days of innocent childhood. At least we have the memories. For those peeking in, Erik is front left, Adam is in the middle holding Anna, and Micah is far right! Oh the days…..
CIMG3256, originally uploaded by Midcoast Mainah.…for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”
This quote was on the back of the Tshirts issued to students this year at TeenPact. It really stuck with me. I’d heard it before, had never pondered it all that much previously. This year, however, I was struggling with figuring out my place. In my wildest dreams as a young girl wondering what my future held for me, I never pictured myself campaigning or having anything to do with politics. I saw marriage, children, and a quaint little house with a white picket fence and flowers and a simple uncomplicated life. That picture was idyllic and sweet, but I’m guessing it wasn’t all that realistic. We do have a house and some flowers, but I really don’t have the time to plant more and maintain them they way I would like them….I’m just too busy with other things….
…I feel compelled to do other things that might make a difference. To me it seems that that role is right where I am working with teens who are learning about government and citizenship. Sometimes that takes us into the world of campaigning. So, I forgo another year of pruning my lilacs while I drive around southern Maine trying to do my part to fight the “triumph of evil.”
In the midst of this past week, every so often my mind would wander….what if we lose? What good will have come of this? Will my week have been wasted?
While winning is a great thing, doing what you know God would have you do is even better. Win or lose, it is right and worthy. God’s timing is His own. His answers sometimes come not as yes or no, but in wait. This is a process. What we did last week is part of a puzzle. Only God knows how and when he wants to use Dean Scontras, or any of us for that matter.
For now, all of those I worked with this week, especially the teens, are my heroes. Each of them as individuals did the work of many. They did it with heart, sacrifice and good humor. They were amazing and I tip my hat to them!
Well, four of us are down here in sunny South Carolina visiting Erik! We took him shopping at the PX, NEX to you Navy friends. The size 36 and 34 pants and shorts have given way to size 32! We had a nice day checking out the base, but really wished we could have taken him off base to relax by our hotel pool. Instead we got him the first pizza, coffee, soda, and Chinese food that he has had in months. As we bumped into buddies, I grabbed photos of him with them. Go to flickr to see a few more of today’s photos.
Three Alumni Tied for Top, originally uploaded by Midcoast Mainah.TeenPact happened again here in Maine. Micah and Adam have been doing this for years now. This year they tied for 1st amongst the alumni with Harrison Otis in their score for the week.
It was a fun and yet challenging week. Let’s just say we saw government and partisanship in action more than in any other year.
It was our first year at our new Residential camp in North Turner. The students and staff had a blast learning and growing in the area of citizenship and stepping outside their comfort zones.
Yay for year 7 here in Maine!
Erik has written three letters so far. He’s getting along just fine. He’s being brave in the face of “okra disguised and falsely advertised as something else that would actually be edible….”
No, seriously, he seems to be doing pretty well. He appreciates Icy Hot and Sundays when he can have sleep in until 6:00! He stashes Sharpies when he finds them laying around, ’cause he’s sure that his just walk away when he’s not looking. Sharpies a valuable commodity….who knew?
He’s deduced that they get “roughly seven minutes from the last platoon member sitting down” to eat their meals…he’s says thats “still about four minutes more than I need.”
He adds, “By the way, they had a nutritionist come in and speak one of the days in reception. There were actually some helpful specifics, but the best part was where she talked about their research into “recovery beverages.” Apparently the result was: chocolate milk.”
He also mentioned that we should write the number “3″ on the back of our envelopes when we write to him.
If you would like his address, just email me or leave a comment and I will send it to you. Notes and letters are great….packages are frowned upon!
