One of my least favorite things about working at Charis House is the weekend shifts. I work two Saturdays a month for an 8 hour shift. It's long with few tasks to pass the time. But one of the tasks available is to clean--yuck!
But last Saturday was special. One of the residents was celebrating her birthday. Maia, a member of staff made soup and home-made bread for a special birthday lunch for Beryl. Another one of the residents bought soda for all of us as well as desserts. Charmaine and Rosie (2 other residents) made a birthday cake for Beryl. It was so lovely that we could have such a nice celebration in a family-like setting.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The best end to a week
Each Friday has been the highlight of my weeks in England. Around 5:30pm, I go home with Chriss and her eldest son, Thom to their home in Furness Vale—about a 30 minute drive. Chriss is a staff member at Charis House and also one of the youth leaders at the church Charis House is associated with in Whaley Bridge. It’s wonderful having the opportunity to have a home-cooked meal with a family. Chriss' family consists of Nigel, Chriss, Thom, Lizi, and Alex.
I'm not quite sure what Nigel does, but I know that he is also a volunteer fire-fighter. As I mentioned earlier, Chriss works at Charis House. She is on the community support team, which works with clients in the community. Thom is 22 and teaches music technology at the University of Derby- Buxton. Lizi is 20 and is studying art at the University of Stafford in Stoke-en-Trent. She comes home occasionally on weekends, but we keep in touch on Facebook while she's away! Alex is 18 and finishing up his last year at "college" (high school). He hopes to study marine engineering next year.
Last Friday Thom and I had a competition naming all 50 states in the US. He won; but only because 1) I helped him quite a bit and 2) I forgot to write down some that I named out loud! We have a great time comparing cultures and learning from each other. Thom and Lizi spent a few weeks in the US a few years ago and we have a great time talking about our observations of our foreign lands and experiences.
After dinner we get ready for youth group at Good News Family Church in Whaley Bridge. Chriss, Nigel, and Thom are all leaders for the youth group and Alex is still a member of the group. But since he is one of the oldest members, he has also taken on a leader-type role.
I am so thankful that they have been kind enough to adopt me into their family--even for one night of the week. Dinner with their family and youth group is the best way I could end the week.
I'm not quite sure what Nigel does, but I know that he is also a volunteer fire-fighter. As I mentioned earlier, Chriss works at Charis House. She is on the community support team, which works with clients in the community. Thom is 22 and teaches music technology at the University of Derby- Buxton. Lizi is 20 and is studying art at the University of Stafford in Stoke-en-Trent. She comes home occasionally on weekends, but we keep in touch on Facebook while she's away! Alex is 18 and finishing up his last year at "college" (high school). He hopes to study marine engineering next year.
Last Friday Thom and I had a competition naming all 50 states in the US. He won; but only because 1) I helped him quite a bit and 2) I forgot to write down some that I named out loud! We have a great time comparing cultures and learning from each other. Thom and Lizi spent a few weeks in the US a few years ago and we have a great time talking about our observations of our foreign lands and experiences.
After dinner we get ready for youth group at Good News Family Church in Whaley Bridge. Chriss, Nigel, and Thom are all leaders for the youth group and Alex is still a member of the group. But since he is one of the oldest members, he has also taken on a leader-type role.
I am so thankful that they have been kind enough to adopt me into their family--even for one night of the week. Dinner with their family and youth group is the best way I could end the week.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
21+2
So Thursday was my first birthday away from home. Although I had to spend most of the day traveling from Wales back home to Buxton, it was a great day.
The morning started with everyone at the TFG conference singing happy birthday to me and another volunteer from Sweden. I'm definitely not a fan of being sung too, but I guess it really wasn't that bad. Then we all said good-byes since we were split on two different buses.
After a two hour bus ride from Mid-Wales to the Birmingham train station we had several hours to kill before our trains back to our various placements departed. Amy and I returned to Buxton around 4:30pm. Tammy and Lisa bought all the fixings for a Mexican feast. We made tacos, fajitas, and burritos. I made fresh guacamole with some green chile and salsa from home. But the best finishing touch was Jo and Lisa bought a piñata for me!!! I've named him Juan.
Tammy, Amy, Jo, Lisa, Naomi, and Matt were all there for the fiesta. It was the best birthday I could have had away from home. I was able to spend it with my American buddies, new friends from England, and food from home.
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